Jaime Lueders, an area photographer for the past three years, no longer has to count on St. Louis weather when a shoot is scheduled.
Lueders (pronounced Leaders), with her husband, is the new proprietor of Amber Sky, at 3100 Sutton Boulevard. It has a full photo studio, which she also rents to other photographers.
“St. Louis is kind of a tricky spot to do photos outdoors all year-round, so photographers are always looking for a place that they can go.” She specializes in families and children, and especially newborns.
Lueders’ shop is also resource center for parents with young children.
“We have baby wearing meet-ups, we have yoga classes, story and craft time, and a discovery center, and all sorts of classes; some are free, some have a minimal cost,” she said. A lactation consultant holds a breast-feeding support group on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Leuders also has a teaching degree, which she puts to use by teaching photography to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and 4H groups.
She has a boutique with locally-made or United States-made objects, including clothing for prematurely-born babies. Parents of premies sometimes need to buy clothing at Build-a-Bear shops, she said.
There’s also a hair stylist who works with Lueders so photo subjects can have their hair and make-up done right before pictures, or a mom or caregiver can relax and get their hair cut while their kiddo has fun in the play area.
Lueders’ 21-month-old son, Dmitri, gets to come to work with her every day.
Truly a great family to work with, wishing you all the best in this new business. I love that you are giving back to the community by teaching photography and also providing free care packages to NICU families
What a great business to have here in Maplewood. And what a good deal to have your business and to be able to care for your child at the same time…..I applaud Ms. Lueders, for her ingenuity, in bringing such a great community business to us, and I hope all the young people who can, take advantage of it.
We have had the kid’s pictures taken at Amber Sky and my oldest daughter has had her hair cut there. Can’t say enough nice things about them. Really a great community resource. So glad that they’ve come to Maplewood.