Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Favorite.
Hi Amber, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I didn’t set out to become a wildlife photographer. Like a lot of people, it started with a Sony camera in my hands and no real idea what I was doing or even what I wanted to photograph, just a curiosity about the world around me. Living in Central Florida, I was surrounded by incredible wildlife, and the more time I spent outside, the more I realized how much was happening right in front of me that most people never notice, myself included until that point.
What began as a creative outlet quickly turned into an obsession. I found myself learning animal behavior and spending long hours in the field, waiting for the right moment. I never considered myself a patient person until I started sitting still, waiting on a bird or animal to make a move. Over time, that passion grew into something bigger than just taking photos. It became about storytelling and sharing those moments in a way that makes people feel connected to my pictures.
Alongside my career in audiology, I continued building my presence online, sharing what I was seeing through my lens. As my audience grew, so did the opportunities to collaborate with brands and lead photography workshops, including international experiences like photographing Dalmatian pelicans in Greece.
Today, my work is focused not just on creating images, but on helping others experience wildlife for themselves. Whether through social media, video, judging contests, or workshops, my goal is to inspire people to slow down, pay attention, and realize that these incredible moments are happening all around us if we just take the time to look.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like most creative paths, it’s been a mix of trial and error, self-doubt, and a lot of learning along the way.
In the beginning, the biggest challenge was simply not knowing what I was doing. There’s no clear roadmap for wildlife photography, so I had to figure things out on my own, learning from more experienced photographers and spending a lot of time watching, waiting, and observing. There were plenty of missed shots and moments where I questioned if I was improving at all.
Balancing it all with a full-time career in audiology has also been a challenge. Wildlife doesn’t operate on a schedule, so it often meant early mornings, long days, and squeezing in time whenever I could. It required a lot of discipline and sacrifice, especially in the early stages. It’s like having 2 full-time jobs.
More recently, breaking my right wrist, while searching for bobcats, has been its own kind of challenge. Photography is such a hands-on craft, and suddenly not being able to use my dominant hand the way I normally do forced me to slow down in a completely different way. It’s been very frustrating at times, and with a third surgery ahead, it’s a reminder that this isn’t a quick setback. It’s something I’ve had to work through day by day.
There’s also the pressure that comes with putting your work out publicly. Building a presence online can be incredibly rewarding, but it also opens the door to comparison and criticism. Learning to stay focused on my own growth and not get caught up in that was a big part of the journey.
But those challenges are also what shaped me. They pushed me to be more patient, more observant, and more intentional, not just as a photographer, but as a storyteller. Looking back, I wouldn’t change that part of the process because it’s what made the work meaningful.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work centers around wildlife photography and videography, with a focus on capturing behavior and turning those moments into stories people can connect with. I spend a lot of time in the field observing, waiting, and learning how animals move and interact, so when the moment happens, I’m ready for it.
I’m especially known for capturing slow motion video, whether it’s a bird taking off, a raptor locking onto prey, or a subtle interaction that most people might overlook. When everything is slowed down you can see things most people would never notice. It brings out the drama.
What I’m most proud of is the community I’ve built and the way my work has encouraged people to notice the wildlife around them. I hear from people all the time who say they never paid attention to birds or nature before, or from those who don’t have the opportunity to get outside and experience it themselves. Knowing that my work helps them see and feel something they otherwise wouldn’t means more to me than any single image.
What sets me apart is the combination of storytelling and education. I don’t just want to show a beautiful image, I want people to feel like they were there and walk away understanding something they didn’t before. I also think my willingness to share the process, including the misses and the learning moments, makes it more relatable and real.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is patience, not just in the field, but with myself.
Wildlife photography teaches you quickly that you can’t control the moment. You can prepare, you can anticipate, but in the end, you have to be willing to wait and accept that not every outing will give you what you hoped for. It’s also taught me to slow down and really pay attention. The more time you spend observing, the more you start to see patterns, behavior, and moments that most people miss.
And maybe most importantly, it’s reminded me that time isn’t guaranteed. These moments, in nature and in life, are fleeting. You don’t get them back. So get outside, pay attention, and don’t wait for the “perfect time,” because that’s usually the moment that passes you by.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amberfavorite.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amber.favorite.photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afavoritephotography
- Youtube: @AmberFavoritePhotography
