Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Banks.
Hi Amber, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always loved taking photos. I’m not sure exactly when I realized I could do more with it, but ever since I was little, you could always find me smiling and posing for the camera.
It wasn’t until I had my own children that photography truly became meaningful to me. I wanted to capture every little detail—because as any parent knows, time moves fast once you have children.
In 2017, I purchased my first DSLR camera from a photographer friend, and I immediately dove into learning everything I could about camera settings, lighting, posing, and editing with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. My youngest quickly became my very first “client,” and I fell in love with documenting real moments and genuine connections.
In 2018, my family relocated from Kansas to Mississippi due to military orders. During that time, I shared with my husband that I wanted to turn photography into more than just a hobby. I began photographing coworkers and friends, and while my client base was small at first, it continued to grow.
After another move—this time to Maryland—my business continued to slowly expand. I truly love creating a fun, relaxed experience for my clients and capturing memories they can hold onto forever. With the support and encouragement of my husband and family, I’ve been able to do what I love most: preserving meaningful moments for families to cherish for years to come.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being a military spouse in my early years as a photographer definitely made the journey challenging. Each time we received orders to relocate, I had to start over—rebuilding my client base, creating new connections, and reestablishing myself in a new community.
Another struggle I’ve faced along the way is imposter syndrome (and yes, it’s very real in the photography world). I’ve caught myself comparing my work to photographers who have been doing this for many more years, which can sometimes make me doubt my own progress. Even though I truly love what I do, I still occasionally worry whether my clients will love their photos as much as I do.
Learning to push past the fear of rejection and trust my skills has been one of the biggest personal challenges—but it’s also helped me grow both as a photographer and as a business owner.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in capturing meaningful moments for families. While I offer a variety of session types on my website, my favorite sessions are family portraits—especially families with young children. Kids are naturally funny and full of personality, and they always find a way to lighten the mood and make sessions feel fun and relaxed. I occasionally photograph events for families and local companies.
However, I’m mostly known for working with little ones, and parents are often surprised (in the best way!) when they receive their preview galleries.
One of the most rewarding parts of what I do is seeing my work displayed in my clients’ homes or offices—it’s a reminder of why I love photography so much.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I would define success as a true sense of accomplishment and pride in the work I create. When you genuinely love what you do, it not only comes more naturally, but it also becomes something you look forward to and feel fulfilled by. To me, success is also about finding purpose in what you do, and my purpose is capturing meaningful moments and creating lasting memories for families that they can cherish for years to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ambersbanksphotography.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambersbanksphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmberSBanksPhotography
