Hidden Gems: Meet Amber Wacks of Nova Rayne Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Wacks.

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 am the owner of Nova Rayne Photography. Ever since I was a small child, I dreamed of one day becoming a photographer but it wasn’t until I had children of my own that I pursued my dream. At first, I invested in photography equipment to capture special moments of my kid’s lives and then realized it was not only something I enjoyed but that I was good at. I spent years honing my skills in areas including posing, editing, and lighting. My love for children and pets helped me make family portraits that capture everyone in an accurate and flattering way. I often gift pet art to families with fur babies because I love all pets so much. But, when I came across a long list of clients wanting to partake in Stranger Photoshoots, I dove into it because it was new and exciting. Stranger Photoshoots are basically blind date photoshoot experiences unlike any other.

Each stranger is matched with someone who they know nothing about other than what they told me they wanted in a potential match during the screening process. I capture the first time they see each other and walk them through cute couple poses while they enjoy a customized date and a chance to connect. I do both one-on-one sessions and group events that cater to the two types of clients I have for these photoshoots. One-on-one sessions are geared towards strangers who are looking for a romantic connection and would ideally like to enter a long-term relationship. Group events are geared toward people who are either more nervous about meeting their stranger and would benefit from being in a group of other people preparing for the same type of session or people who want the experience more than a long-term relationship. I have multiple events a year with the next one being a New Year’s Eve event. In a nutshell, I am not your average photographer. I love to try new things and experiment with styles and sessions that are unique.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Learning new skills and mastering a craft is never easy, but being a stay-at-home-mom of two toddlers and studying/learning while they sleep has been a challenge. I’m building my business for them, so it’s worth every sleepless night. I also have endometriosis which is a reproductive disease that affects my daily life with chronic symptoms, but I’ve never let any other these things stop my from accomplishing my dreams.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Nova Rayne Photography prides itself in being an all-inclusive safe place for everyone. From moment one interacting with my business, I hope you feel the difference between myself and the many other photographers in the Denver Metro area. I am a proud supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community. I believe that beauty doesn’t mean “perfect” but instead means genuine real-life moments. When we work together, I want everyone who comes to me to feel accurately represented. I love making people of all kinds feel special and beautiful. The experience is a huge part of the process and when you’re enjoying yourself and feel good about who you’re working with, the images will reflect that. No matter who you are, what you look like, or what is important to you… I want to help you tell your stories. The value of a photograph is sometimes unknown until it’s the only thing you have left of a loved one.. and I take my responsibility as your photographer seriously. I want to capture the moments that make up your life and turn them into art.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love living in Colorado. I came here 10 years ago with my husband and have lived all over this beautiful state. My favorite part of Denver? The people. I love the variety of people and the differences of cultures who all come here to experience the beauty and excitement of the Rocky Mountains. There isn’t much that I dislike about Denver, I just wish that I could help the homeless population more. That isn’t as much a dislike about the city though. I only wish I had more time to sit with them and enjoy a meal and maybe help them have somewhere warm to sleep.

Contact Info:

• Website: novaraynephotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novaraynephotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/novaraynephotography/