Hidden Gems: Meet Amber Sullivan of AJS Photo Studio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Sullivan.

Hi Amber, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been into photography for as long as I can remember. I took photography classes in high school, college, and also sold digital cameras at Best Buy. Photography has always been a part of my life. My parents gave me my first (film!) SLR camera as a high school graduation gift and also paid for a full photography program with an online photography school. Because of that program, I’ve always admired newborn photography. I saw the skill it required and I knew that I wanted to master it. Shortly after my son was born in September 2013, I was let go from my full-time job and needed a way to work from home. I practiced newborn photography with my own newborn son! That following January, I made a photography website using my son’s photos and also photos I had done for family and friends. I went on to take a photography business course at Wake Tech and learned the legal way to start a photography business. I got my LLC, tax ID numbers, licenses, and permits. Along the way, I met a group of local professionals on Facebook who had workshops and meetings where they gave me the constructive criticism I needed. After I became a legal business I needed a way to practice and create a portfolio. A friend told me I should make a Groupon! I did just that and made pennies doing all types of photography. I sold a ridiculous amount of photography packages on Groupon. Several times a month I would have days full of sessions and I would drive hundreds of miles a day with a prop-filled car to find my niche in photography. Finally, in 2017, I moved into my first studio with a fellow photographer and began specializing in newborns. Shortly after I moved into that studio, a beauty of a room became available for rent in downtown Clayton. That’s where I am now and where I will continue to grow and learn my art.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Covid certainly brought new struggles like running a business while homeschooling my 7-year-old and corralling a daring 4-year-old. But my other struggles begin with my own internal criticism and then you add in slow seasons, cheaper competition, broken hard drives, etc. In the end, I like to look at it as every struggle that I have gone through has helped me improve in some way, shape, or form.

As you know, we’re big fans of AJS Photo Studio. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I specialize in rustic, earthy, and simple newborn photography. I use a lot of natural props like flowers and greens in my sets as well as multiple layers of textures and patterns. I love creating custom designs for my clients that they will cherish forever. I am proud to say that I found my passion and truly love my job. While I mostly specialize in newborns, I also specialize in maternity, milestones, and family sessions with a darker more moody style.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
One thing that I have learned is that there is a time and place to be selfish but there is also a time and place to be selfless. I just wish more people could understand that and trust in science. I work with tiny little humans with a very limited immune system so I take every precaution I can to make sure my newborns are safe in my studio. After experiencing covid, I intend to keep my disinfecting routine the same from now on!

Pricing:

• Newborn sessions start at $399
• Maternity sessions start at $289
• Family sessions start at $299
• Watch Me Grow packages start at $799

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.ajsphotostudio.com
• Instagram: @ajsphotostudio
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ajsphotostudio
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdCEbX5-MGQ8td684Pflm8Q