We are so excited to be featuring Amy Robertson Photography this week! I L-O-V-E her work, like LOVE IT! Her work is AMAZING and definitely speaks for itself. Read on to learn more about Amy and her work!
Amy Robertson Photography is a professional photographer servicing Clermont, Florida and the surrounding Central Florida areas. Newborn sessions are held at the studio in downtown Clermont. Maternity sessions can be held at the studio or held on-location as we discuss the best location for your custom session! (parks, nature, downtown settings).
I love to photograph all ages, but admittedly newborns are my absolute favorite models! Being a part of capturing the miracle of new life is truly amazing! Beginning in 2013, we will be specializing and exclusively photographing maternity and newborn sessions.
I am married to my high school sweetheart whom is my greatest supporter and friend in life. He plays a BIG role behind the scenes here and I could not be where I am today without him! I am a mommy to two sweet little girls, Rylee and Haylee. They are my every reason that sparked my passion for photography. Not only am I blessed to be their mom, but they have given me the desire to capture every moment and let the art of that memory last forever! I’m a total sucker for ice cream!
I love the water, the beach, and the Florida sun! I started avidly pursuing photography in 2007. I resigned from my previous profession as a Forensic Drug Chemist back in 2010 to pursue my true passion as a camera artist capturing priceless memories on a full time basis! Initially, my business started off mobile and on location, I was so proud when I opened up my studio in downtown Clermont in the summer of 2011. I owe all of that to my clients and I am truly honored and grateful!
I look forward to meeting you and capturing these precious timeless moments! I think one of the greatest things about this job is to meet so many families and to hear their stories! It makes me feel like I’ve become a part of your family and I have built so many lasting friendships along the way!!!!
When did you first realize you wanted to be a photographer? I found my passion for photography around the time I became pregnant with my first child in 2007. My husband bought me my first camera for Mother’s Day just before our daughter was born and I was instantly hooked. I wanted to learn everything I could. I wanted to be able to capture every essence of her childhood. I soon realized after she was born and the more and more I grew, that I had found my passion, my heart.
When and how did you start out in photography? I started with a simple Canon Rebel back in 2007 with a kit lens and a 50mm 1.8 lens. I wanted to learn everything I could. I read read read, and practiced and practiced, I sought constructive criticism from online photography forums, and I took their advice and I repeated the cycle over and over. Before I knew it, this passion and hobby of mine was growing.
My friends started to tell me “Hey, you take great pictures… you can borrow my kid anytime” So then I started working with and shooting other children. By the time I had my second daughter, I realized that my niche and passion fell with newborns. Word of mouth and social networking is really what did it for me. I started with one circle of friends and jumped to the next. Before I knew it, my portfolio had grown and business was taking off.
My heart was no longer in the Forensic field in which I had started, it was being led down the path of photography. Thus was the seed that was planted and led me to where I am today.
How would you describe your style? Colorful, bright, trendy. Being from florida, I loooooooooove everything outdoor newborn photography. If it were feasible, I would shoot all newborns outdoors. You can never have as much variety and beauty than what the nature and environment provides. My favorite images are mostly the ones photographed in nature.
What’s in your gear bag?
Canon 5Dm3
50mm 1.2L
17-40 f4L
100mm 2.8
85mm1.8
480EX speedlite
One lens you can’t live without? How about two? 🙂 50mm 1.2L for studio and the 85mm for outdoors. I love those focal lengths
How did know when the right time to start charging was? Once I had established my portfolio and once I had a solid year of experience under my belt is when I started charging. I felt 100% comfortable with my camera, and I had built my foundation in proper exposures, focus, and working with others.
How much did you charge for your first session and how much are you charging for the same type of session now? At first, my average session was around $300-$350, that same type of session now averages around $850-$1000.
How did you market yourself when you started out? It started with friends and myspace and then went on with facebook. A lot of it was due to word of mouth and circle of friends. Eventually, I was able to leave an album in the local OB/GYN offices and hang canvases in various Doctor offices. I would say though that even today, 95% of my marketing and bookings come from word of mouth. I always believe that if you offer an amazing experience, and focus on your clients and your business, it will grow!
Did you go to school for photography or were you self- taught? Self taught. The thing that helped me the most was online photography forums. Two Peas In a Bucket and I Love Photography. I also read books from Scott Kelby and Brian Patterson.
What has been some of the hardest things to overcome in your business? Work-life-balance, without a doubt. When you own your own business, it’s hard to step away from it and you find yourself working around the clock. It’s really important to make a schedule for yourself and to make your personal time and family time a priority as well.
Do you have any tips for photographers just starting out? Always be grateful, no matter how big your business may grow… stay humble. Give your clients an amazing experience and make them feel special. Make them want to tell their friends about you. Enjoy it, if you don’t love it… don’t do it. There is such an honor that comes with being chosen to capture these memories… don’t forget that!! Photographers are a dime a dozen now a days… what is going to make your client choose you over the next?
If for some reason you couldn’t be a photographer what do you think you would be? I also share a passion for science. Before photography, I was a forensic drug chemist. I am also earning my doctorate in pharmacy. If I wasn’t a photographer, I would no doubt be a pharmacist.
What’s the best lesson in photography that you’ve learned so far? Not that it is the ‘best’, but it is ‘a’ lesson. When shooting newborns with toddler siblings, give the big sister or brother special attention and don’t mention anything about their new baby sister/brother. Talk about topics they love (school, friends, characters, hobbies). They are encountering a whole new world having a new sibling, and most children have heard constant comments about their new baby sibling… stay fun and talk about something else with them as you are getting to know them.
What are your thoughts on props? Love them. Make them versatile. Shoot props in multiple settings to create variety without having to move baby too much. You can shoot from above looking down, you can shoot from eye level. Try to use it differently from one time to the next. For other type of props, such as headbands or outfits… let them guide your way to styling the shot… let the prop be the focus of your setup, your choice in colors, etc
Amy Robertson Photography | Facebook | Blog
