Remember your family portraits? A California Photographer is bringing them to Memphis with her Unique Style

This Friday & Sunday! Arrow Creative Presents Legacy Archives – Photo Sessions with Valley in Film


Remember your family portraits? If so, you’re probably thinking of 1970s and ’80s dated hair styles, forced smiles, unnatural tilts of the head, and that ethereal blue and pastel backdrops of the photography studio that despite all that awkwardness gave us photos that are wonderfully nostalgic.

Amber “Valley” Evangelista, a Southern California photographer, is bringing back that nostalgia factor, minus the awkwardness. And she’s bringing her style to Midtown this Sunday, at Arrow Creative.

“I want people to feel passionate about the importance of having a family photo,” says Amber. “Back in the day, we would go to local photo shops with the craziest spray painted backgrounds and those photos were so important! It’s not the same right now – everything is digitized with social media. There is so much power in print and looking back at physical photos.”

Amber will host two photo masterclasses (teens/adults) this Friday evening, July 29, ahead of the legacy portrait sessions (https://www.arrowcreative.org/creativeclasses).

About Amber “Valley” Evangelista

Amber is a full-time mom of four and a nostalgic photographer who’s addicted to vintage film cameras and Polaroids. As a full-time photographer, portraiture is a way for Amber to document her family moments, amplify stories of the black community, and showcase her passion for fashion.

“My mom was always documenting family moments on her film camera and taught me the importance of preserving those memories,” says Amber. “It wasn’t until I got older and had a family of my own, did I truly understand the importance of family photos. It is my culturally rich and diverse family and community that constantly inspires me to tell their stories. I truly believe a photograph is a powerful tool for the preservation of family history and shouldn’t be a luxury, but accessible to all regardless of cost.”

She prefers capturing moments using 35mm, 120, and instant film; each medium gives her a chance to slow down and be more thoughtful of each frame due to the limited number of frames. Film photography has always been a way for her to reconnect with the curiosity and excitement of her childhood. Amber’s goal is to share her love of film photography with others so they too will fall in love.

Legacy Archives Event

Spend the day in a relaxed, fun environment while creating lasting memories. Props or significant items are optional with select backdrops for photos. Each session will be roughly 15 minutes including up to five people for $75. Additional people may be added with a small fee. There will be a lounge area and soul food to enjoy during session wait periods.

A link to photos will be emailed within 10-14 business days and prints will be mailed within 10 days of selections. Prints are priced at $12 for 8 wallets, $15 for an 8×10”, or $25 for a bundle package. Payment is due at booking. Tickets are available for purchase via Eventbrite 

(https://www.eventbrite.com/e/polaroid-transfer-workshop-with-valley-of-valley-in-film-tickets-373106661067). Walk-in sessions are also available. 

This project is meant to cater to any and all families regardless of income. Free photo sessions will be offered for those experiencing financial hardship. To apply, go to arrowcreative.org/legacyarchives. Submissions will be accepted until July 26th and chosen participants will be notified by July 27th.

  • Who:  Arrow Creative | Valley in Film (Amber Evangelista)
  • What:  Legacy Archives, an intimate and timeless portrait and film event
  • When:  Sun., July 31, 2022 | 1-5 pm (Available for advanced media interviews)
  • Where:  Arrow Creative | 653 Philadelphia St, Memphis, TN 38104

To learn more about Amber “Valley” Evangelista, visit valleyinfilm.com


Arrow Creative is a non-profit organization that makes art accessible to inspire the creative spirit in all Memphians. Arrow is a premier source of creative entrepreneur enrichment, arts education, and art immersion for the entire community.

 

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