Story-telling photojournalist wants to tell your story

Having worked in the news industry in Texas, Kentucky, and Minnesota, Amanda Hansmeyer is now using her skills as a photojournalist to capture memorable moments in the lives of families and individuals through her local business Shutter Stories.

Through Shutter Stories, Hansmeyer works on location to document the lives of families and individuals and to record special events such as adoptions, birthday parties, anniversaries, vacations, traditions, reunions, and much more.

“It’s almost impossible to live in a moment and capture it with your camera at the same time,” Hansmeyer said. “A photo that captures a moment can be really memorable, and it can really stand out. I hope that my photography can be a record of people’s lives and ultimately bring them joy.”

Working out of her Duluth home, Hansmeyer creates online galleries where all of the photos from an event are posted, and from which people can purchase prints or digital photos.

“I hope that people think of Shutter Stories when they have a special moment or event coming up in their lives that they want documented,” Hansmeyer said. “They’ll realize how valuable those photos can be later.”

Hansmeyer enjoys capturing individuals in their natural state, doing everyday activities together. “The photojournalism style allows you to tell people’s stories and share their personalities,” Hansmeyer said. “One thing that I really like to do is capture families doing what they like to do together. It’s more natural and real.”

After completing an internship as a photographer at a newspaper in Dallas, Texas, Hansmeyer knew she wanted to pursue a career as a photojournalist. She received two years of schooling in photojournalism while in Texas and then decided to complete her degree at Western Kentucky University.

Upon finishing school, Hansmeyer worked at a newspaper in Kentucky as an intern. When she moved to Minnesota, she got a job as a staff photographer at the Duluth News Tribune, where she worked for several years.

“She really loved taking pictures of people in our community as news was happening,” said Rob Karwath, who worked with Hansmeyer at the Duluth News Tribune. “It was her passion. I could tell that it really made her happy when she got that moment captured.”

Now, Hansmeyer uses her photojournalism background to create unique photographs. “The idea that she can take that journalistic approach to non-news photography is fascinating,” Karwath said. “It not only sets her apart in photography, but it’s a way to set her clients apart.”

Hansmeyer has won many awards for her photojournalism from the Society of Professional Journalists, the Minnesota Newspaper Association, the Minnesota News Photographer’s Association, and the Minnesota Associated Press Association.

The idea to start Shutter Stories was developed when Hansmeyer moved to Denver, Colorado, with her husband, Brok, to work in the ministry there in 2009. She started the business in 2010, but it wasn’t until the couple moved back to Minnesota that it really took off.

“The whole idea of Shutter Stories was to figure out how I could keep doing what I loved in photojournalism but do it for people rather than the newspaper,” Hansmeyer said. “I like the idea of telling a story through photos.”

With Shutter Stories, families and individuals can hire Hansmeyer to document their lives or photograph an event. Kami Scott, who has been friends with Hansmeyer for several years, hired her to take photos at her Bible-based counseling classes.

“Amanda has a very unique eye, and she captures moments in time beautifully on film,” Scott said. “I’ve never seen anyone capture those very special moments quite like she does. I love that she is taking her gifts and applying it to business.”

Hansmeyer said the name Shutter Stories was thought of during a vacation she took with her family. After brainstorming possible names for the business, Hansmeyer landed on Shutter Stories.

“Basically, I want my photos to be little stories of people’s lives,” Hansmeyer said. “I love when I can just go and be a fly on the wall in people’s lives and make people smile with a good photo.”

To contact Hansmeyer, call (218)269-4171 or visit www.shutterstoriesonline.com.

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