Amber Sullivan shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Amber, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Right now, it is summertime and I don’t really know what day it is! When my kids are out of school, we all like to just check out and turn off for awhile. I love this time of year because I can be with my kids while they’re home. It’s times like these where I feel really grateful to work for myself and have the ability to make my own schedule and really take advantage of this time I have with my kids- it won’t be like this forever.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! My name is Amber Sullivan. I am the owner/photographer of AJS Photo Studio. I specialize in Maternity and Newborn Photography but I also do family, children and the occasional wedding. I believe style is what makes my business unique. My style is moodier, rustic, and organic; it incorporates natural flowers and greenery with vintage props and textures. When I started my business I did my research and discovered the style I was most interested in was not prominent in my area. It took me a few years to nail down the look I wanted and I love where I have ended up.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My dad taught me the most about work- without a doubt. He was a contractor and had his own business; they built houses, did renovations, etc. I’ve watched him build houses from basement to roof, furniture, cabinets, and everything in between. I spent a lot of my childhood around him working on houses and building things in his shop. My dad has always been a hard worker and puts his all into everything he does. I’ve always looked up to him and appreciate what a great example he was for me growing up.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of being judged has significantly held me back. I worried excessively about what others thought of me and feared not feeling accepted. My childhood was marked by struggles stemming from feeling different and like an outsider. Now, even as an adult, I struggle with my confidence and judgement. However, I have recently been working on building my confidence, loving myself, and trusting my choices. This journey is ongoing, and I am committed to overcoming this fear and embracing my authenticity.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The perception of photography often misrepresents the reality. While the creative aspects are exciting, a significant portion of the work involves administrative tasks and client communication. In fact, approximately 80% of my time is spent on tasks like emails, financial matters, social media management, and image editing, leaving only about 20% for the exciting and engaging parts, such as meeting my clients, snuggling and posing newborns, and of course, taking the photographs.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I get that people need to be heard and understood. Everyone’s got their own thing going on, and it’s important to be empathetic and open-minded. I think real understanding comes from listening, seeing different points of view, and remembering we’re all human. It’s not just about being nice; it’s how we build good connections, work together, and make the world a kinder place. Plus, we learn and grow from each other.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ajsphotostudio.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ajsphotostudio
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/ajsphotostudio
Image Credits
Credits are to myself or AJS Photo Studio
