We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ambe J. Williams. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ambe J. below.
Hi Ambe J. , thanks for joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
Success is subjective. I think it takes a mixture of passion, flexibility, creativity, and persistence. As a creative professional, reaching the next level of “success” requires a deep commitment to your craft. An almost obsessive drive to refine your voice and perspective.
With today’s ever-evolving technology, anyone can take a decent photo. The only thing you have as a photographer are your instincts and your taste.
As a business owner, you have to be able to market those instincts and taste with those who can collaborate and hire you. Not only does your work need to speak for itself, but how you treat your crew and those around are just as important. Creating a positive environment for your team, your client, etc, is what continues to get people coming back for more. For me, success isn’t just about producing strong work—it’s about building lasting relationships and a reputation that equally upholds both skill and integrity.
Ambe J. , 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?
Ambe J. Williams | Photographer & Creative Director
My name is Ambe J. Williams, and I’m the owner of Ambe J. Photography Inc. As I always say, photography found me when I needed it most. For most of my life and career, I was a professional actor and singer, performing in national tours, regional theaters, and Off-Broadway productions in NYC. During that time, I felt the need for a creative outlet, something I could explore independently.
That’s when I discovered photography. To put it simply, I became obsessed. As a self-taught photographer, everything I know has come from books, online courses, YouTube videos, and most importantly, trial and error.
I experimented with shooting everything under the sun, but I kept coming back to people, especially my fellow performers. That’s when I knew it was time to put my acting career on pause and pursue this new dream full-time.
Today, I wear two hats: I’m a commercial advertising photographer and creative director. I’ve created artwork for global pharmaceutical campaigns, Broadway productions, and numerous publications. My portfolio includes work with renowned artists such as five-time Grammy winner Samara Joy, Danielle Pinnock, Kalen Allen, and many more. A career highlight was seeing my portrait of Samara Joy featured on the Amazon Music billboard in Times Square, NYC.
My studio, Ambe J. Photography, is a Brooklyn-based headshot and portrait studio specializing in professional imagery for actors and creatives. Now more than ever, headshots and creative portraits are essential for marketing in entertainment and beyond. Our goal is to create images that feel authentic, warm, and professional because that’s what we do best.
My approach to photography always begins with my subject. That’s why my images convey ease, humor, and a touch of whimsy. It’s simply my personality infused into every shoot. From there, we develop our visual language, aesthetics, and direction. While gear, lighting, and composition are essential, the most important element for me is capturing the depth and authenticity of the person in front of my lens.
My work is always evolving, but my foundation remains steady. My business and my art work together. Whether collaborating with individuals or large corporations, my goal is to create a safe, creative, and positive environment where my clients can thrive. Photography can feel elusive, so I also prioritize educating my clients on industry standards and the creative process behind each image.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
This job is a privilege. As my mom says, “It’s such a cool way to make a living.” And I couldn’t agree more. Art is the part of culture that is cherished and remembered. The true reward is not just creating beautiful work, but having the opportunity to connect with incredible people along the way. It’s also incredibly rewarding that my husband and partner, Marzio Fulfaro, is so wonderfully supportive. He is also a photographer and the owner of Love Framed, a NYC wedding photography studio, so he understands the artistic and the business side of things.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Your reputation is what gives you credibility beyond the things you create. What has continued to build my reputation in the commercial industry is my positive yet professional attitude. Producers, art directors, and editors want to know that you can do the job, but also that you can foster a positive work environment. Their choice in hiring you reflects on them as well. The better you make them look, the more likely they are to hire you again.
Your talent and creativity can get you hired once, but your attitude, professionalism, and reliability will keep them coming back for more.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ambejwilliams.com www.ambejphotography.com
- Instagram: @AmbeJPhotography
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ambe-j-williams-18b4a2208/
Image Credits
Photos by: Ambe J. Williams