Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Aaron.
Hi Amanda, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
For as far back as I can remember, I have been fascinated with everything related to photography. As a kid, I was always developing photos, creating scrapbooks, and making slideshows. I was on the yearbook committee in high school which allowed me the honor of photographing the events. One night during a Friday night football game, I snapped a photo that was later chosen to be on one of the main spreads. It was such a special moment of the two players truly showing the bond they shared. It was thrilling to capture a perfect moment, giving me confidence and sparking my interest in photography.
In college, we purchased a camera for my husband’s class. I used the camera anytime I could providing free photography for friends and family. Family events were a big part of my beginning. Any time we were gathered I would snap pictures of these moments. Family members encouraged me to pursue a career in photography saying that I had an “eye” for it. It wasn’t until my first child was 18 months old that I realized that I wanted to share my photography with others. We had booked a family photo shoot with my cousin that is a photographer in Shreveport. Seeing her in her element and the pictures that she produced inspired me to branch out and start my own journey.
On the personal side, I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 13 years. We were blessed with two perfect children who are a lot of times subject to my work and the best little models. Parkland Hospital has been my home for nursing for 10 years. Being a mom and a nurse are both full-time jobs but over the years I’ve added many hobbies to my time. We relocated to Royse City and started raising goats and chickens. I milk our goats and learned how to create goat’s milk soap. Somehow the soap-making spread into crafting candles, body butters, and body scrub. I make room sprays and much more. At times I’ll hold a booth at local events and sell my products. It’s a fun and rewarding pastime that I can involve my kids in. One of the scents I have caught the attention of a local restaurant and is now sold in their store. I wanted to turn my children’s memorable baby clothes into quilts, so quilting has become another hobby of mine. Staying busy helps me keep going.
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?
Challenges come in all sorts of ways. The biggest challenge for me was mental. I had a mindset that everyone was already a photographer. Why should I do it? Who would choose me to capture such precious moments? I overcame that mindset and started small. I did paid jobs and they slowly kept coming. My husband was great at giving me constructive criticism which I viewed negatively at first. Once I realized he was just trying to help me improve my skills, I embraced it and really tried to be better with the suggestions he gave me.
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?
There isn’t much that I won’t break out the camera for. However, I would say families are my “go-to”. My goal while shooting is that everyone enjoys the process, feels comfortable, and can walk away happy. Once I deliver the final product and the client is satisfied, I’ve met my goal. One of my memorable reviews, the client stated, “each time I see the final photos I legit cry happy tears because she does the best job capturing moments. Every picture shows our personalities and family dynamic. She truly has a gift at putting the family at ease during the session.” -Cely B.
I also provide branding services for companies who are looking for marketing content. I see my photography as a way to elevate anyone’s business. I approach branding shoots with a storytelling view and from the side of the customer. When I view other work, the images are the first to catch my eye, so I understand the importance of the initial impact of an image. My goal with branding is to tell your story, how you started, what you do, and where you are taking your business. Social media and other platforms truly demand the type of content that branding shoots provide the client.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
I recently started dipping my toes into interior design and architectural photography which as been an exciting process. With learning something new, I always find inspiration, watch videos, and research techniques to improve my skill. I believe you should never stop chasing the excitement or that thrill that got you started. Create positivity from constructive criticism. Whatever they say, take it as a challenge. Strive to improve with each shoot and beat your own best.
Contact Info:
- Website: sweetbosphotography.com
- Instagram: @sweetbos_photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetbosphotography
