We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amber Hicks. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amber below.

Amber, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

In my opinion, success comes down to showing up consistently, staying flexible, and staying true to what matters to you. It’s easy to get caught up in things like money, followers, or recognition, but for me, success is more about growing, staying passionate, and making a meaningful impact.

When I first started photographing shows, I was navigating the competitive world of concert photography. It was challenging getting access to bigger shows without an established portfolio, but instead of giving up, I started taking my point-and-shoot camera to different shows in the area and focused on building my portfolio that way. Eventually, I had enough work to showcase and started networking with local artists in my area, photographing their events, and continuing to build a body of work that is authentic to me.

I truly believe that consistency pays off, and I’ve been fortunate to work with some amazing artists along the way. I remind myself often that success isn’t a finish line. It’s about loving what you do, staying humble, and always being open to growth.

Amber, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi! My name is Amber, and I’m the photographer behind Shows With Simone. I am based in Raleigh, North Carolina and specialize in concert, event, and portrait photography. Alongside my work as a photographer, I’m also a licensed therapist, which has given me a unique perspective on connection, emotion, and storytelling.

I’ve always been drawn to creative outlets, and photography became a way for me to explore and capture the moments that make life meaningful. My passion for music combined with my understanding of human connection naturally led me to concert photography. There’s something special about capturing the energy of live performances and the way music brings people together and creates shared emotional experiences.

Like I previously mentioned, when I started Shows With Simone, I didn’t have a polished portfolio but I had a desire to tell stories through my lens. I began photographing local shows and connecting with artists who were passionate about their music and image. Over time, I built a body of work that reflects both my love for music and my passion for creating images that feel authentic and alive.

Today, I offer concert photography, event photography, and portrait sessions. Whether it’s an artist looking for promotional material, a brand needing dynamic content, or someone wanting portraits that truly capture who they are, my goal is to create a space where my clients feel seen and valued. My therapy background plays a big role in this it has helped me understand how important it is to create trust and comfort, which translates into more honest and emotional photos.

What sets me apart is my focus on connection. Photography is about so much more than just capturing a moment; it’s about understanding the person in front of the camera and creating images that reflect their unique story. I’m proud of how far I’ve come with Shows With Simone! From photographing small local shows to working with incredible artists and events. Every step of this journey has reminded me how important it is to stay consistent, passionate, and true to my values.

The main thing I want people to know about me and my work is that I’m here to tell stories that matter. I believe in capturing moments that are genuine, emotional, and meaningful; whether it’s the raw energy of a live performance or the quiet beauty of a portrait. My goal is always to create imagery that reflects the essence of who my clients are, and I feel honored to be trusted with that responsibility.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

When I started Shows With Simone, I was using a Nikon D5600 (huge shoutout to my husband for gifting me my first camera!). As I started exploring concert photography, I quickly realized that a lot of venues wouldn’t allow professional cameras unless you had press credentials. To work around that, I picked up a point-and-shoot camera that I could bring to shows and used it to start building my portfolio.

As I gained more experience, I saved up from my other job to slowly invest in better gear. I also rented equipment from local camera shops when I needed something more advanced, which helped me deliver professional results without breaking the bank. Doing all of these things helped me build Shows With Simone!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is seeing the impact my work has on others. Photography has this beautiful ability to freeze a moment in time, and I love knowing that something I’ve captured can hold meaning for someone. Whether it’s capturing the raw emotion of a live show or taking a portrait that truly reflects who someone is, it’s amazing to see how photos can connect people to feelings and memories. I love being able to share a story through my lens, and knowing it might resonate with someone personally is what makes it all so fulfilling. It’s a great feeling to know my work helps others see beauty in moments they might have otherwise missed or forgotten.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.showswithsimone.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showswithsimone/

Image Credits

N/a