Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda O’Neal.
Hi Amanda, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
My love for photography goes back to 2000 with disposable Fujifilm cameras and printing at the local Walgreens or Walmart. My brother and I would take my kids, nieces, and nephews for a short walk to the levee in New Orleans and capture them playing. We would sometimes pose them from youngest to oldest or shortest to tallest. Those were good times!
I didn’t realize at the time that photography was even a career for some. My love for print was always present. I saved magazines like Essence, Word Up, and any black hair magazine I could get my hands on.
I’ve learned so much about photography and will continue to learn. I’m where I am today because of perseverance. Now I have some pretty good gear but in the past, I didn’t. I learned it’s not really about the gear as much as it’s about your willingness to learn, your creativity, and creating opportunities to shoot.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A smooth road? What is that? I believe we cherish things more when we have to work for them. The ability to afford photography equipment alone is enough reason to quit. I found that what no one tells new photographers is that even when you can afford the nicer camera, backdrops and lights clients still won’t be knocking down your door. You have to work at that too. Imposter Syndrome kicks in when you join the million and one Facebook groups and time after time people share their success stories while you’ll just be grateful for one paid shoot.
Challenges and obstacles build character. I welcome them. If it was easy everyone would be doing it!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a photographer, I haven’t found my specialty as of yet. I’m waiting for that aha moment! Even though I haven’t had that moment yet every session I’ve done I’ve gained a little more insight on what it would be like to just be. a Senior Photographer, or Creative Photographer, or even an Engagement Photographer. I love being multifaceted.
I’m most proud of my self-portraits. I went into the first session with the thought of how can I gain someone’s trust behind the lens and I’m not comfortable in front of the camera myself. So, I started creative self-portraits.
An introverted photographer is what I am. I believe being an introvert and having the ability to go above and beyond for each client brings a personal touch to each session.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@amandaonealphotography.com
- Website: www.amandaonealphotography.com
- Instagram: amanda_onealphotography
