Milwaukee Curvy Contemporary Portrait Photographer – Amber
“My name is Amber. I am 41, a proud hockey mom of one incredible young man (he’s grown now but trust once a hockey mom always a hockey mom), girlfriend to a wonderfully grumpy old vet, and snack b*tch to a sassy furball.
I have been honored to have Jenn in my life for the better part of 15 years. We met so randomly, while I was living in Canada, on a blog. Jenn started out just as a great friend, a partner in the never ending health journey I’ve battled for so long, but has become so much more. Unfortunately I am not physically close enough to friend stalk her and make her be my bestie forever, but she has been an inspiration to me from day one, and as soon as I saw her portfolio I knew I needed her to photograph me. So one day a million years ago it seems I made my way down to Wisconsin for a visit and made it a priority to get a photo shoot in.
The first shoot I had with Jennifer I knew I would want her to capture me as often as possible, she has the ability to capture that beauty everyone always tells you about when you’re at worst, when you look in the mirror and can’t see what it is anyone else does. I still look at the portraits from the first shoot and cannot believe it was ever me. I have been able to watch her talent just continue to blossom over the years, I have gotten to see the results of some amazing storm chases, weddings, family portraits, and just fun Jenn pics.
Trying to find the right words to express the admiration and inspiration I have of her is impossible. As women we are constantly bombarded by media, men, society, and other women telling us what we should be, how we should dress and talk and act. Jenn stands up against that, speaks louder, straightens YOUR crown, and reminds you of what a strong, badass woman you really are. The best part…she’s genuine about it. You can find women talking girl power left right and center but the majority of it is fake, or at least in my experiences, but Jenn does not fall anywhere near that category. When she hypes you up, she is real about it. She genuinely wants to share in your happy with you, support you in being your badass self, and show you what the world is intimidated by when they look at you. She wants to show you and the world your power, confidence, love, light, and all those good things we talk about but never actually sit and allow ourselves to feel without guilt, because society does not want to allow us ladies to feel these things without guilt. You don’t even have to be in the studio with her for her to make you feel like a greater woman, you just have to follow her.
This time, this shoot, I needed it. I needed it more than I even knew. This year has been a struggle. My son moved out, never thought I would be that mom but turns out I am. Most of his life it’s been me and him against the world…when he took flight on his own I was lost. I lost me. More than half of my life has been dedicated to this kid, to his sports, his education, trying to give him everything I didn’t have and more. All I wanted was to give him the life I didn’t have, the life he deserved, and in the midst of it all…I lost myself. I wasn’t Amber anymore. I was Tony’s mom; Joe’s girlfriend; Annette’s or Bob’s daughter; Ryan’s sister. Even now, this moment, I struggle with making any of this about who I am, can you tell? I still am trying to figure that out, especially without my kid.
When I had the opportunity to take up Jenn on one of her specials I grabbed it. This year’s existential crisis (because my higher power feels it necessary every 5 years or so to keep me on my toes), has seemed to revolve around loss and the afterlife. The reminder that someday all that will be left of me for my loved ones will be memories and pictures. And I absolutely abhor getting my picture taken. Unless I take a selfie or pay a professional I just don’t do it. I don’t enjoy the results. Much like most humans I am harder on myself than anyone else, and I can be cruel to myself, without even flinching. But I don’t want to leave my son without something of me. I don’t want him digging through pictures when I go only to find pictures of himself, of pets, of people I care about, because I choose to be behind the camera more than allowing any pictures of myself to be taken. I wanted something for my baby to have to share with his kids, grandkids, and so on…the be proud of. To say see this beautiful woman, that’s MY mom. And now, because of Jenn, I finally have some peace in knowing that I won’t have to worry about that anymore. There will never be enough words to convey my gratitude.
If you’re debating a shoot with Jennifer, just do it. You will not be sorry that you do. Between Katrina’s soft, kind soul making you look like a goddess, and Jenn’s infusion of confidence and light you will be able to see yourself, finally, for the woman you actually are. Strong. Intelligent. Sexy. Beautiful. Badass. Worthy. Capable of everything. Trust me. Let her take the picture.
Thank you Jenn, for every experience, every chat, every photo, every song, every bit of inspiration you sprinkle into a world that does not deserve you. 
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