Happy Featured Photographer Thursday BP4Uers!! I’m sure you can’t wait to see how this weeks photog is! I’m happy to ‘introduce’ Amanda Diaz Photography!
I began my photography journey mid 2008. I mainly shoot Fashion and Portrait work. I am currently planning for upcoming workshops and mentoring in the near future!
When did you first realize you wanted to be a photographer?
I began studying Graphic Design and it wasn’t until I had to purchase a SLR for the digital photography portion of the course did I realize how much I loved taking photos!
When and how did you start out in photography?
Well continued from the previous answer, when I started using friends as models for school projects, and seeing the positive reaction I was getting regarding my work made me want to shoot more and more!
How would you describe your style?
Ethereal and Painterly mixed with Romantic Fashion
What’s in your gear bag?
Canon 5DMKII, 5DMKI,( old backup) 85mm 1.2, 50mm 1.2, 24-70 2.8
One lens you can’t live without?
My 85mm 1.2 !
How did know when the right time to start charging was?
I was not very confident in my work at the start even though many people would enquire about rates I would feel really uncomfortable about it. It took me a good year before I started charging for shoots. Bad move because I did so much free work, it almost became expected of me to continue to work for free.
How much did you charge for your first session and how much are you charging for the same type of session now?
Oh boy- I think it was around $175.00? – for a basic portrait session and now its around $450.00
How did you market yourself when you started out?
Getting on Social Sites, submitting as much work as possible to Blogs and Publications and getting friends to tell people about me.
Name the first person that comes to mind when you think of:
Newborn photographer: Anne Geddes
Wedding photographer: Three Nails Photography
Most inspiration person: Sue Bryce – Even though her shooting style is much different than mine, I find that she is very real and grounded. I watch her on CL sometimes and enjoy listening to her speak about many things! She should almost get into motivational speaking!
Did you go to school for photography or were you self- taught?
It was a mixture of both. I learned the basics and techinical stuff through my schooling and some private mentoring and the creative part was self taught. What helped me the most was working through much trial and error!
What has been some of the hardest things to overcome in your business?
To better value myself and my work. I have been told many, many times from random sources through out the years that I do not view my work as everyone else does. I am still struggling with it to this day!
Do you have any tips for photographers just starting out?
Do not let others discourage you. If this is your passion, continue in your journey. If ever people try and bring you down, use that as a push to become even better!
If for some reason you couldn’t be a photographer what do you think you would be?
I always thought I would become a Fashion Designer when I was little, it would probably be something I would look back into if I didn’t become a photographer!
What’s the best lesson in photography that you’ve learned so far?
To value and respect yourself and your work, if you don’t, no one else will.
Amanda Diaz Photography | Facebook | Twitter: @amandadiazphoto
