Meet Amber Valley” Evangelista | Portrait Photographer & Creative Director”

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amber “Valley” Evangelista and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amber “Valley”, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
When I was little, like all kids, I was asked the question, “What do you want to do when you grow up?” After realizing being a princess wasn’t in the cards for me, I always knew I wanted to be an artist. I was lucky enough to have parents who were supportive of my artistic pursuit, they believe in my talent. My mom had me in art lessons since grade school and I was always experimenting with new mediums from paint, charcoal, mixed media, to photography. When I started working, I made it imperative that I worked in the creative field. I had been offered positions that would of had me more than comfortable, but I was tired of giving my all to other brands and businesses. I knew I had it in me to be successful running my own business. Eventually, I reached a point where I was ready to fully invest myself, utilize my resources, and buckle up for a ride of my life. Fast forward to 2020, a worldwide pandemic, where I found myself saying now or never. Thus, Valley in Film was born and I was working for myself full time for the first time. My photography business gave me more that I could dream, allows me creative control, my kids to come to work with me, and opportunities to travel the world. When it’s all said and done, I imagine a life where my family is by my side, learning new cultures while free to express themselves. I am so grateful to my kids because they are my constant inspiration and reminder to be the best version of myself and follow my passions.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Photography as a career was never a plan, but a calling. It has always been an outlet for me, a medium to document my family, my emotions, and the shifts in my life. I began to share my photography throughout the pandemic and it was so well received that I started a carer out of it. I love connecting with different people of color and sharing their stories through my lens. My photography style is documentary portraiture mixed with some fashion flair, leaving those who see my photos a sense of nostalgia. My use of film in my photography brings me magic, but also a dent in my wallet. Above all, my family heritage is what sparks my flame. My family, like many minorities, overcame a lot of obstacles and their experiences are what taught me the importance of documenting the lows and even more importantly celebrating all the highs. Photography preserves memories, traditions, and emotions. This gives me a chance to use my passion to give back to the community. One of my favorite projects that I am currently working on is Legacy Archives, a family portraiture photo docu-series. I created this project because everyone has the right to document their family legacy and have professional photos. Legacy Archives offers families discounted family portrait sessions and even a chance to receive a free session. I don’t want anyone to feel they have to miss out because of a lack of money. Over the next year, my family and I have plans to travel the country. While doing so, I plan to reach out to different communities, art centers, and organizations to partner up with. Traveling and meeting people is the glorious side of the job but it has a downside as well. Unfortunately, with the cost of film rising and film stocks both being discontinued and in shortage passion is facing an uphill battle. I’m trying to use these roadblocks as a creative challenge for myself by finding innovative ways to do what I love by cutting costs by developing my own film, being innovative with my marketing, and doing events with and for the community. One thing I have learned since starting my business Valley in Film is that when you show the love you receive it 10x back. I am truly grateful for all the support I have received.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a big foodie and outdoors type of person so be prepared for the true California adventure. I love visiting small towns along the coast, so a mini road trip along Pacific Coast Highway is a must. I would first stop and Roscoes Chicken and Waffles for a picnic at a random beach. On another day, dressing up for an art gallery crawl from the Getty, MOCA, and LACMA followed by a chic lunch at Melrose. I wouldn’t dare let them miss out on a tour around downtown Los Angeles for the 20’s architecture and a detour to Bludso’s for the best bbq LA has to offer. There is honestly a ton of more things I can list, but the best part of Cali is that there is always more to discover.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There have been two strong pillars in my life that have constantly supported my dreams. My best friend and the woman who also birthed me was my mom. Coming from a relatively conservative family who all have jobs with security, it’s safe to say I was the odd one of the bunch. However, my mom always gave me praise and made sure she put me in a position where I could get as many resources as possible to succeed as an artist. She is the first person I want to talk to anytime I receive some exciting news and she is the first person to put me in check if I am in my feelings about something not going right. My mom is the backbone of my art. I am so blessed that my career has taken flight with publications and gallery exhibitions in the last few years. Without the love and support my fiance provided I would not have seen many of these milestones. As an artist, it’s easy to second guess yourself, but my partner wouldn’t allow that. With him, I know that our family can go anywhere and do anything as long as we have each other. I want to thank my family for giving my art soul and meaning.

Website: valleyinfilm.com

Instagram: instagram.com/valleyinfilm

Facebook: facebook.com/valleyinfilm

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/valleyinfilm

Image Credits
Terramabilia Valley in Film