Meet Amber Rain Hernandez: Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amber Rain Hernandez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amber Rain, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I feel like every single day is a balancing act itself. However, I will say that it has gotten loads easier now that my daughter is getting older. When Violet was first born I took a long break from photography because, well I just birthed a human and was still figuring life out. Once she was about 6 months I started going to school again and shooting occasionally. However business took off a lot quicker than I expected, so I made the decision to put school on hold and invest into my craft full time. If I’m not shooting, then I’m editing. My days typically contain a mixture of culling through images, cooking, cleaning, playing with my kid, etc. Once I week a try to take a day completely to myself. No emails. No work. Just one day to do something for me. Whether it’s hot bath, or a trip to the mall, self care is a quick rejuvenation to my soul and helps my mind stay clear. When it comes to putting together my schedule, the past few years have been trial and error. What worked for me when my daughter turned one, didn’t work anymore when she turned two. At age three, what worked at age two no longer held up, and so on. At this point now I would say I have a pretty good balance on my schedule… I think. What day is it again?

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Although photography is my business, it is also a creative outlet for me. It’s therapeutic in a way. No matter how dark some days may seem, when I’m shooting, it’s as if all of my worries fade away. I’m able to just focus on the subject in front of me. No distractions. No fears. All I can hear is the shutter of my camera. Because of this, every moment of work is dedicated to capturing the most intricate details and flattering angels.

I have a team that I work with for weddings, but I am the only one who does the editing. Which is why sometimes the turn around time can be a tad longer. I’m very proud of my team. For so long it has been only me, so events run much smoother with them there. I remember few years ago having the goal to shoot one wedding with a few other sessions per month. Now I’m doing that, sometimes more, within the span of a week! So the extra hands at events are definitely appreciated.

Photography is so fun, but it hasn’t been easy. I’m going to offer the same advice that was given to me by others over the years…. you NEED to put in work. Business will not just come to you overnight. Dedicate time every single day to your craft, even if it’s only an hour. Do something to that inspires your creativity and don’t allow your self to lose momentum. Shoot as often as you can, even if it means taking on free gigs from time to time. This not only helps to build your portfolio and get your name out there, but it also builds your character.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Personally I love Pasadena. For breakfast we would ago to Urth cafe in Old Town, then head over to the Norton Simon Museum. For lunch we would stop somewhere quick to eat near the Citadel Outlets, shop a bit, and then head to Downtown Disney for Ahi Tacos and drinks at Uva Bar.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh there are so many, where do I start? I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of my husband Peter. He has been my rock throughout our entire relationship and has been my biggest encourager, especially when I’m beginning to feel the burn out. My daughter Violet keeps me grounded, focused, and quite often is the source of my inspiration for new projects, like the Rose Series. Also, when they say it “takes a village” to raise a child they weren’t kidding. Huge shoutout to all of the amazing women in my family who help babysit Violet when Peter and I are at work. Mom, Sis, Aunty Liz, Sara… I’d be lost without you all. Also, my team for literally being my extra hands at our events. Last but certainly not least, I would have made it nowhere, absolutely nowhere without God. Having faith is so important to me. I don’t think I would have been able to make it mentally, physically, or even financially without His guidance.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberrainphotography/

Image Credits
Amber Rain Photography