Meet Amber Gillespie | Owner & Lead Photographer

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

Hi Amber, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I had always dreamt of being a photographer and when I had my kids.. I decided to invest in equipment to capture all their special first moments. I realized that I was talented and wanted to follow my dream, because I want them to follow their dreams too! Each photoshoot I do I am so grateful that I made that decision because I was the only person holding me back.

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.
I know that especially in the Denver area, there are photographers everywhere! What sets me apart from the others is that I look at each session I participate in as a way to create art out of the every day moments that make up our lives. I love looking at situations from different perspectives and angles, and making sure everyone I work with knows that their experience is important to me. As a neurodivergent child who went undiagnosed until adulthood, there has been many bumps in the road for me professionally. Learning about adhd and autism to better understand myself and my loved ones also on the spectrum has helped me excel in working with children that have sensory needs. I try to make sure that everyone I come in contact with either personally or professionally knows that I value their story and want to represent them in the best way possible. I am a proud ally of the LGBTQIA+ community, and do my best to include everyone no matter what preference, ethnicity, or background. I specialize in taking candid and unscripted photos of the people who matter most to us in real moments that capture who they are authenticity, and the best compliment I have ever been given was that a client had never taken a picture that they like of themselves before we met.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Red rocks amphitheater is always a good spot to bring someone from out of town! I also love hiking down by the Lair O The Bear, which is a fun and beautiful kid-friendly hike. If they drink coffee I would take them to a coffee tasting in Denver at Grounds for Dismissal coffee where they have seasonal coffee flights that are amazing. I love walking around Sloan’s lake and the Butterfly Pavilion is always a favorite for us as well. If they’re up north and want to go see some wildlife I would take them to downtown Estes park to see the Elk that roam around the streets. And if we had time we would head to Idaho springs for nachos at Tommyknocker Brewery.

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?
Without the constant support from my husband Nathan, I wouldn’t be able to accomplish nearly as much as I have. He has been my partner, cheerleader, and confidant. I truly could not imagine doing this without him by my side.

Website: novaraynephotography.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-wacks-812387231/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NovaRaynePhoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/novaraynephotography

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDcXBH3ig9SvRJtTv6HsW5g

Other: TikTok: @novaraynephoto

Image Credits
Photos all taken by Nova Rayne Photography