Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amber Dawkins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Amber, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

“What can I do to help your business grow?” I had just resigned my middle school teaching position to pursue photography as a full-time career, and another small business owner was standing in front of me, asking me this. I was struck by the selflessness of it, and I would soon come to realize that this is a common mindset among Kansas City entrepreneurs. And a powerful one at that: The success of one can have a positive ripple effect on others. If we seek to build each other up, to serve as references and resources for each other, we will all grow together. Small business owners across all industries share a unique bond, and I think that bond is even stronger in the Kansas City community. We are the city of local tourists, decorating our offices with photos of our gorgeous skyline, donning KC merchandise on a regular basis, supporting our sports teams with unwavering spirit. That love for our community extends into our small business networks. And that is what fuels my mission. I want to see our local small businesses grow. Branding photography is a powerful tool to help with that very goal. So now, it’s my turn to ask the question:

Amber, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi! I’m Amber Dawkins. When I’m not behind the camera, you can find me training for American Ninja Warrior or creating memories with my husband and our five kids. I’m extroverted and energetic, and I love new experiences. Skydiving over the midwestern plains, swimming with sea turtles in Hawaii, sandboarding the Great Dunes of Colorado, and riding dolphins in Jamaica are a few of my favorite adventures so far.

Photography started as a side hobby for me over 15 years ago. As my client list grew, so did my passion, and in 2016, I made the decision to pursue building a commercial photography business as my full-time career. Today, I serve business owners across the Kansas City area, creating marketing imagery for their social media posts, websites, magazine ads, and billboards. A full branding session with Amber Dawkins Photography includes headshots of your team members, images of your space and products, and photos of you in action, serving your customers and clients. My goal is to tell your professional story in a way that connects you to your ideal audience, building trust and knowledge of your brand to help your business grow. I’m known for relating well to people and helping them feel comfortable in front of the camera, and my work is set apart by my colorful, natural editing style.

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

The most rewarding part of being a branding photographer is hearing the feedback after my clients get their photos. “We love these so much!” “These are amazing!” “How will I ever choose!?” It makes me feel so good to meet – and exceed – their expectations. I also love watching the businesses I photograph grow. Most of my clients are repeat clients, coming back year after year for updated photos as their teams grow, their spaces are remodeled, and their services expand. I love following them, watching the engagement on their social media platforms, and seeing their websites refreshed with their new photos. I will also never get used to seeing my photographs on billboards. It’s such an incredible feeling!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn the lesson of trying to be like other photographers in the industry. When I first started out in this business, I spent hours looking at other photographers, learning from their business models and pricing structures, copying their shooting styles, comparing my work to theirs. It’s great to draw inspiration from others, but as I’ve grown, I’ve realized how important it is to be confident in your own shooting style and to use a business model that works for you as an individual. Creatives are unique, and their businesses and final products should be as unique as they are. It’s part of what makes this industry so valuable and interesting.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.amberdawkinsphotography.com
• Instagram: @amberdawkinsphotography
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmberDawkinsPhotography
• Linkedin: Amber Dawkins

Image Credits
Amber Dawkins Photography Lori Habiger (Amber’s headshot only)