Meet Amy Ames | Wildlife & Landscape Photographer

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

Hi Amy, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
As a wildlife and landscape photographer, my most important principle is to prioritize the well-being of nature over photography. While capturing beautiful images is a key part of my work, it’s equally important for me to ensure that I’m not causing harm to the natural environments and wildlife I photograph. This means taking steps to minimize my impact on the ecosystem, such as staying on designated trails, respecting wildlife boundaries, and avoiding actions that could damage the environment.

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.
My journey as a photographer began when my brother gifted me my first camera after the birth of my first child. While I initially started taking pictures to capture my children’s memories, my passion for capturing the natural world grew as my kids grew older and less tolerant of my camera. The path to where I am today professionally hasn’t been without its challenges. As my business has grown, I have continued to work another full-time job to support my journey. Finding my niche, managing the business side of my work, and balancing my passion for photography with other aspects of my life have all required persistence, adaptability, and creativity. Along the way, I’ve learned the importance of staying true to yourself and your values, even if it means taking a different path than others. Building meaningful relationships and collaborating with others have also been crucial for both personal and professional growth.
My brand and story are about more than just photography; they’re rooted in my deep appreciation for nature, adventure, and travel. I always strive to tell a story and my photography is a way for me to share the beauty with others and inspire them to get out and experience nature for themselves.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting North Carolina, they would know that there’s a lot to see and experience in this beautiful state, and I would make sure to show them the best of it all. We would start our adventure in the Outer Banks, where we could relax on the stunning beaches, see the wild horses, and visit one of the historic lighthouses. Next, we would head to the Pocosin Lakes and the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge to witness the black bears in their natural habitat. These two protected areas offer a unique opportunity to see these majestic creatures up close and has one of the largest populations of black bears in the country.
As we head west to the Triangle area, we would stop by downtown Raleigh, where we could visit some of the top museums, including the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, the North Carolina Museum of History, or the Contemporary Art Museum Raleigh.
Afterwards, we would visit the Duke Gardens, a beautiful botanical garden located on the campus of Duke University, where we could take in the stunning flowers and landscapes.
Next up, we would stroll through downtown Chapel Hill and visit the Morehead Planetarium, we could also grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in the area, such as Mama Dip’s Kitchen or Al’s Burger Shack.
Once we reach Charlotte, we would head to the NoDa (North Davidson) neighborhood, known for its vibrant arts scene and trendy restaurants and shops. We could explore the many galleries and studios in the area, such as the Goodyear Arts, and enjoy some delicious fish tacos and margaritas at Cabo Fish Taco.
Finally, we would end our trip in the mountains, visiting a place like Grandfather Mountain or Chimney Rock, where we could take in the stunning views and explore the many hiking trails.

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?
While I have many wonderful photography friends who have supported and inspired me along the way, I’d like to give a shoutout to a few in particular. First, I’m grateful to my parents for instilling in me a love of travel from a young age, which has fueled my passion for capturing the beauty of new places through my camera lens. Second, I owe a debt of gratitude to my husband, who has been a constant source of encouragement and support since I first picked up a camera. His belief in me and my abilities has been invaluable. Finally, I’d like to recognize the amazing group of supportive women photographers that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. Their talent, creativity, and generosity have been a true inspiration, and I feel lucky to be part of such a vibrant and empowering community.

Website: http://amyamesphotography.com

Instagram: @pointamesandshoot

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

Image Credits
Susan Matuszak (for image of me)