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

Amber, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about one of the craziest things you’ve experienced in your journey so far.

This story, while not for the faint of heart, is definitely the craziest thing that has happened to me while pursuing my career in adventure photography.

Just to paint the picture for you, my friend and myself were on one of our less exciting storm chasing adventures, because, well, everywhere we went, the storms ended up dissipating, or not living up to the forecast. There is always an element of luck in storm chasing, and this trip, we had bad luck. But if there is one thing that I am, it is persistent, which motivated me to drive from Colorado, up to the Sturgis area in South Dakota, and then to the Nebraska/South Dakota border for the slim chance in catching a storm to photograph.

Upon entering Nebraska, we realized that the storms were not going to occur, but at this point we were so far away from home, that we ended up finding a really awesome town called, Valentine. It had a huge river winding through it. had some waterfalls, and had humidity that could rival the Amazon.

We located a small campground just off of the river that had a wicked spot for us to set up our tent and have a peaceful evening. So, we set up camp, made some dinner, and snuggled into our sleeping bags while the sound of cicadas annoyed me to sleep.

Fast forward 5 hours, and the sun is beginning to rise. I wake up and get out of the sleeping bag to head to the river. There was a bridge that I wanted to photograph. My friend joined me, and as I began photographing the sunrise on the bridge, I felt an itch at the side of my neck. I went to itch, and felt something hard on my skin.

I gasped.

“A tick!” I pulled it out of my neck skin, and dropped it to the ground to squish it.

“I could’ve sworn things were crawling all over me all night,” my friend exclaimed. I, surprisingly slept well, but upon by friend lifting her shirt, she revealed several ticks underneath, and it was settled, we were getting OUT OF THERE.

We quickly, and methodically packed up our camp. We couldn’t just leave our stuff there, so we had to make sure there were no ticks in our things before packing them up into my 4 runner. We inspected the sleeping bags, shook them out, and double bagged them in trash bags to trap anything that may be in it.

The tent, we brushed and swept out, and inspected, and packaged it up, put it in its bag, and threw it in the back of the trunk and we were OUT.

Fast forward 30 minutes, we are zooming down the highway, and suddenly, both my friend and I found several more ticks on our legs. I was in leggings, and a tank top. I slammed on the break, pulled over to the side of the highway, stripped my leggings off, inspected my body again, inspected my friends body, got inspected by her, changed into a sundress and began driving again.

Not even 5 minutes had passed, and we were being attacked by the ticks again. I felt them behind my knees, my friend found them on her shoulder. It was as if they were multiplying and it was as if they had their own GPS tracking system on us to attack us. We were absolutely under attack. We still don’t know how they kept finding us, but it was like we were starring in a tick-themed horror movie.

So, there you have it – the day adventure photography turned into a tick-themed thriller. Definitely the craziest thing that has ever happened to me on this adventure photography career path.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

If you’ve had a chance to peek at the “About Me” section on my website, you’ll know that my deep-rooted passion for nature and adventure traces its origins back to my early childhood. It all began with my grandpa, a true nature enthusiast, who had me right there alongside him in the garden, on camping trips, and flipping through his cherished collection of National Geographic magazines. He ignited the spark within me, nurturing a profound connection with nature and a desire to capture its essence.

My mission is simple: I want my images to do for others what my grandpa did for me. Each photograph I create has a dual purpose – not only to freeze a moment in time but also to cultivate a profound appreciation for the diverse ecosystems, landscapes, and living beings that share this incredible planet with us.

I strive to bridge the gap between my art and as many people as possible. Through my work, I aim to deliver content that is not only visually captivating but also carries a deep, meaningful message. It brings me immense joy when a potential client connects with one of my creations, deciding to bring it into their home as a daily source of inspiration.

I also really enjoy teaching photography and offer a lot of classes and workshops in the Seattle and Denver area. I have also designed and facilitate a 3 month mentorship program.

Ultimately, my hope is to inspire others not only to recognize the beauty in nature but also to understand the urgency of capturing these fleeting scenes before they vanish.

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

Being a creative person is exceptionally rewarding because it grants you the freedom the explore the realms if imagination to bring your visions to life. There are no limits or restrictions to what you can create, as an artist.

Being a creative person means I can express myself, thoughts, emotions, and perspectives through my art. Through my creations, I aim to share my authentic self with the world, fostering a sense of connection and understanding. As a creative, art has the potential to inspire and impact others.

Engaging in creative pursuits also encouraged personal growth and self discovery. It challenges you to step out of your comfort zone, experiment with new ideas, and continuously learn to develop your craft.

In essence, being a creative person is a journey of self-discovery, exploration, and boundless potential. It offers you the chance to shape your own reality, inspire others, and leave a meaningful mark on the world.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The cornerstone of my clientele growth strategy revolves around building meaningful connections. Across various platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, I actively engage with my audience. I consider it essential to not only acknowledge every interaction but also to express my gratitude for their valuable time and input.

Effective communication fosters trust, and when you engage with your audience, respond to their comments, and show appreciation for their support, you’re nurturing a sense of connection.

Engagement creates a sense of community around your brand. When clients feel like they are part of something bigger, they become more invested in your success. This community not only supports your growth but can also attract new members who want to be part of the experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amberbraxtonfineart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberbraxtonfineart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amber.cameron.186/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCttOXHmbdvrz5w4xq1eHZOA
• Other: https://www.threads.net/@amberbraxtonfineart https://www.tiktok.com/@the_amber_show

Image Credits
All images are Amber Braxton Fine Art