Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Denise.
Amber, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
So, guys, I never thought modeling was going to be the path I traveled. A year later, I am in the modeling industry, and moving at a fast pace. I decided to dabble in the industry right at a year ago. I was surprised with a photoshoot for my birthday from my significant other. I was shot by one of the top photographers located in Atlanta, and she was amazing. She sent me the photos, and said she would send them to a couple of her clients. From there, it all started. I remembered the feeling of me being in front of the camera, and the rush it gave me. Around February 2018 is when I started doing photo shoots for others. I love knowing I can be the one to make someone’s vision come to light for their brand or business. Life happened so I didn’t actually start working full time at modeling until around September of 2018. This is the time I had an awakening. I know if I wanted to become a known name in the modeling industry, I had to put everything on the line. I knew if I quit my job and began modeling full time, I was going to have to work hard everyday. If I didn’t work, my family wouldn’t eat. That mindset has me where I am today, and pushes me everyday to keep that momentum going.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’m going to sum this up quick… ANYTHING WORTH HAVING ISN’T EASY! You will hear a lot of “no”, “maybe for the next job”, and “you aren’t the look we are going for.” In the beginning, it was hard to hear that, but I learned later on those responses would help me grow tough skin (Which you need in this industry). I loved every experience I’ve been through this far. Every no I have received has me made me better. It made me work harder, to ensure I don’t hear it as often. Every yes I’ve gotten has made me work harder each time because I love hearing it. With that being said, ladies, this industry is competitive. A lot of men and women try to insert themselves in this industry every day. With knowing that, you have to be doing more than anyone else to be noticed. Ladies if you think your looks alone will get you to the “next level” you’ll never excel in this. Modeling is so much more than taking pictures, and many people are not aware of that. You must have a personality because that will show through your pictures. You must practice your faces for countless amounts of hours until you can do them on cue. Lastly, you will need to drink water and eat healthier, so you can attain clear skin and a nice body. I’m not telling you ladies to be skinny! I am saying whether you are a runway model, plus size model, or a commercial model you will need to keep a maintained imagine.
If I could give you ladies, or men, reading this one piece of advice it would pick a lane. Before you begin doing any photoshoots, music videos, movie scenes, etc. PICK A LANE. One of the top reasons people don’t make it in this industry is because they don’t have a clear path to their success. People have ruined their modeling career before it even started because of this reason.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
As you guys know by now from reading this article, I am a model. I specialize in commercial modeling. That means I shoot prints for magazines, businesses, flyers, billboards, and campaigns. I love my brand because moving to Atlanta to model I would say isn’t easy. It’s such a growing area, and everyone is moving here for industry opportunities. Since the competition is broader, some girls feel they need to change their look to fit in with what’s showing. I am the complete opposite. I want ladies to know you can be natural, not alter your body, and still be successful here in Atlanta as a model. As I continue to build my brand up, I will eventually move into acting also. I chose to perfect my craft at modeling before moving into another part of the industry. I honestly say the only thing that sets me apart from other models would be my dedication. I am not smarter than any of the other models nor do I have more skill. With me knowing that I just work harder. If that means me waking up earlier than everyone else and going to bed later than everyone else, that’s what I’ll do.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
There are several different women that have inspired me through my journey. I would definitely say, my mother. She raised me to be a strong individual to always go after what I wanted. She taught me to never take no for an answer, which has molded me into the model I have become. I watched my mom lose her life to certain circumstances, and come back and get on her feet like it was nothing. That showed me, no matter what life throws at me, I can always come back stronger than ever. That’s always been my mentality. After moving to Atlanta, I met this amazing photographer name Cat Harper-Wise. She owns “CatHarperPhotography.” I’m inspired by her because she built her brand from the ground up and stayed persistent. She is now a top name in Atlanta. I love women who create their own brand to secure a future for themselves. Lastly, I have never met her but Cardi B. I was following her before the fame, and she always stayed true to who she was. The money never seemed to change her, and now she is one of the top artists, and still is the same woman I used to see on social media. Coming up from nothing and creating a lifestyle to support her family and friends is amazing. This is what I aspire to do with mine, and I’ve seen first hand it’s possible.
There are two women whose path I follow, not because I’m envious, but because I’m going be sitting beside them one day at an event. Gisele Bundchen and Tyra Banks! They are amazing models and they moved on to creating a bigger legacy than just taking pictures. Helping others is my main goal so I will model for now, because that is fulfilling for me. One day, I definitely plan to use my platform to help develop young models and show them a clear path to successfully make it through this industry.
Pricing:
- Booking Prices are as followed:
- Commercial photoshoot- $250 an hour
- Lingerie/Swimsuit-$350 an hour
Contact Info:
- Email: BookAmberDenise@gmail.com
- Instagram: @_AmberDenisee
Image Credit:
@Catharperphotography, @theninejames, @Shotbyshervan
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