“Real isn't how you are made... It's a thing that happens to you.” —Velveteen Rabbit
learn about the person
BEHIND THE CAMERA
Don't mind me. I'm just over here Googling how to keep my plants and daughter alive, and photographing cute humans in between. Current obsessions include biscuits & gravy, yellow curry, Parks and Rec, and comfy socks.
12 years ago I saved up my summer camp wages for my first “real camera”. Eventually some folks asked me to photograph their weddings, and I fell in love. The stories. The fun. The uniqueness and similarities of each one. So here I am 9 years later, still finding new reasons to love it all the time.
You’ll find my face in the dictionary next to the word “quirky”. You’ll probably never meet a more outspoken shy person. When it comes to Enneagrams, I’m equally 9 and 1. And by Myers-Briggs standards, I’m INFP and ENFJ on any given day. What does all of that even mean? It means I’m a passionate, growing human who cares deeply about you, the world, my craft, and enjoys a good laugh and cry (but please don’t ask me to tell a joke, you’ll regret it).
MORE ABOUT AMBER:
I'M A FAMILY GAL
MAMA, WIFE, SISTER, DAUGHTER, & GRANDDAUGHTER
When I’m not photographing cute humans, I’m at home with my amazing 1 year old daughter and husband. We live on Mexican and Asian cuisine, enjoy getaways to the mountains and beaches, and end our days watching the latest dry comedy or British action/drama.
These years are precious! Which is why I only open up a small number of weekends for weddings.
MY DAUGHTER, EMBERLY. SHE'S THE SWEETEST, MOST HILARIOUSLY ADORABLE HUMAN.
3.
ALL THE CHOCOLATEY, PEANUT BUTTERY,
CARAMEL-Y SWEETS.
1.
THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY BESIDES DOCUMENTING LOVE.
LISTENING TO FOLK OR WORSHIP MUSIC, & NPR/TALK RADIO ON A SLOW MORNING.
4.
THE MARY POPPINS MUSICAL
2.
If you've seen the Broadway version, you especially understand.
HUMOR + FEEL GOOD SHOWS.
5.
PHOTOGRAPHY APPROACH & PHILOSOPHY
PHILOSOPHY
WHY
After your session, I work hard for a week or two to create beautiful images for your wall art and albums that will be treasures for your future self, and someday your children and their children… So they can marvel at your life and love in 2020.
For weddings, you can imagine there’s a bit more that goes into it. ;) Why don’t you explore my portfolio, then we’ll grab a coffee!
Quality over quantity is my mantra, in life and in photo. That means instead of shooting away for over an hour, I take my time to bring you something you’ll appreciate forever. For most sessions, genuineness, creativity, and beauty are what I strive for, but unless you’re a model, the ability to be genuine in front of a camera doesn’t come naturally. But by the end of each session we do get there, and it’s awesome! It just takes time, and I’ve built my sessions around that fact.
HOW
WHERE
A typical session currently involves warm sunlight (a couple hours before sunset) at an outdoor location of our choosing, where you can relax while I do all the work trying to capture your interactions and expressions for album-worthy photos.
I often incorporate trees and unique scenes into my sessions, so the further we have to walk (hike) to a great location, the better! We can stay around Winston-Salem, or I can come to you elsewhere! Think: beach, Blue Ridge Pkwy, hiking, amusement park…
WHO
WHEN
It's not my place to say who should or shouldn't get in front of my camera. And I don't have any interest in that, either. What matters is that the right people come across my work: people who connect with the way I tell stories, and can see themselves in these pictures.
To keep things relaxed and natural, my sessions are a minimum of 90 minutes and close to the end of the day. No stress allowed. During that time, you can soften those shoulders, sink into your loved ones arms, and forget the world, as long as you bring along a sense of humor and some love.
A REAL WEDDING
DO YOU CONNECT WITH THE WAY I TELL STORIES?
LOVE, PEACEFULNESS,
& FUN
Elizabeth + Bruce
I truly immerse myself into a wedding day, and Elizabeth's and Bruce's wedding is a beautiful example of trusting me with that.