When did you first realize you wanted to be a photographer?
When I turned 18, I got my first camera ever and I used it so much that I actually wore out the tiny shutter button lol. It was one of those smaller film pentax.
When and how did you start out in photography?
My first job was in a scrapbook store and I was ADDICTED to pretty paper. I like to joke and say that I totally got paid in “paper” alright lol. But it was when I was scrapbooking that I enjoyed scrapbooking the “better” pictures and I began to ask myself, how can I take a better picture? Or what MAKES a better picture? I say that my addiction lead me to my passion; photography.
How much did you charge for your first session and how much are you charging for the same type of session now?
Insert Laugh Emoji here lol!! Oh my, honestly, I can’t even remember what I actually would charge. First it wasn’t anything because all I wanted to do was take pictures and learn. But I quickly got into that “SHOOT AND BURN” lol don’t laugh, you know we’ve all been there!I charged I think $299 or something like that for a session AND edited images lol, I now charge $495 for my session fee that includes a full hair and makeup photography experience and now my prints and products are sold separately.
How would you describe your style?
My style? Well, I love edgy things and a little bit of chicness. I love mixing hard and soft things. and I always love me a great pair of heels, red lips and falsies. BUT my PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE 😉 haha Its basically bright, fun, sassy with fashion edge applied all wrapped up in what my clients invision with the AMP stamp of approval.
What’s in your gear bag?
5D Mark ii, Canon 70-200 2.8 is, Canon 85mm 1.8, Canon 50mm 1.8, 5D Backup camera, SD Cards, and Gum 😉
One lens you can’t live without?
Ahhhh, this is difficult because I stick with one lens for a bit, kind of like music. You know you get hooked on one particular style or band. I would say my Yetti THE WHITE BEAST, Canon 70-200 2.8 is.
How did you market yourself when you started out and how do you market yourself now?
Well before I had ever even given out a business card, I had moved to a new state, a new area and a new market. I was able to really have a fresh and clean start. I focused on what I wanted to provide and got COMPLETELY prepared and ready for my clients. Down to packaging materials even a booking info sheet. THEN, I began to market on social media, hand out cards while pushing my 2 year old in a stroller at the time and I began to get a few reps for my first Rep Program. My goal was to make a huge impact by basically punching it in the face to say “HEY WASHINGTON, IM HERE!! Now lets take some pretty freakin awesome pics!!” lol. The way I market now, is referrals, the ever evolving rep program, social media and always being on the lookout for moms and daughters in stores, shops and coffee houses. (OH MY GOSH IM NOT A STALKER OR A WEIRDO! lol I know that totally sounded like that)
What has been some of the hardest things to overcome in your business?
Fear. The fear of failing. To be real, a lot of things in my life have failed. I was and kind of still am afraid to fall flat on my face with my dress up over my head and everyone seeing my panties lol. I’m kind of reminded by that scene on one of my favorite movies Miss. Congeniality where she totally falls and talks about it a couple of scenes later. I just love that movie haha. ANYWAY…..Not only the fear; but I think the comparison. I had to learn that my business is just that “My business is MY business is MY BUSINESS.” I had to learn that my business and my work are like little tiny babies and I need to focus on them, care for them and basically tend to them. If I am too pre occupied with what others are doing to the point of not tending to my business, it’ll die.
If for some reason you couldn’t be a photographer what do you think you would be?
Well, if I couldn’t be a photographer? I would love to be a stay at home mom, making and baking and giving my boy homeschool and possibly to FINALLY have a clean house HAHAHA. Honestly though, I think I would still be in the beauty profession, maybe a makeup artist or a designer. OH or an interior design for like super fashiony pads, that would be so fun!
What’s the best lesson in photography that you’ve learned so far?
I have two!
1. Sue Bryce said it best “No one is going to care about your business like you do.”. Those words she said was like a light bulb in my head. I had to STOP dreaming of a time of when I MIGHT have a studio or hoping and praying an “investor” would come and see how awesome I was and that I wasn’t doing anything and give me money LOL, (shaking my head)!! Those words made me realize that it was up to ME. No one was going to do it. If I wanted to get it, I had to get up, get ready and make it happen. Now, it wasn’t “all” me that made it happen. All the glory to my Lord for opening up doors and for His favor because without Him, I’d still be a bitter, angry, hurt and broken woman. So shout out to The Man Upstairs for being awesome!
2. TRUST YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER’S GUT!
Too many times have I thought real quick, oh maybe over there or this pose or yada yada and didn’t do it. And every time have I left a shoot saying to myself “awe man I SHOULD HAVE!”. So even if it seems weird or silly or whatever, I’ll try it if my photographer’s gut says do it, I do it!
Did you go to school for photography or were you self- taught? If self-taught, what helped you the most?
Nope, no school. I did a TON of online research and a TON of reading. In the beginning I didn’t have enough money for new shoes so I would read the same books over and over again just to keep my mind going. Prior to my move to WA, I took an online workshop, Get Schooled’s Senior Blueprint. It was awesome! It helped me with the things I was nervous about and it was one of the main pieces I felt I needed to get me on the right track.
Do you have any tips for photographers just starting out?
HAVE FUN! Don’t get too hard on yourself. We do photography because we LOVE it, not because we don’t want to have fun. If that was the case, I’d go to the DMV every day HAHAHAHA. Also, get yourself prepared. I’ve always told myself during my beginning year “How can I help my future clients, if I don’t even have my pricing in order” Or a booking form, or a contract or know how long it takes me to design an album. Lay your foundation correctly and when you do, then the rest will become strong and sturdy. Oh and if you’re like me, I HATE waiting. OH my, I am, so NOT patient. Yes, I’m the one that touches her nail polish WAY before I’m suppose to and then I get my finger print in it lol. Maybe that should be a new trend? Finger print pattern nails ha-ha. ANYWAY, what I mean is, things will take time and let it take time. Good things happen slowly, like honey! Sad things happen quick and fast, like melting ice cream. No one wants to eat melted ice cream.
What are your thoughts on props?
Ya know, it’s all about what your business is focused on. I’ll use a chair here and there; but props are minimal to me for what I do. A prop could be a pair of sunglasses, a hat or an umbrella. But to a baby photog it’s a small wicker basket and cheese cloth lol. It all depends. I say, if it looks too busy or you have to question it, then make it simpler. Our focus is our clients in the final image, if we just remember that, they won’t get lost :).
Amanda of Amanda Mae Photography is a Boutique Portrait Photographer specializing in High School Seniors and young women. Inspired by fashion and style, Amanda conveys an amazing talent for capturing young women and their beauty, inside and out. Originally from Southern California, Amanda has always had a passion for the creative and beauty profession. With over ten years of photography and client expertise, Amanda provides a senior portrait experience unlike any other.
She has been featured on several publications, fashion and style senior blogs and magazines. In 2013, she was nominated 6th in the nation for Denim + Grace Magazine Award for Best Senior Photographer. Amanda is now providing not only an amazing experience to her clients but holds her own photography workshops, giving the next generation of photographers a guiding hand.
Amanda currently resides in Snohomish County, WA, where she loves being a wife to her husband of seven years and being a mommy to the cutest little boy on earth.
Find Amanda Mae Photography on the Web: FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE | BLOG
