Meet Amber Sovorsky

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

Hi Amber, how do you think about risk?
I love this question.

All of my best life choices have stemmed from saying YES to something outside of my comfort zone. Doing the bold thing has always yielded the most reward. From moving solo across the country to pursue adventure elopement photography to my first backpacking trip that lasted 20 days– taking a risk always changes my life in the best way!

I see it in every adventure elopement I photograph, too. Not everyone is willing to have a fully outdoor, adventurous wedding (especially because we have absolutely NO control over Mother Nature). But even when wildfires roll through a wedding location hours before the ceremony, we pivot. And we come home with an even better story for it. It always pays off. (And yes, this exact scenario really happened)!

Running a business is a huge risk, and that, too, has been the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done for myself.

The magic happens outside of your comfort zone.

What should our readers know about your business?
Story Maker Photo was born from a realization about traditional weddings: they’re supposed to be a days meant for the couple experiencing it, but they often end up being an event designed to keep guests happy and entertained. I knew I wanted to help couples create something different, and that meant creating a different kind of business.

That’s why Story Maker Photo is an elopement and micro wedding photography business that focuses on capturing wedding days that prioritize time together, intention, and connection with the places couples love.

My goal is to show couples that they deserve those meaningful experiences together and guarantee that they have incredible photos of their most important moments. Their wedding photos only become more valuable as time goes on. They act as heirlooms, transporting couples back to how it all felt—the joy, the laughter, the wild freedom of a day that’s fully their own. These are the moments that will continue to inspire them throughout their marriage, reminding them to always choose what matters most.

Speaking of choosing what matters most…

A major reason I left a salaried position with a team of photographers was the lack of work-life balance. I felt drained and disconnected from the core values that mattered most to me, including missing out on important moments with my husband and our two dogs. It became clear that the path I was on was unsustainable, both emotionally and financially. So, I decided to take a leap and return to running my own business.

Returning to my own business has paid off tenfold. It’s enhanced my creativity, health, and outlook but also transformed my client experience. I can now pour more love and energy into working with amazing couples, deliver their photos faster, and show up with my battery fully charged for each and every wedding. It’s a bigger risk, yes, but it’s been the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. The magic truly happens outside of our comfort zone.

Life moves quickly. The reason I find so much inspiration in nature is because it reminds us that everything is fleeting—that everything and everyone will eventually become a story. I find great pride in helping people preserve their favorite moments in time, giving them a way to hold on to the joy they felt in those memories and then feel it again for the rest of their lives. If I’ve done that for my couples, I’ve been truly successful.

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.
I hope you brought your hiking shoes because we’re about to have an unforgettable adventure!

First we’re going to start in my favorite place in the world, my home, Estes Park. We’re waking up super early to catch the sunrise at an alpine lake—probably Sky Pond or Chasm Lake. We’ll spend some time soaking in the breathtaking views and snacking on cinnamon rolls from Cinnamon’s. After peeping all the wildlife on the way down, we’ll make our way over to Seven Keys Lodge for a delicious cocktail and appetizers on their epic patio. For dinner, we’ll savor local Colorado fare at Bird & Jim—it’s a must-visit restaurant in town.

Next, we’re hitting the road for a little adventure! We’ll rent an Airbnb with a private hot spring in Buena Vista—the perfect way to unwind before driving over Cottonwood Pass to the charming town of Crested Butte. While we’re in CB, we’ll explore off-roading trails and hike through some of the most stunning aspen groves you’ve ever seen.

On the way back, we’ll visit one of the most underrated National Parks, Black Canyon of the Gunnison. And hey, if we’re feeling up to it, we’ll take the scenic route and stop at Great Sand Dunes National Park too! We’ll camp overnight at the dunes so you can witness the breathtaking night sky for yourself. And to add a little quirkiness, we’ll make a quick stop at the nearby UFO watchtower.

Finally, on our way home, we’ll swing through Salida for a stop at Amicas Pizza, where we’ll drizzle their incredible pies with hot chili oil. It’s the perfect ending to our epic Colorado road trip.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Every single person that didn’t bat an eye when I decided to take a leap and start my own business. Especially my husband, Shayne, who shared the biggest risk in that decision. But there were so many others in my corner saying “YES, Amber! Do it, do it!” When people rally behind you like that, it’s something you’re never going to forget.

A huge shoutout to every amazing couple that has hired me. I often say, “Your favorite days are mine too” and that’s because we share some truly unforgettable experiences together. I’m honored to have a role of photographing someone’s most important day, and so lucky when they become a lifelong friend.

And of course, there are the photographers and mentors out there that wholeheartedly believe in community over competition. I’ve gained so much knowledge, formed great friendships, and am endlessly inspired by people like Tori Ware, Rachel Traxler, and Nina Larsen. These individuals understand that there’s space for everyone in this industry.

Website: www.storymakerphoto.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/storymakerphoto

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-sovorsky

Facebook: www.facebook.com/storymakerphoto