Excited about our Have You Met series where I showcase YOU, the photographers of our community. We had over 400 photographers apply for the series in less than a week. I can’t wait to showcase the talented photographers. There is a mix of hobbyist and business owners as well as full-frame and crop sensor users. This may be my new favorite part of the site.
This post contains affiliate links. Thanks in advance for supporting Click it Up a Notch. I am no longer accepting applications for this series.
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No.01Tell us a little about yourself and your photography journey.
Hi! I’m Amanda. I’m a wife to the most amazing man a girl could ask for, and the mother of soon to be 3 kiddos. My life is my family, and my passion is my photography. I’ve always had a love of photos, since I grew up with my Dad who always made sure he had a camera handy for our many adventures. I started my business when I was 21 years old and had my two girls. I realized how important it was to have these memories to look back on when they’re off to college, and living on their own. I want that little piece to hold on to, and pass on to them and their children when the time comes.
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No.02What is the best advice you received so far on your photography journey?
The best advice I’ve been given is to not care about what other photographers are doing. It is not a competition. Focusing on my work and my business has led me to be more creative, have more fun with it and become a better business person.
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No.03Where do you find your inspiration?
I get my inspiration all around me! Mostly from my children, nature, and light. I love to watch the way sunlight moves throughout the day, how it plays across a smooth little cheek and makes them dance in the dust “bugs” when they see it shining through a window.
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No.04What type of background do you have? Self taught? Formal training? Mentor?
I am completely self taught. I have spent every spare moment for my business studying and researching. There’s always room for improvement with both the art and business side of it.
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No.05Are you currently doing any photography projects? If so, what?
The only project I’m currently involved in is keeping up with my client’s needs in this busy season! Once baby number 3 is born I plan to start a 365 project.
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No.06If you could only use one lens for a year, which would you choose?
The 70-200 2.8L! It’s absolutely my favorite.
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No.07Share links to 3 of your favorite photography tutorials and tell us why.
My favorite photography tutorials come from good ol’ YouTube and Creativelive. I could never pick a couple specific ones!
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No.08What is your favorite image right now?
My favorite photo is probably the one of my daughters curls in her pajamas. She still has her newborn hair at the ends of those curls, and she’ll only wear fuzzy footie pajamas for so long. I want to treasure these moments with my baby.
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No.09What type of camera and lenses do you shoot with?
I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark ii. When I’m outside I almost always have on my 70-200 2.8L lens, and for indoors I primarily shoot with my nifty 50 1.8.
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No.10Let’s light someone else’s candle, who is a photographer you think we should check out?
Even though her work is completely different from mine, I’m a huge fan of Velvet Owl Photography.
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No.11What is your biggest challenge when it comes to photography?
My biggest challenge is definitely having the confidence to take my business to the next level and put myself out there.
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No.12How do you display your photos?
I’m ashamed to say I haven’t updated my prints on my own walls in over a year! But the main wall has a decent amount of photos.
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No.13What is the strangest thing you carry in your camera bag?
Nothing too strange there. I try to always carry a towel because I tend to get low on the ground during sessions, and a squeaky toy to get babies attention.
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No.14What is next on your list of things to learn this year in photography?
I’m aiming to really master indoor lighting for newborns, and become more knowledgeable about prints and products. I want to see those gorgeous art pieces hung on my clients walls!
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No.15If people want to follow more of your work where should they go?
I stay up to date on my Facebook account, www.facebook.com/sweetephotos. You can also check out my website at www.sweetephotos.net
Beautiful photos all throughout her post!
My favorite is the same as Amandas, tiny curls in fuzzy PJ’s – now I need to photograph my girls in their jammies because they are growing WAY too fast!
And that maternity photo at the bottom – gorgeous. The lighting and colors are just perfect.