Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Knowles.
Hi Amanda, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When I was a kid, I was always baby and mama obsessed, plus I was that annoying kid who always had their camera (old school film camera) with me, taking pictures everywhere I went. In college, a friend suggested, “Why don’t you take pictures professionally?” so I did. I decided to mix my two passions Mamas & Babies, plus photography. That was the creation of Knowles Photography, where we specialize in maternity and newborn portrait experiences.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being self-employed in a saturated market is always challenging. I always say it’s a long never, ending roller coaster ride. One of the biggest struggles with being self-employed is not realizing how lonely it can be. You may have someone other than co-workers or a boss to chat with like I did when I previously worked corporate. You must find a way to stay motivated and constantly push yourself to grow as a person and a business. Staying on top of current trends with social media can sometimes be overwhelming. Like I always tell other photographers, something is better than nothing when posting on social media. I have created a small community of other newborn and maternity photographers locally and nationwide to bounce ideas and obstacles along the way.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Hi, I am Amanda @ Knowles Photography. I specialize in customized studio and outdoor portrait experiences for maternity, newborn, and family portraits. My clients love that we can offer the best in-studio and unique outdoor settings within walking distance. The studio property is located on 13 acres and every year, I am adding something new to the property that is exclusive for my clients only. We focus on empowering our clients to embrace their beauty throughout their pregnancy journey.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those just starting.
Yes! Education and hands-on workshop are great starting places for anyone creating. If you are considering starting a photography business, I recommend assisting another photographer in different genres to see what connects most with yourself. It is great to get experiences with a wide variety of people to learn from. There is a ton of online education easily at your fingertips. Don’t just study and learn photography but business as well. You will need to know and understand both to succeed in this field. The last tip of advice is practice, practice, practice. The more you get to put into action what you have learned, the faster you will learn and grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.amandaknowlesphotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/amandaknowlesphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/amandaknowlesphotography
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@knowlesphotography1957
Image Credits
All images were taken, edited and completed by Amanda @ Knowles Photography www.amandaknowlesphotography.com
