Chic Spotlight: Sweet Things Photography

Amy Schoettker, Owner of Sweet Things Photography

Cincy Chic: Tell us the story behind Sweet Things Photography!
Amy Schoettker, Owner of Sweet Things Photography: I caught the photography bug while studying at Miami University. I was looking for a creative outlet and signed up for some film photography classes as electives. I saved up as much money as I could from my job as a waitress and bartender and bought the nicest camera I could afford. There was something about film that I loved – the anticipation of how your photo would turn out is much different than the instant digital age we live in now. And the act of developing my own film in the darkroom brought a sense of calm and peace. I loved my first class so much that I took more.

After graduating, I went on to a corporate career and lived in New York City as well as Chicago. Eventually, I started to get burnt out and sought out photography once again. I signed up for several night courses at a photography school in Chicago to pick up where I left off in college, to build upon my skills now with a digital camera, and learn the ins and outs of editing. It became a passion of mine. However, I never thought it would amount to much. After the birth of my first son in 2010, I started to take photos of him. Lots of photos! Friends and family started to ask me to take photos of their children, which brought even more referrals, and before you knew it Sweet Things was born. It was an accidental business you could say, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Cincy Chic: When did Sweet Things Photography open?
Schoettker: I started Sweet Things Photography after my first son was born in 2010.

Cincy Chic: What do you like most about running Sweet Things Photography?
Schoettker: Today, Sweet Things remains a part-time career for me, while I also stay at home with my two young sons. I look forward to my shoots on the weekends and evenings, as it gives me something for myself, as many stay-at-home moms may understand. I have met the most amazing people and families through this journey, with many clients becoming close friends of mine.
Although this job is a lot of work (more than I ever thought when I first started this gig), it is something that brings me so much joy. I have grown so much as a photographer in my 4 years of business and look forward to seeing where this path leads me and who I will meet in the future.

Cincy Chic: What makes Sweet Things Photography unique?
Schoettker: Being a mom, I can relate to my clients. I try to mix my sessions up with a mix of traditional and candid shots. Most people want the formal portraits, but I also like to try to capture moments. I want my photos to tell a story and to capture the uniqueness that each family brings. I feel that there is beauty in the everyday. There is beauty in imperfection – the crooked smile, the wild hair, the mismatched outfit that your daughter picked out herself. I like to keep my sessions stress-free by letting your children dance, sing, laugh and play. And while doing so, I strive to take creative, artistic photographs that capture the true essence of each family and the authentic spirit of their children.

Cincy Chic: Where can readers go to learn more?
Schoettker: Readers can visit our website or check us out on Facebook. Or they can email me at amy@sweetthingsphotos.com.