Today, we’re joined by Amber Walder, a motherhood, newborn, and family photographer + filmmaker based in eastern South Dakota to talk about her own business and motherhood journey, struggles on her entrepreneurial path, and what lights her up about documenting children especially, how she got into video, her favorite equipment & gear, plus her tips for running a smooth session and what to start with if you’re interested in videography.
As a retired labor and delivery nurse and mama to four cute kiddos (3 boys and 1 girl), and one fur baby, Ruthie the Bernedoodle, Amber has her hands full yet has the BEST perspective on life, dream-chasing, and building a career that grows with you. Tune in now to feel inspired (and feel like you’ve met a new BFF)!
In this episode:
[3:01] As a young girl, Amber always carried a disposable camera with her and would take photos of her surroundings.
[5:17] Amber’s first good camera was a Canon Rebel and she thinks it’s a great camera for anyone who wants to get into photography.
[8:14] Why taking photos is only a small part of what goes into running a photography business.
[12:47] Amber continued capturing the details that she wants despite the pressure of what she thinks her clients want, and eventually she learned how to strike the balance between satisfying her clients’ needs and her own.
[14:21] Amber’s passion for taking photos of children started when she realized how much kids change in just a few short years.
[16:55] Do what makes your heart happy, because it’s hard to do your best work if you’re not feeling joyful.
[18:53] There is a photographer for everybody so don’t be afraid to say no if you don’t feel inspired.
[22:26] Video is so much different from photography but don’t be afraid to give it a try. Done is always better than perfect.
[25:22] Amber shares how she started doing videos and how that has helped evolve her business.
[26:55] Videos are more time-intensive than photo sessions, so make sure you charge appropriately to cover your scale as well as the additional time that goes with it.
[30:46] To keep your business moving forward, you have to always be looking for ways to improve and set yourself apart from others.
[32:40] You become more creative when you choose to focus on one thing instead of trying to do many things at once.
[43:16] Amber shows her personality in her business by doing videos.
[44:59] The more you keep making amazing videos, the better you’ll get at it. Just keep learning and don’t worry about doing everything right.
[52:32] Never stop learning. Investing in education isn’t just about gaining knowledge; it’s a lifelong commitment to self-improvement.
About Amber Walder
Amber Walder is a motherhood newborn and family photographer and filmmaker based in eastern South Dakota. She’s married with four sweet littles and one fur baby named Ruthie. She started her business back in 2013, while also working as a labor and delivery nurse at a local hospital. In 2018, she resigned from nursing to pursue photography full-time. Photographing motherhood and the stages of childhood have always been her greatest passion.
Connect with Amber
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