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

Amber , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

Back in 2011, I started attending a digital media after-school program which really opened my eyes to creative expression. Throughout high school, I kept taking art classes, helped create a short student documentary, and hustled hard to be able to buy my first used DLSR for $400 which felt like the biggest investment at the time. Then in 2015, I got a full-ride scholarship to my local University for documentary filmmaking which was a huge deal to me as I spent years couch surfing and sleeping on people’s floors with little insight into what was in my future. After a couple more tumultuous years, I dropped out of school because I figured, “Why go to school for something I can just do”?

Although I was taking photos of friends and documenting all of my trips for years, I never considered the possibility of being a full-time creative because I didn’t 100% live off of my photography so I spent way too much time working random odd jobs to get me by and fund my next adventure. Once the pandemic hit and it was safe to start shooting again, it felt like I was starting from the ground up and I started booking different types of shoots like branding and mini sessions to push myself while also putting together styled shoots to market what I wanted to specialize in. After a while, I realized I had all the capabilities, I was just inhibiting my own growth and needed to push my doubts out of the way.

If I could go back in time, I would be more confident in myself and make the jump years earlier. I got trapped in the thought that I would just pursue my passions in my free time more like a hobby, but now I recognize that free time and rest is so important, especially for someone like myself who burns out quickly and has an all-or-nothing kind of brain. If you feel confident in your work, have a solid clientele to build from, are able to teach yourself things, and can be scrappy, you’re ready to go. Believe in yourself and make that jump!

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Some of the greatest resources I’ve found helpful on my journey to build my photography business were: -Invest in the premium Unscripted app to use as a client management software
-Joining a local photography Facebook group to network and pick up gigs
-Quickbooks for Small Businesses
-Later to schedule content

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

I always want to create images that speak to me and document the special moments in life. I don’t think that’ll ever end.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amberroseodwyer.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberroseodwyer/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amberroseodwyer/