I’m Angie Byers, a self-taught, award-winning photographer based right here in North Carolina. The truth is, I almost didn't become a photographer at all...

My roots are in the West Virginia coal fields, and that upbringing gave me a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for what it takes to have real grit—the kind you get from working 12 hour shifts in manufacturing, finding the thrifted, faded, perfectly broken-in leather, or the sight of an old, broken down truck's patina.

I brought that grit with me when I moved to North Carolina. It turned out I would need it.

As a conceptual photographer, my work has historically included self-portraiture and unique processes like Polaroid photography.

My journey began with simple snapshots and grew into a deeper engagement with photography. But this growth accelerated out of necessity, after I started struggling with an undiagnosed vision problem. The camera's viewfinder became my bridge to the visible world—it was the crucial tool that finally let me see. Even after getting corrective lenses, photography remained my primary way to find healing and express my creativity.

Today, my work is a powerful source of comfort and a calming force—a constant reminder of the resilience that helped me navigate and overcome past challenges like anxiety and depression. Overcoming that vision challenge gave me a unique, hard-won outlook on life. It taught me just how precious our sight truly is, like valuing the delicate details of a pressed flower. This experience didn't just change my eyes; it changed how I feel about light and seeing, and it fills every single image I create with thankfulness and purpose.

I’m now deliberately stepping away from my older, darker style of work, which often featured moody shadows and dark tones. My recent shift to warmer color, especially in my series, ”Pocketful of Light”, is all about chasing light itself—the kind of light that feels like "soul warmth" and the relief of a huge burden finally being lifted.

I am naturally drawn to capturing the "cracks of gold" in everyday life. This is not just a photographic choice, but a personal commitment to see beauty that others miss, much like finding perfection in old rust or the shape of a vintage hood ornament. I love documenting the honest beauty in things often overlooked and focusing on subjects that possess real character and a tough, surviving spirit—qualities I deeply connect with. My lens often seeks out the intricate details of trees, leaves, and flowers, the energy of old amusement park rides, and the fleeting, honest moments found during rare street photography excursions.

My ultimate purpose is to take this focus and share it with others. I strive to create work that feels like a safe harbor and a comforting presence for the viewer. Through my images, I want to share the genuine gift of hope and gently prove that light is truly always there.