Amber Foster Smith Photography

04/07/2026

The arts have shaped so much of who I am, both personally and professionally, which is why being part of Arts for Holly Springs means so much to me!

As a photographer and creative business owner, I see every day how powerful it is when people feel seen, supported, and confident in sharing their work and their story. I’m incredibly grateful to serve on a board that is committed to expanding access to the arts in our community and creating opportunities for artists of all backgrounds to share their work and their voice.

I feel so lucky to be part of something that is growing, evolving, and making a real impact right here in Holly Springs!

Our Board of Directors is a passionate group of artists, business owners, and community advocates dedicated to enriching Holly Springs through the arts.

Together, we support creative expression, foster connection, and help shape a vibrant, inclusive arts scene for all in our community.

Learn more on our website at https://artshollyspringsnc.org/about

09/04/2025

Anyone else having a hard time saying goodbye to summer? I mean, don't get me wrong, I love all the things that fall brings (hello cozy sweaters and gorgeous fall foliage), but anyone who knows me knows my little mermaid heart hates saying goodbye to spending my days on the sand and swims in the ocean. Even though this summer was a doozy to say the least, I'm excited to be back in the studio on a regular schedule and welcoming in so many new clients ready to work not only on their brand image, but the heart behind their brand with my new program, the Brand Clarity Intensive. More on that soon, but in the meantime, I'm off to soak up a bit more sun this afternoon! What was your favorite memory from this summer?

08/09/2025

If you know me, you know my absolute LOVE for small businesses! This weekend I'm in one of my favorite cities, Wilmington, soaking up all the sunshine and small biz shopping while also on a work trip weekend. I, of course, love the food scene at home in Holly Springs with my favorites like Nightingale Rooftop, but my belly is craving the Thai Curry Ribs from Yosake, and with that green curry coconut sauce, it's what's for dinner!

Where else should I hit up while I'm down here? Drop your favorite Wilmington eats for me in the comments!

05/16/2025

I am always in awe of the incredible programs the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce puts together for our community. Yesterday's Economic Forecast provided a lot of great insights from as wide-reaching as the State of North Carolina, all the way down to our local town here in Holly Springs. There were so many great takeaways. Thank you to the Chamber for inviting me to capture this great event, and a bigger thank you to Irena Krstanovic, Sarah Gaskill, Katy Parker, and Sam Rauf for sharing their knowledge and expertise in our panel!

This morning, we hosted the 2025 Economic Forecast—an impactful annual event presented in partnership between the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce and the Holly Springs, NC - Town Government

This informative program highlighted the collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships—from the State of North Carolina all the way to our local community—working to support sustainable economic growth in our region.

A key focus of the discussion was workforce development. With thousands of new jobs coming to our area, we explored the ongoing initiatives to attract and prepare a skilled workforce. Two critical resources were shared:

The Raleigh Metro Comparison Study - https://raleigh-wake.org/business-advantages/raleigh-metro-comparison

The Wake County Regional Skills Analysis - https://raleigh-wake.org/talent-workforce/regional-workforce-skills-analysis

Panelists provided actionable insights and tools that business owners can use now to support workforce recruitment and meet growing demand.

A big thank you to our expert panelists, partners, and engaged attendees who helped make this such a valuable conversation. Let’s keep the momentum going!

Our Panelists included:
Sam Rauf – Senior Economic Development Manager of Wake County Economic Development
Sarah Gaskill – Head of External Relations of North Carolina, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies
Irena Krstanovic - Director of Economic Development at the Town of Holly Springs
Katy Parker – Director of Project Management of Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina

Presenting sponsor: FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies
Coffee sponsor: Duke Energy
Community Sponsor: Rovisys
In Kind Sponsorships Ashe School of Music and Amber Foster Smith Photography

03/21/2025

I'm so excited to return to my passion for teaching. A huge thank you to the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce for inviting me to present this month's Business Education Series. I've been diligently working on a huge project for the past six months, and this is only the beginning. I can't wait to launch my personal branding course later this year! Thank you to everyone who made it out!

📸 Yesterday, we had an incredible class led by Amber Foster Smith Photography, delving into The Power of Authentic Business Building! We explored the nuances between branding and marketing, their significance, and practical strategies to leverage them effectively in your business.

Amber is a true expert in marketing and branding strategies, and her insights were invaluable. Thank you, Amber, for your dedication to empowering our business community!

🌟 If you're seeking guidance on business branding or marketing, Amber Foster Smith Photography is your go-to resource! Don't hesitate to reach out for expert advice.

01/28/2025

Raise your hand if just thinking about just what to do with your hair and makeup before getting in front of a camera sends you into a spiral. 🙋‍♀️ ME! I'll totally admit up to that one.

Rest assured, you are not alone, and this is exactly why we will have the ✨GLAM SQUAD✨ on site this Friday for our Personal Branding Express sessions.

Just because these are express sessions doesn't mean that you have to feel rushed! You will start your session time with our amazing hair and makeup artist, who will help you put the finishing touches on your look.

Need a couple of curls added to your hair? No problem! Struggling to find the perfect shade of eyeshadow to match your look? She's got you covered!

Sound like just what you needed to hear to say YES to a Personal Branding Express session with me? Let's do this! Sign up now at AmberFosterSmithPhotography.com/PersonalBrandingExpress

01/27/2025

"I just don't have time...It's too much work...I'm completely overwhelmed."

Sound familiar? I hear these words from potential clients all the time who are simply just too overwhelmed to make scheduling a personal branding session a priority.

But what if you could have a collection of personal branding images captured just for you, with professional hair and makeup touch-ups, all in less than an hour?⁠ That takes all the overwhelm right out of it, doesn't it?
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Personal Branding Express Sessions are happening THIS Friday, January 31st, with openings as early as 10:00 am at the studio! Sessions are $395 and include professional hair and makeup touch-ups with our glam squad, multiple styled sets to choose from, full posing and direction as well as branding insights during your session from Amber, and a private online gallery to select your favorite five final images! ⁠
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We are only hosting a limited number of sessions, so be sure to grab yours before they are gone! Sign up now at AmberFosterSmithPhotography.com/PersonalBrandingExpress

01/24/2025

New year, new you? Do you need to update that old headshot or refresh your personal branding image library? We have a special event just for you!

As an entrepreneur, I know just how difficult it can be to work on your business rather than in it. One of the biggest excuses we hear is that "I don't have the time" or "It's too much work!"

What if you could have a collection of personal branding images captured just for you, with professional hair and makeup touch-ups, all in less than an hour?

Personal Branding Express Sessions are happening next Friday, January 31st, starting at 10:00 am at the studio! Sessions are $395 and include professional hair and makeup touch-ups with our glam squad, multiple styled sets to choose from, full posing and direction as well as branding insights during your session from Amber, and a private online gallery to select your favorite five final images!

We are only hosting a limited number of sessions, so be sure to grab yours before they are gone! Grab your spot now at AmberFosterSmithPhotography.com/PersonalBrandingExpress

12/31/2024

What an amazing surprise to start the holiday season! I was so incredibly honored and humbled to be recognized as Ambassador of the Quarter with the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce earlier this month!❤️ Serving both the business and the greater community of Holly Springs through the Chamber has brought me so much joy. I can't wait for another year of serving and giving back as an ambassador in 2025!

🌟 Ambassador of the Quarter - Amber Foster Smith, Amber Foster Smith Photography 🌟

We are beyond excited to announce our fourth-quarter Ambassador of the Quarter, Amber Foster Smith! 💙 Amber has consistently gone above and beyond, creating meaningful connections with our Chamber members, connecting the community and make a lasting impact on their businesses. 🌱✨

Amber, your dedication, positivity, and support of our local businesses make all the difference, and we are so grateful for everything you do! 🙏

Thank you for being such a shining example of leadership and community spirit. 👏

09/24/2024

Okay, y'all need to help me in sending ALL THE LOVE to this amazingly talented human being who is currently on the styling team and currently working PARIS FASHION WEEK this week! How amazing is that?

When Krystal shared the news with me, I had such a freak-out moment for her. I mean, last fall, I made it to NYC for Fashion Week, but only to see my photo on a billboard, not to WORK it. What an incredibly well-deserved honor and recognition for her amazing work.

Let's show this girl some encouragement in the comments! Be sure to follow her on IG .smokeandmirrors, and give the girl a few days to get home before you start bombarding her with new client requests - okay?

09/22/2024

Did you know that high-quality e-commerce product images can increase conversion rates by up to 30%? It’s true! Customers are more likely to purchase items that are presented with professional photography, as it enhances perceived value and trust in the brand.

Are you ready to stand out in a crowded marketplace? I’d love to collaborate and help you up-level your product photography! Send me a DM and let’s get started!