BRI Featured Artist
Amanda Reed
How long have you been shooting pro?
I purchased my first D-SLR camera in the fall of 2007 and have been shooting professionally since 2008. While I say I have been shooting professionally for three years it took quite a while before I considered myself a professional. So many things weigh-in on the term "professional photographer" when it comes to owning your own business. You not only have to shoot professionally but price yourself professionally to structure a successful photography business.
Describe your education & training in photography.
I like to say I went to the school of Amanda Reed Photography. While I am primarily self-taught, I have to say that Black River Landing has been the biggest influence in my professional career. If it had not been for the nurturing and kindness I found there at the forum, I would have cut my journey short of success. I have also attended many workshops and classes through the WPPI and PPA organizations.
What challenges did you face early in your career?
The biggest challenge was thickening my skin and boosting my confidence. To get better you must be able to accept criticism and turn that into fuel for your progress. I did not want to compete with professional photographers on price. I wanted to compete with my images. Of course when you are building your portfolio, it is understandable to offer a discount on your pricing and services. So I spent as much time as I could honing my craft and within 6 months raised my prices from $15 for an 8x10 to $40 where they are priced currently. I respected the professionalism of photographers in my area and the time they spent building their business. Gaining the confidence to price myself as a professional and call myself their peer was my biggest fear.
What is your secret to balancing your
photography business and your personal life?
Delegate, delegate, delegate. I was Amanda Reed long before I was Amanda Reed "Photographer." I lost sight of that for a while and became fully submerged into photography. My relationships suffered. This year I took back my Saturdays. I am giving up weddings entirely in 2012 and only booked a handful for the 2011 season. I only want to shoot projects that I see as worthwhile and that means asking myself, “Is this project so beneficial to my portfolio that I am willing to give up a Saturday with my family and friends?” I process files on Monday and schedule sessions Tuesday through Friday. I only shoot from 9-5 and that means I do not shoot in the sweet light since that comes after 5. That forced me to become a better photographer and use the light to work for me and not against me. It also allowed me to eat dinner daily with my family and catch up with them at the end of the day.
Marriage is a compromise. You have to work together and share responsibilities. I pride myself on providing my clients with amazing customer service but I realized I was not giving my husband that same quality of care. Make sure you plan a date night or even share a glass of lemonade on the porch swing. Every minute of your time is of value to those who love you.
Schedule your days off and stick to them. Plan family vacations...planning is half the fun. My husband and I also began taking “couples only” vacations. You need that re-connection time with your spouse. And don't forget about you! Every man or woman needs “me” time. Go out with your friends, take a nap and never feel guilty for it!
Define your photography style.
When it comes to family and couples portraiture I define my style as emotive. I strive to capture the relationship bonds between my subjects. When it comes to high school seniors I describe it as fashion-fun. I love strong, colorful images but I am not afraid to break out of my box and shoot simple, color-washed images. Your style should be recognizable but not define you as an artist. The day you stop experimenting and pushing the envelope of your creativity you have lost the passion. I believe you must take time to shoot for yourself. While I may draw inspiration from the work of another photographer, I never want to copy him or her. Instead, I deconstruct and recognize what parts of the image I am drawn to. Is it the lighting? The pose? The processing? Then I mix those elements into my next session. I am first and foremost inspired by what I read. I often read novels and that way no one paints the image in my mind except me and I try to bring that vision into my portrait sessions.
What inspires you artistically (a person, place, movie,
you name it!)?
I am inspired by God. I pray before every session for God to use me and grant me his vision to see his creation from his perspective. When I do that, I find my spirit refreshed to photograph another session. No matter what your beliefs, if you are a photographer you are creative and I believe that creative nature lives within you. You just have to find a way to nurture that. I happen to nurture mine through prayer.
When going into a session, what motivates you?
I am motivated by one thing.......I WANT TO BE THE BEST. PERIOD. It does not hurt my feelings to say it. I want my clients to leave every session saying, “Not only is she best darn photographer to ever take my image, but she is also a true spirit.” I want my clients to see my love and my spirit when they leave my session. They see that I live for a higher calling and I hope that it motivates them to use their own talents—whatever they may be—to bless others.
When working with your clients, how do you evoke the
perfect expression
and pose?
I believe photojournalism has its place but I also feel you must educate yourself on the aesthetics of good photography and that includes posing and focus. My first goal as a photographer is to put my client at ease. I want to develop a working relationship. I engage them in questions and I have been blessed with a good sense of humor. Everyone needs a little direction…if you can set the mood you can score the money shot. I typically shoot couples with a long lens to give them some space and see their natural expressions come out. Once they are relaxed they are more open to my light style of posing. High school seniors come to me with one thing in mind. They want to be hotter than the person I shot the day before. They hired you because they trust your vision, so go with that. You are the professional, tell them how to look like a supermodel and you better believe they will take your advice.
What business tip would you give the new photographer?
Get licensed, get insured, pay taxes and don't call yourself a professional until you are comfortable charging a professional rate. If you want one thing in this industry it is the respect of your peers. I believe there is a right way to set yourself up for success and a way to set yourself up for mistrust and failure. I believe I have the respect of my peers in three short years: only two and a half of those proclaiming to be a professional and charging professional rates. If I had not taken the steps needed to run a successful business I would have burnt out. Instead, my business is growing and turning a profit during a recession.