Meet Skye Amber | Film Photographer

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

Hi Skye, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
My entire life I’ve gone after what I wanted. Whether that be the job, the boy, the dream. I’m originally from Louisville, Kentucky and when I was 18 I decided I wanted to move to LA to pursue my dreams of photography. I was young, I had no family out here, No friends. My family is well off but not able to support me financially. And although my family is my biggest support system and does help me when they can, I knew mentally and financially this was up to me. I finished my degree and worked in nightlife/ hospitality for years to make it work out here.
I took a risk when I moved and it was the best decision of my life. I took an even bigger risk at the end of 2022 when I decided to remove myself from nightlife and fully focus on building my portfolio and focus on my dreams. Over a year later I am still self employed. Its been a ride of pure faith and dedication. Its the biggest risk I’ve ever taken, trusting in myself and my talent and its taught me we are cable of anything we want. If we have the faith and the determination, you WILL make it work one way or another.
Risk is scary, but every risk I’ve taken has been more than worth it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always known I had a love for photography, I was the friend in highschool who was constantly capturing everything I could and posting everything on instagram. I knew I wanted to pursue that so I started my Photo Journalism degree at the University of Kentucky. Not only have I always had a love for photography and cinema, I’ve also always had a love for writing. At a young age I would journal often, write songs, poems, short stories etc. When I started my degree I quickly realized journalism wasn’t the path for me and ever since I was a little girl I was drawn to the LA lifestlye from watching movies and listening to my favorite artist.
I applied to The Art Institute of California while I was still at the university of Kentucky and was moving to LA a little over a year later.
My Degree is in Film Production, I started at the Art Institute but ended at California State University Northridge. I started over when I started over at the Art Institute and about half way through my degree, AI as a whole went bankrupt. When a school goes Bankrupt none of your credits exist anymore, they don’t count and they can’t be transferred. With that being said I had to start over again at CSUN, half way through that degree… covid…. so i finished online…… so no, it wasn’t easy. CSUN at first wasn’t going to accept my Gen ed credits from The university of KY therefore I wouldnt be allegeable to attend. I bawled my eyes out when they told me because I felt extremely defeated and had no idea where else I would go to school that had a film program. Two days later my advisor called me back telling me he was able to pull some strings and accept my credits because it broke his heart to hear my cry like that… Thats probably the nicest thing anyones ever done for me.

I am a film a digital photographer. My Film photography is what I’m known for and what i naturally gravitate towards. My film is raw and versatile. I love mixing fashion with everyday life. I love artistically showing off the sex appeal of a women. I love capturing my friends in what some people would think to be very mundane moments and making them art.
I am also an engagement and maternity photographer. I love capturing love and moments people don’t ever want to forget. My heart is its most fulfilled when I can take a moment and show someone how beautiful they are. To be able to capture life and beauty and have it last forever is incredible.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love art museums so that is always on the list! LA has incredible art. LACMA and The Broad. But my favorite Is the new Luna Kuna Museum, I really hope that stays open for my grandparents next visit. Malibu as well is always on the list. Spending a day at the beach, grabbing lunch at Malibu Farm Cafe and then driving up the canyons and watching the sunset.
For a Nice restaurant i love Boa Steakhouse or Ysabel. I can get really Boujee when It comes to food.
Going out for dinner and drinks is me and my girls favorite thing to do so we’ve tried it all.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Grandparents and my mother deserve all the praise. They’ve always been my number one fan but this last year they have shown they’re faith in me more than ever. They’ve given me the space and the freedom to be able really focus in on my art and make strides happen. I would not be here today without them. I owe everything to them and I can only pray one day I’ll be able to give even half of what they’ve given to me, back to them. Over the last few months I have also been working with and mentoring with the crazy talented photographer, Cibelle Levi. Not only has my work already drastically improved but so has my confidence. Cibelle is so kind and put together. She’s everything I would ever want to be in an artist so it’s an honor she chose me to be her mentee.

Website: https://www.skyeamberphotography.com/

Instagram: skyeebirdd

Image Credits
Skye Amber Photography for all of them True Religion (for color photo with fluffy hat)