Meet Amber Brannen | Wedding and Portrait Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amber Brannen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amber, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
When I first started my photography business, I was right in the middle of my college education. I had a LOT of free time, no full-time job, no husband, and no kids. I could schedule my clients whenever and wherever, without thinking about anyone else but myself. It was honestly the best time I could’ve started. When you first start a business, you have to build a portfolio. There’s a lot of time, energy, money, and sleepless nights that go into this. I had all of those in my favor at the ripe age of 21 and I honestly can’t say I cared much about “balancing” my business with anything else but school. I had a dream and I was chasing it. 6 years later, I am married, have a full-time day job in addition to my business, and two beautiful children. My time is not my own anymore and it really does shift your perspective of work-life balance. Now, I am selective of how many sessions and weddings I take per year. I have to think ahead and block my calendar for birthday parties, anniversary trips, and family events that were not a factor when I first started photography 6 years ago. I also have to balance my day job and my photography business in order to not get overwhelmed and burnt out. I struggle a lot with balancing work and family life (as I’m sure lots of other small businesses do as well), but every year gets better and better.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a wedding and portrait photographer based in North Georgia. My photography style is more light, airy, and true to life as opposed to warm and moody. What sets me apart is not only my style, but my client experience. I only take a select few weddings every year so that I can truly invest in my couples. I love getting to know about them as a couple: how they met, what they love to do together, how they got engaged, and every little detail in between. I truly want to know and be friends with my clients. I find myself crying at their weddings and gushing over their photos like they were my own. There is no other job like the one I have and I truly try to bring my joy and passion to every wedding and session I do.

I got to where I am today by hours and hours of classes, workshops, and lots and lots of hard work. I had such a great support system and had so many people who were willing to trust a new photographer to capture the best moments of their lives. Despite the overwhelming support I had, it was by no means easy. In a world where everyone is a “photographer”, it’s very easy to have “imposter syndrome”. It’s hard not to compare yourself to others and block out a lot of negativity when you start raising your prices or make business decisions that are best for you. I work hard to always grow in my craft and keep learning. I have had to grow thick skin and make decisions that are best for me, my family, and my business, no matter how that makes others feel. I just know that the right clients will find me and I have learned that it’s okay to say no.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely spend a few days doing the Atlanta staples: the aquarium, the World of Coke, and Zoo Atlanta, plus lunch at the Varsity! I would also love to bring them to my old college stomping grounds in Dahlonega, where we could shop local in downtown, go antiquing, visit the Gold Museum and see some incredible views!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people I could thank for getting me to where I am today, but the main people I want to thank are my parents, Scott and Trina, and my husband, Tyler. They all pitched in and bought me my first camera, loved me, encouraged me, and promoted me more than anyone ever deserves. My Delta Zeta sorority sisters who hired me, believed in me, and referred me – I would not be where I am without them. My sorority sister, Ariana, who trusted me enough to hire me as her second shooter after only 1 year of shooting portraits. It was at this wedding where I fell in love with the idea of being a wedding photographer. Last, but certainly not least, Glynis Callaway. Not only did she trust me to capture her own family’s memories, but believed in me enough to put me on her preferred vendor list at her family’s wedding venue, Koury Farms. I would not be where I am today without her. However, the biggest thanks goes to all of my incredible clients who keep coming back and refer me to their friends and family!

Website: www.amberbrannenphotography.com

Instagram: @amberbrannenphotography

Facebook: @amberbrannenphotography