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

Amber, appreciate you joining us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

I named my photography business, Ace Photo Co, after my beloved yellow lab named Ace! I chose to name my photography business after Ace because he’s been my constant source of inspiration and joy. Just like how he brings light and positivity into my life, I aim to do the same through my photography. Naming my business after him is a reminder of the love, loyalty, and creativity he inspires in me every day.

When I was just starting out in photography journey, Ace was my model. I had the freedom to experiment with different angles, lighting, and techniques without worrying about time or other distractions. Working with Ace helped me learn how to capture moments, work with natural settings, and develop my skills in a relaxed, environment.

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

I began my journey into photography at a young age with a fascination for storytelling—how moments, emotions, and connections could be preserved through an image. What started as a passion for documenting everyday beauty quickly evolved into a calling to focus on documenting the connection between two people in love.

I moved to New Hampshire 4 years ago and fell in love with the mountains. I was surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. I realized that the best way to document these epic locations was by pairing them with the most intimate of human experiences. Over time, this became my niche! Capturing couples in love who want to step away from the traditional and create something entirely their own. Whether it’s an intimate ceremony on a mountain peak, a hidden forest, or an Airbnb with their loved ones!

I specialize in adventure elopements and intimate weddings, offering fully tailored photography services for couples who want to create an unforgettable experience while saying “I do.”

I travel all over for elopements, but New Hampshire holds a special place in my heart, as it’s where I started this journey. My services go beyond just capturing photos—I focus on creating a seamless, stress-free experience. From helping you choose the perfect location and guiding you through the day, to ensuring that every moment of your elopement is documented. I’m here to tell your love story through a lens. I’m also ordained so I can officiate your ceremony and sign your marriage license!

I’m most proud of the trust that my couples place in me. Elopements are deeply personal, and it means the world to me when couples choose me to document one of the most important days of their lives. The connection I build with each couple allows me to authentically capture their love story, and knowing that I’ve played a role in preserving those memories for them is incredibly rewarding.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building an audience on social media, especially for a creative business like photography, can be both exciting and challenging. Here’s how I went about it and some tips for others starting out:

1. Start with Your Passion & Portfolio: At first, I simply shared the kind of work I wanted to book. For me, that meant posting photos of family and friends to build my portfolio. It helped me get comfortable with shooting and posting regularly. Even if you’re just starting, try to capture moments that reflect the type of photography you’re passionate about.

2. Collaborate with Other Creatives: I attended content days—styled elopements and photoshoots where other creatives, like florists, planners, and makeup artists, would collaborate. This was an invaluable experience, not just for building my portfolio, but also for networking with others in the industry. These events gave me the opportunity to collaborate with others while gaining exposure to a broader audience.

3. Host Your Own Styled Shoots: If you can’t find styled shoots to join, don’t hesitate to create your own. I set up a few styled shoots myself, which allowed me to take control of the aesthetic and shoot exactly what I wanted to book. These shoots often lead to incredible portfolio pieces that help showcase your skills and style.

4. Post with Purpose: One of the most important things I learned was to post the type of work I wanted to attract. If you’re looking to get into weddings or elopements, for example, make sure you’re consistently sharing that kind of content. If you’re only posting family sessions, potential clients might not know you’re available for weddings. Make sure your social media tells the story of your brand and the type of work you want to book.

5. Build an Easy-to-Use Website: I created a simple website where couples could easily book me. The website should showcase your best work, provide information about your services, and include a simple contact form. It should be user-friendly and make it as easy as possible for someone to book you.

6. Word of Mouth & Google Reviews: After booking my first client, I made sure to provide an amazing experience. Happy clients are your best promoters! I kindly asked them to leave Google reviews, which boosted my online visibility. Positive reviews helped my business grow, and I started receiving bookings from referrals—someone who had worked with me referred a friend, and the cycle continued.

7. Expand to Other Platforms: Beyond Instagram, I started posting content on TikTok and Pinterest. TikTok helped me connect with an wider audience, while Pinterest became a great source for inspiration and potential clients to find my work. Each platform has its own strengths, so using a combination can really boost your visibility and get more eyes on your content.

With consistency, intentional content, and a focus on giving your clients a great experience, you’ll be able to build your social media presence and grow your business over time!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The goal behind my creative journey is deeply tied to the idea of preserving memories. I want to create timeless, tangible moments that my couples can cherish forever.

Losing my Dad really solidified that importance. The photos I have of him are irreplaceable—they’re the only way I can reconnect with the moments we’ve shared. It’s given me a deep understanding of how vital it is to capture life’s milestones. I want to offer couples not just images, but pieces of history—something they can hold onto and pass down through generations.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.acephotoco.co
• Instagram: @acephotoco
• Facebook: Ace Photo Co
• Other: TikTok: @acephotoco
  Pinterest: Ace Photo Co

Image Credits

Ace Photo Co