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

Alright, Amber thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you ever had an amazing boss? What did you learn from them? Maybe you can share a story that illustrates the kind of boss they were or maybe you can share your thoughts on what you think made them an awesome person to work for?

Although I would refer to her as “boss” when in her presence, she was the best mentor I ever had. What she taught me, as a mentor, has stuck with me since that day. She taught me about perspective. I am always going to be biased about topics that align with my interests, values, or morals. However, it is important to listen to the perspective of others and see where they are coming from. One person’s perspective doesn’t make the other person’s perspective wrong or invalid. I learned this as a 20-year-old freshman in college working at a retail store. But learning this information has shaped me into the person I am today. It got me promoted twice in two years, and in my endeavors following my departure from that job. Thank you, Chauna, for teaching me the importance of perspective.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

High Quality Images is a business that is tailored to the visuals and ideas of its clients. Running a client-based business has been the reason for my success as a photographer over the years. I started my career as a photographer in my freshman year of high school. I thought it would be an easy A, but it was not. This is what kept me intrigued because I love doing things that challenge my intelligence. What sets me apart from others is that I connect with other make-up artists and hairstylists and bring them, upon a client’s request, to the photo shoot. I have both on hand, in multiple states, just in case a client’s hair or make-up appointment is canceled for whatever reason. I like to be prepared, and that is one way I stay prepared. In the near future, I hope to connect with stylists for those who want to be styled for their photo shoots. I am most proud that I can make anything possible with my skills as a photographer. My clients don’t have a limitation. You can hire me for product photography, logo creation, birthday parties, videography, or family photos. I can make it happen. Your vision, my camera.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

On February 7th, 2019, I was rear-ended while sitting at a red light. I was left with a lower spine injury and a neck injury. I was out of work for 6 months, and getting back to work was a struggle as I couldn’t stand for a long period. Being a photographer requires a lot of moving, bending, squatting, and moving things around for “the perfect shot.” So, I had to pivot and do something that didn’t require much movement. I went back to school to pursue my bachelor’s degree. I graduated with a major in Criminal Justice and a minor in Sociology. And I hope to one day use my skills as a photographer by becoming a forensic photographer. Although my body was broken and my mind was following suit I did not allow it to happen. I kept my mind on my academic career and let my body heal using natural remedies. Today, I am still unable to do certain things, but I am alive, able, and grateful for what I can do.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I am not a fan of social media, but I love to talk. Most of my clientele comes from word of mouth because I converse with friends, family, and church members. A lot of my clients are referrals of the aforementioned. I mingle at the events I am hired for, and I set my QR code with my contact details as my screensaver so that my information can be input in less than 10 seconds. Business has been steady, and that’s all I have ever aimed for. I have other business ventures outside of my photography work, so steady works for me. I am proud of how far I’ve come, and looking forward to seeing how far I will go.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instragram.com/am_beyy
• Other: Book by texting: (702) 814-1958

Image Credits
All images were taken by High Quality Images (owner Amber Rainey).