Amy is an avid photo book maker, whose passion for photography began in High School. She’s also member of our Shutterfly Gallery Guru team, dedicated to supporting your photo book and storytelling creativity. You’ve probably seen Amy’s helpful comments throughout the Gallery - maybe even on your own photo book.

In this interview, Amy tells us about herself, talks about what inspires her, and imparts some sage advice for fellow storytellers.

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I am a mother of two, one daughter a son, and a wife to the best guy ever. We have been married for 9 years now. I began my journey into photography during my high school years. Before having children, I worked with a wedding photographer and for a couple of portrait studios.  After my daughter was born, I decided to stay home, since then, the subjects of 90% of my pictures are my children.
About 5 years ago we purchased our first digital camera and I started editing my photos on the computer. I then discovered the world of Digital scrapbooking and have since fallen in love with it. Most of my books that I create with Shutterfly fall into the Digital Scrapbooking Category.
 
I recently  decided to delve into the Designing side of digital scrapbooking and am finding that I truly enjoy it. I designs papers & elements that are used to create the pages. In addition to designing, I Scrap 4 Hire and allow all of my products to be used by other Scrap 4 Hire designers. I am currently a member of Shutterfly’s Gallery Guru team and loving every minute of it.
AmyS2310
Shutterfly Gallery Guru
www.FamilyPhotoDesigns.blogspot.com
www.BlackRaspberryPatch.blogspot.com

What got you interested in making photo books?
At first, I recieved a coupon for a  free Shutterfly Book. Since then, it’s the only way I create scrapbooks. I truly love the professional quality of their books. I love that I can design and create my pages digitally. The possibilities are endless.

What are your favorite images to capture and why?
My favorite moments to capture are those true and pure emotions from my children. I love to photograph them laughing and being silly. My other favorite images to capture are those of nature and outdoor scenes.

Who inspires you?
I recieve inspiration in many places. I am inspired when I look at other member’s books and see the creative and endless possibilities. I am inspired by many digital scrapbooking layouts that are shared in various galleries. In my everyday life, I am inspired by the laughter and silliness that my children are constantly emitting.

What kind of stories do you like to tell in your photo books?
So far, my books consist of a variety of small individual moments. Usually I scrap about a certain day or special event within one or two pages. I have yet to create a book that is one whole story from beginning to end. I hope to do so in the future.

What advice would you give your fellow photo book storytellers?
My best advice would be to always have your camera with you and take many pictures. This will give you a variety of choices when you start creating your book. Also, write down ideas and titles as they pop into your head. Many times I forget too and have a hard time recalling how I felt as I was taking the pictures.

What’s your next photo book project?
I have decided to create my next book with myself in mind. I would like to make a book that portrays who I am and include a lot of journaling, favorite quotes, and poems. I hope to keep it as a reminder of who I am at this time and in the future I can look back and see how I have changed or grown.

What are some of your favorite Gallery photo books and why?
I have quite a few favorite books that I have saved. One of my favorites is a book made by Fojo which portrays an Amish community.  The photos are very insiteful and stunning, as are the descriptions that go with them.
 
Another favorite is titled: “ This is What Our Family Looks Like” by dioneT1.  I like the idea behind her book and all of the journaling she has put into it. My books lack on journaling and I am inspired to put more words onto my pages. 
 
Next is “ What I’ve Learned” by Rsheedy. Her whole book is put together very well and I love the personal messages that come through it. Once again, the journaling has played an important and major role in her book. My final pick is by  VictoriaLT her book “ Eve’s 8×8 book” has a beautiful balance of amazing photography, journaling, and creative layouts created in the style of Digital Scrapbooking.  I love the sense of wonder and imagination that exudes from her pages.

Check out Amy’s photo books on her Gallery profile page.