Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Rodgers.
Hi Amy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The thought of “having my own business” still blows my mind! When I was in high school I remember having a Nikon Coolpix camera that I took with me everywhere. Whether I was taking photos of scenery or my friends and family, I have always loved documenting moments to look back on. As I grew up into college and a young adult, having my own photography business was still a distant thought to me. My initial career is in social work and even in this field I would notice different memories that could be beautiful photos for people to cherish! I started professional photography in 2020 after realizing that it is truly something I enjoy doing and feel that I am good at! I wanted to step deeper into the field of photography and did some research on how to go about turning it into a business. I had to do a lot of my own research and follow up since I am a self taught photographer. I respect the process and learning how to actually take photos, edit photos, behind the scenes of the business and even how to use a digital camera correctly. It is all something I don’t take lightly and continue to learn something new everyday. When I started taking on professional sessions in 2020, I was still working in the social work field. It was difficult to juggle two job titles at one time, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I had my first child in 2022 and had the privilege of becoming a stay at home parent in 2023. I was able to take on more sessions and work during that time up until now! I have been able to dig deeper into the business and again have to continue learning how all of that works with scheduling, booking sessions, content creation, advertising my business, making a website and ensuring I have appropriate set ups to deliver galleries.
I found that I really enjoyed lifestyle photography with people in their element! Right now I am doing photography for families, maternity, branding, seniors and events. As I grow my business, I would love to get more involved in more creative shoots like for brands, products, etc. I have also enjoyed taking photos of scenery/architecture and just simple street photography! I am excited to see where my business takes me now and in the future!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Photography is a very interesting venture. I have found over the years, that its important to be consistent and just keep going. There is definitely a struggle with maintaining a sustainable income, due to the lack of sessions at times. It seems that nowadays, it is important to be active on social media and keep your website updated in order to have more foot traffic. Since being a stay at home parent, there is still not enough time in the day to offer as many session spots as I would like to. This in turn can be an obstacle, due to not as many sessions occurring. I feel like I have been lucky to come across amazing photographers and be a part of a beautiful community. This has been helpful to continue feeling that passion for photography, by seeing other people’s work and progress in their careers. I have always been a photographer that wants to support other photographers, not compete with them. I hope to be able to open up more time during the week for photography sessions in the future, to provide more options for clients!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a lifestyle photographer that mainly photographs families, couples, maternity, branding, seniors and headshots. I would say that I am pretty consistent in each category and stick to more candid-like photographs for people. There are so many things in a photography session that can go wrong like starting late, changes in lighting, too many people around, camera not working correctly, etc. But I find that even with things going wrong, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Seeing my clients faces light up or making them laugh, is my favorite thing! I truly feel so lucky to capture moments for individuals/families during a photo session. There’s that one special moment where the lighting and candid moment meet, to make an incredible photo.
I feel most proud of the connection I make with people during a photo session. I want everyone to feel comfortable and happy during a session, rather than feeling stiff and awkward. My career prior to starting photography professionally, was/is being a social worker. Being a social worker has shown me the importance of building rapport with people to really get to know them and know how to work with them. I try to utilize that skill with my photography practice. I feel that the connection with the person/family allows for them to feel more comfortable and more like themselves during a session. This can bring out their best selves and results in the best photos! My ultimate goal is to bring out someone’s best self in a photo for them to look back on with excitement, happiness and warmth in their heart.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I have found that the best resource in photography, is other photographers. Throughout the years, I have met (online/in person) more photographers that I can relate to and enjoy seeing their work. This allows me to grow, ask questions and collaborate with other creatives to be a better photographer. I hope to attend more photography workshops to learn from other professionals and grow in my photography skills!
On a personal note, I enjoy books anywhere from fantasy fiction to self help books! If I can find more time to read more books, that would be amazing! If I get a chance to watch a show, I lean towards crime shows! I’m not sure how that can be relaxing, but finding a good show with a snack/drink for the night IS THE BEST. I also love cheesy shows like Gilmore Girls lol! I can’t forget about a good anime series like Demon Slayer! Let’s just say I am pretty open to watching/reading/listening to anything, as long as it’s something I am interested in or can learn from!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kimikoscanvasphotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimikos_canvas
Image Credits:
Amy Rodgers- Kimikos Canvas Photography
