When not behind the lens of a camera, Amy Schromm can often be found on a road trip or outdoors with her dog, Blu. The two have travelled across the country–Florida, Texas, California–making sure to spend time at each pit stop along the way. While some roads lead to cities, others lead them to places to hike, disconnect, and be fully present in nature.
Nature and a fascination with capturing human emotions are what first drew Schromm to the art of photography. At the age of 12, her father gave Schromm her first film camera, which she used to take pictures of old barns, horses, and the moon. “Capturing how I saw things was magical to me. It felt like an extension of myself, a way of expressing myself,” says Schromm.
Schromm, who has a degree in graphic design and photography, began her career in Kansas City, where she was employed by Rush Wade Studios, launching her way into the world of advertising. There she had her first experience with commercial photography and was set on a path that ignited a passion for the craft. That job was followed by nine years at Global Advertising Agency where she started in prepress (work done on a publication prior to its printing) before moving on to the studio.
When capturing images, Schromm says, “Lighting is everything. I want it to look as real as possible.” In doing so, she has become known for her ability to tell stories authentically through imagery, driving her to create more than just commercial advertisements.
Photography reminds Schromm of how she feels about travel, “It opens your eyes to how other people live or feel.”
Schromm recently moved to this area from St. Louis. Though she loved being close to her grandmother there, she fell in love with Nashville for its landscape and its people. Living here has offered her opportunities to collaborate and create in new ways.
A piano player herself, Schromm is deeply moved by music and has had the opportunity to meet many songwriters and musicians. Schromm admires their entrepreneurial spirit and grit in pursuing their passions. She operates with the same amount of tenacity and grit, as she seeks to tell others’ stories through photography.
She explains her career has brought varied experiences, “I started in advertising and worked in prepress, which gave me a foundation in understanding how imagery translates across different mediums. Producing national campaigns and assisting top photographers early in my career shaped my approach. One of the most defining moments in my development was spending a week in Santa Fe, critiquing work and documenting models under the guidance of Christian Witkin and Norma Jean Roy—both Vogue photographers. Annie Leibovitz’s assistant was also there, adding another layer of insight into the craft of storytelling through imagery. That experience, along with my early mentor at the studio who taught me how to shape and diffuse light to mimic natural sunlight, became the foundation of my visual approach.”
Asked where her camera will take her next, Schromm says, “I’m leaning deeper into creative direction and directing. I’m working on a few music videos and commercials, collaborating with brands and celebrities to create content that feels authentic yet elevated. My goal is always to push the boundaries of storytelling—whether through high-end campaigns, music visuals, or directing talent in a way that feels natural yet unforgettable.” AmySchromm.com