We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amber Sovorsky. 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. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

I’m a firm believer that life’s greatest rewards come from taking bold leaps.

Every pivotal moment in my life has been the result of stepping out of my comfort zone and trusting that something incredible was waiting on the other side.

One of the biggest risks I took was moving across the country to chase this adventure wedding photography dream. I packed up, headed to a state where I didn’t know a soul, and found roommates on Craigslist—people I’d never even met in real life. I left behind the client list I’d built in Pennsylvania because I couldn’t shake the pull for something new, something different. It was one of those ‘leap and hope the net appears’ moments where I didn’t have all the answers, but I believed (or really, really hoped) that I could make it work.

And it paid off—beyond what I could’ve imagined. That move changed my life and career in ways I never saw coming. It taught me that the biggest, scariest risks often lead to the most growth and fulfillment. And now I bring that same energy into every wedding I photograph. I’m all about encouraging couples to embrace those wild ideas and bold moves, especially on their wedding day. Because if there’s one story you’re going to want to excitedly retell for the rest of your lives, it’s that one.

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?

I’m the owner of Story Maker Photo, an elopement and intimate wedding photography brand for couples who want a day that’s truly unique to them—one that doesn’t conform to anyone else’s rules or expectations. Whether it’s hiking to a mountaintop at sunrise or exchanging vows in the middle of the forest with their closest friends, I specialize in capturing those moments when couples choose each other and their experience above everything else.

I’ve always been obsessed with three things—being outdoors, shenanigans with the people I love, and telling the stories of those fun outdoor adventures. My business stems from a deep passion for helping others experience the joy of saying YES to a day that feels like pure fun. You know, more like the best day of their favorite vacation than a day spent making sure hundreds of guests are happy and comfortable. It’s all about creating a wedding day where couples can look back with zero regrets, knowing they prioritized what truly matters to them.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

The biggest lesson I had to unlearn is that more is not always better. As photographers, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that booking a triple-header weekend—or hitting a certain number of weddings per year—is the mark of success. But in my experience, that’s the quickest path to burnout.

When I first started out, I was running my own business part-time, but the opportunity came up to join a team of photographers who wanted to go big. The chance to photograph full-time without worrying about the business side of things felt like a dream, so I jumped in. Before long, I found myself photographing over 50 weddings per year, often involving travel. I remember one September when I slept in my own bed for only three nights.

From the outside, everyone thought I was living the dream, and for a while, I believed it too. But the reality was different—I was constantly homesick, missing important moments with my husband, my dogs, and the people I loved. I was sacrificing too much of my own life to be part of others’ celebrations, and it simply wasn’t sustainable.

That’s when I decided it was time to step away and run my own business again, this time with a focus on quality over quantity. The goal was to build a workload that allowed me to maintain a comfortable living while still making time for what truly mattered. As it turns out, prioritizing your own well-being is the best way to better serve clients long-term.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Honestly, kindness. I think my reputation grows simply by treating people well and balancing being a business owner with being a good person. I want couples to feel safe, valued, and genuinely excited—not just about their photos, but about the entire experience. Many couples mention in reviews that I felt like a friend, and the feeling is mutual.

Capturing one of the most important days of someone’s life, especially with intimate elopements or smaller weddings, is an honor I don’t take lightly. Even after photographing over 350 weddings, I still get pre-wedding nerves because I care so deeply. My approach has always been to put couples at ease so they can stay present and enjoy the day while I capture those real, unfiltered moments. At the end of the day, it’s never about me; it’s about them.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.storymakerphoto.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/storymakerphoto
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/storymakerphoto