We recently connected with Riley Pope and have shared our conversation below.

Riley, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

Amber Ridge Productions started with three college friends who just knew we wanted to build something creative together. I was a photo/video major, and my two co-founders were business majors—so we had this blend of artistic vision and entrepreneurial spirit. The idea itself—and even the name—came to life during a backpacking trip through the Appalachian Mountains. Something about being out in nature, disconnected from the noise, made the vision clear.

Back then, we were still college students, figuring everything out as we went. The very first step? We made social media pages and started offering free photo sessions—anything from family portraits to engagement shoots—just to get experience and build a portfolio. We had no clue how weddings actually worked. We didn’t know the order of events, what was expected, or how the day should flow. We hadn’t even second-shot for anyone yet, so we dove into research mode. We studied other successful studios, broke down their workflows, and tried to reverse-engineer what made them great.

Our first wedding was for a friend, and we actually lost money on it because we had to rent gear. But it didn’t matter—we were in. What really changed things was when we started getting booked by couples we didn’t personally know. And then, about three years ago, we got featured in Southern Bride Magazine—that was a huge moment that validated everything we’d been working toward.

One of the things we’re most proud of is the strong brand voice and visual style we’ve built. It took time, but people now recognize our work before they even see our name attached.

The journey has been full of bumps and late nights, but we’ve learned to love every part of it—because when you’re building something you care about, it’s not a sprint. It’s a never-ending, evolving adventure.

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?

Amber Ridge Productions is a wedding photo and video team offering modern, cohesive coverage for couples who want their story told seamlessly from start to finish. What makes us different is that we offer both photography and videography under one roof—so you don’t have to worry about coordinating between two separate teams or styles. Our approach ensures your visuals feel consistent, intentional, and elevated across both mediums.

We started Amber Ridge as three college friends—two business majors and one photo/video major—who wanted to build something creative that actually solved problems for couples. From the beginning, we noticed how often brides had to book separate photo and video vendors who didn’t communicate, didn’t match stylistically, or even stepped on each other’s toes the day of. We built our team specifically to avoid that.

Today, we deliver wedding films that are cinematic and emotionally grounded, paired with photography that’s timeless, clean, and full of real moments. We’ve filmed mountaintop elopements, luxury ballroom weddings, and everything in between—but no matter the setting, we show up with a calm presence, a plan, and a commitment to capturing the day honestly and beautifully.

What we’re most proud of is how far we’ve come—from doing free shoots to getting featured in national wedding magazines and being trusted by couples across the country. But more than anything, we want clients to know: we don’t see this as just another wedding—we see it as your wedding. And we’re here to tell the story in a way that actually feels like you.

How did you build your audience on social media?

In the beginning, building our social media presence wasn’t about going viral—it was about showing up consistently. We started posting whatever we were working on: free shoots, behind-the-scenes clips, engagement sessions, anything we could. We didn’t have a perfect aesthetic or a polished feed—we just kept sharing real work and real people.

Over time, we realized that it wasn’t always the most “perfect” post that performed the best—it was the most honest. Moments with emotion. Personal captions. Stories behind the shots. That’s what people connect with. So we leaned into that, paid attention to what our audience actually wanted to see, and kept showing up.

If you’re just starting out, the biggest advice we can give is this: stay consistent, stay human, and stop overthinking it. Post your work, talk about your process, celebrate your couples. You don’t need 100,000 followers—you need the right people to see your work and trust your voice.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

By far, our best source of new clients has been word of mouth. That means doing great work, but just as importantly—being easy to work with. We’re big believers in showing up prepared, staying flexible, and creating a calm, positive experience on the wedding day. When planners, photographers, or even florists enjoy working with you, they remember that. And they refer you.

We also make a point to connect with all the vendors we work with—sending galleries, tagging them in posts, shouting them out. Building those relationships has opened so many doors. It’s never just about impressing the couple—it’s about contributing to a great team on the day. When everyone feels that energy, the referrals follow naturally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amberridge.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberridgepro/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amberridgepro/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@amberridgepro
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/amber-ridge-productions-jackson