Meet Amber Chisholm | Photographer & Visual Storyteller

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

Hi Amber, how do you think about risk?
Growing up, I was a timid girl who would do whatever it took to stay comfortable. I would always shrink myself small and feel like the next person deserved the spotlight, other than me. Risk was something I would constantly run away from. It wasn’t until I entered my adulthood and embarked on a personal healing journey that I noticed the effects of avoiding any risk or discomfort. I was limiting the opportunities to allow my true light to show, build my character, and honestly bet on myself.

Now, I define risk as any nation that challenges my current state of comfort. From booking a photo session with a friend to winning a huge award, I’ve learned that discomfort isn’t bad; it’s a character builder. Even in the toughest or negative situations, there is always a way. I have started to acknowledge risk and embrace it all regarding my life and career. As a photographer and a visual storyteller, I must stand in my truth and embrace all the light and dark areas of my life and anyone I work with, it’s what connects us all in this human experience.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been drawn to storytelling for as long as I can remember. I was an avid reader who spent free time writing short stories, poems, and creating zines. At 17, I saved up enough money to buy my first camera—and I took it everywhere. There was an electric feeling I got each time I captured a memory, like I was freezing time.

Photography became a real passion in 2021, when I began taking graduation photos for my friends. That experience sparked something in me—something that made me want to go all in.

In 2024, I launched my photography business, Soul in Frame. What sets Soul in Frame apart is its commitment to capturing moments with depth, authenticity, and artistry, ensuring every frame tells a story that resonates. We show up in the world by creating space for genuine connection, celebrating individuality, and crafting images that make people feel truly seen.

I’m deeply inspired by my ancestry, by Blackness, and by the desire to challenge beauty standards rooted in Eurocentric values. I focus on stories of individuality, vulnerability, and self-discovery. Every person I’ve worked with knows that I value their story, their heritage, and their identity. I simply serve as the creative vessel, capturing the essence of their soul.

I’m still working toward my dream of owning a studio and creating a space where other creatives can grow and thrive. Photography has challenged me in ways I never expected—but the biggest lesson I’ve learned is this: don’t compare your chapter one to someone else’s chapter fifteen. Self-comparison is the true thief of joy. Keep your eyes on your own story, and you’ll be amazed at how much it blossoms.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A week might not be enough to capture all that Atlanta and Georgia offer, but here’s a dive into the magic, one bite and adventure at a time.

Great Eats & Hidden Flavor Gems
Atlanta’s scene is the definition of flavor and fusion—whether you’re bold Caribbean spices, rich broths, or fresh-off-the-dock seafood. Here’s where to fuel up:

Morning Magic

Black Coffee Atlanta – Trust us: get the matcha. Smooth, creamy, and a spiritual experience.

Buzz Coffee and Winehouse – The vibes are immaculate, and the wine list? Curated perfection.

Midday Cravings

Pho Cue – Vietnamese BBQ meets pho? Yes, please. Think smoky brisket in a rich broth—unreal.

Yummy Spicy – A cozy spot for pho and noodle bowls tucked away in East Atlanta.

Mikkey’s – Soul food with seafood specialties that remind you of home cooking.

Island Flavor & Seafood Dreams

Dat Fire Jerk Chicken – Jamaican food that hits—bold flavors, juicy meats, and the best plantains.

Ms. Icey’s KIcey’s – Southern-Caribbean fusion, where the mac and cheese and jerk shrimp live harmoniously.

Bon Ton – Cajun-Vietnamese seafood mash-up with serious attitude (and the best crab claws in town).

The Bloom Bar – Dive into authentic African cuisine with vibrant dishes that warm the soul.

Dinner with a View

The Roof at Ponce City Market – Come for the sunset skyline, stay for the bites and rooftop games.

Tourist Spots with Soul
Whether you’re a you ”’re-timer or coming back to soak up more culture, these stops are Atlanta essentials:

For Keeps Bookstore – A Black-owned bookstore celebrating Black literature and rare finds.

APEX Museum ‘ Atlanta’s African American history told through immersive storytelling.

High Museum of Art – Contemporary, classic, and always inspiring.

Georgia Aquarium – One of the largest in the world. Yes, there are whale sharks.

Park Hangs & Chill Moments
Catch your breath, people-watch, or picnic with a view:

Centennial Olympic Park – Legacy of the 1996 Olympics, right in the heart of downtown.

Piedmont Locals’LLocals’eocals’e. Ideal for sunrise strolls, food truck lunches, or reading by the lake.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout is dedicated to Mecca Clarke, an Atlanta-based Brand Photographer. I’ve recently had the pleasure to attend her event called Blk Girl Shoot, an annual seminar that connects Black women photographers, videographers, and content creators to network, educate, and uplift each other in the creative space. It can be so lonely at times being a Black woman photographer, but it’s through Blk Girl Shoot that I met some women I wouldn’t have been able to meet elsewhere. Lastly, Mecca is a top educator with a Bootcamp course that challenges photographers to become business owners and level up their business.

During the course, I felt I could focus and create the life I’d always dreamed of.

Instagram: Business: @soulinframe_photography Personal: @jamwitam

Image Credits
Amber C., Soul in Frame Co.