Meet Amber Daniel | Family Photographer

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

Hi Amber, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always had a love for photography. There is something so special about being able to take a moment in time, and make it last forever through a photograph. I mentioned this to my husband one year, and he bought me my first DSLR for Mother’s Day just a few months later. My hobby quickly grew into so much more. I’ve never felt I was “good” or “talented” at something, until I picked up my camera. I was constantly photographing my children, friends and their families, nature, landscapes, anything I could. I jokingly mentioned to my husband one time that I wish I could make money doing what I love. He asked me “why don’t you?”. It was an idea that hadn’t even occurred to me, but the more I thought about it, the more I knew I wanted to be a photographer more than anything. I wanted to be able to provide people with beautiful photos, at affordable prices. I wanted to help my family financially, without having to miss out on special moments with them due to work. Still, it was such a scary thought. What if I failed? My husband continued encouraging me, reminding me that i can do anything, and not to give up on my dreams. So, I decided to chase my dreams and turn my passion into my career. I could provide other families with beautiful, affordable photos, do something I absolutely loved while also contributing financially to my family, and make my own schedule. Most importantly I wanted to teach my children to never give up on their dreams, and that they can do anything they set their minds to.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I absolutely love taking photos, and I love meeting new people, and learning about their lives. I try to make each session a unique, personalized, and fun experience for everyone who comes to me. Before my sessions, I send my clients a questionare asking about their family, love story, journey to parenthood etc.. so I can truly get to know them, and better tell their story. I truly care about the people I work with, and enjoy forming relationships with them. I believe forming these relationships sets me apart because that allows me to know my clients on a personal level, and tell their stories through my photos.

I am most proud of the fact that I am chasing my dream, and making it a reality. I was so afraid of failing, and I allowed those fears to hold me back for so many years. “You can do anything, become anyone in this life. Never give up on your dreams”. That is what I always tell my children. How can I tell them not to give up on their dreams, if I am too afraid to chase mine? I decided I would show them, rather than tell them, that they can acheive anything with hard work and perseverance. I am proud of the fact that in just 3 years, 2 of those years being during a pandemic, I have already grown my business so much and have numerous clients who repeatedly trust me to photograph the most special moments in their lives. Eventually I would like to open my own studio, and I am extremely excited for that day.I am excited to watch my business grow, to know that I have done this amazing thing, and made my dream become a reality.

When I first began, I didn’t know much about cameras, lighting, posing etc… I just knew I loved taking photos. I spent months learning the settings on my camera, watching video tutorials over my specific camera, and practicing by taking photos of friends, family, animals, really anything I could. I realized there was so much more to photography than having a fancy camera. There were so many times I felt confused and lost, and wanted to give up. There were times it seemed impossible. My friends and family encouraged me to keep trying, reminding me to never give up on my dreams. I joined numerous Facebook groups for beginning photographers, enrolled in more online photography classes, and practiced that much more. Over time, my knowledge and skill grew, along with my confidence. This journey was not an easy one, but it was definitely worth it. I have learned so much along the way. One of the most important lessons I have learned is knowing my worth, and not selling my self short. Another thing I have learned is that you truly can do anything, if you’re willing to put in the hard work, have patience, and most importantly, believe in yourself.

When I decided to start my own business, I was a 29 year old stay at home mom of three. My days were filled with school drops offs, sports practices and games, taking care of my toddler, chores at home, preparing meals, and trying to wrestle kids into bed. I was never that great in school, and decided college wasn’t for me. I didn’t have tons of money for an upstart, education on how to start a business, or lots of spare time. I just had a dream, that I knew I wanted more than anything, and was willing to work towards I wanted to show my children that they can do anything in this life, if you’re willing to work hard, Nothing is just handed to you. This is my story, who I am. If I can do it, so can you!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitley take them to Garland Cafe for breakfast. It’s a little cafe in Garland that has the best breakfast, and their prices are unbeatable. Everyone is so friendly there, the service is amazing, and I love that they have an American Flag hanging on one wall, with photos recognizing Veterans.

Another favorite breakfast place of mine (and my favorite place to get coffee) is Pink Coffee in Garland. They serve fresh baked pastries, cookies, cakes etc and have the most delicious coffee and drinks. Their decor is all pink, white, red and they have a beautiful metal Carraige in the middle of the shop that you can take photos on. They also have a huge old time coffee grinder in the front, and a flower wall in the back that you can use as a backdrop for photos. They have amazing prices, a huge selection of delicious treats and drinks, and it is the perfect spot for a girls day, mommy and me time, and to just relax and hang out.

Highland and Davis Parks are two of my favorite places to take a stroll, talk, and enjoy beautiful scenery, so we would definitly be visiting them. They are two parks, but in the same neighborhood and one starts where the other ends. There is a beautiful river that runs through, tons of flowers, trees, ivy and other beautiful landscapes. Davis park has an area with many interesting statues, pretty bridges and stairways. There are benches throughout the park, and lots of shaded areas. It’s always been beautiful and clean when I have gone, so it is the perfect place to sit and enjoy the nice weather and company of a friend, and maybe have a picnic.

Medieval Times is always a must when friends and family visit. They serve a delicious 3 course meal while watching a live Knight tournament just feet in front of you. There are four knights, with their own horses, that sword fight, joust and have competitions throughout the meal. The dinner and show is a bit pricy, but when you consider how much food they provide (we always have leftovers) and such a fun show, the price isn’t bad at all. All of this takes place in a gorgous castle like setting. After the show, you can meet the knights and get your photo taken with them. This is one of my family’s favorite things to do in Dallas.

Arbor Hills in Plano and Airfield Falls in Fort Worth are two other locations I would make sure to take my friend. Arbor hills has miles of concrete paths that wind throughout hills and beautiful fields. It also has an overlook that is perfect for watching the sunset. There are two bridges, both going over a large stream, with paths that you can take to play in the shallow water. Airfield Falls also has many paths to walk, and has a beautiful waterfall just a short hike from the parking lot. My family and I spend hours here in the summer, playing in the falls and the big, shallow pool of water where the falls run off. This is such a beautiful area, perfect for spending hot summer days playing and picnicking.

The last place I would make sure to go is Thanksgiving Square in Dallas, specifically the Chapel of Thanks-Giving. It is a beautiful chapel with an outdoor winding staircase. Once inside, you will see the most beautiful stained glass windows. The architect is beautiful, and it is one of my favorite places to spend time.

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?
My husband, James Daniel. Throughout this entire process- purchasing my first camera for me, watching numerous photography tutorials, helping me set up for sessions, and most importantly believing in me when I haven’t believed in myself, he has been my biggest supporter. There have been so many times I’ve wanted to give up because I didn’t feel like I’m enough, because I felt the sacrifices I was making was not fair to my family, because i was just to scared of failure. Every single time he encouraged me, helped me overcome those fears, and told me that he knew I could do this. I truly believe I wouldn’t be where I am in this business without his love and support.

Website: https://amberdanielphotography.mypixieset.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberdanielphotography/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/amberdanielphotography

Other: email: amberdanielphotos@gmail.com Phone: 2147172084

Image Credits
Amber Daniel Photography