Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Knox.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Amanda. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started out as a Graphic Design major at SCAD (Atlanta) and eventually started my career in App design and development. Not long into my journey I realized that this was not the path I wanted to take. My boyfriend at that time and I ended up getting married and having a baby- all while I sat back and tried to figure out what it was I wanted to do. When our first born was around 6 months old I was given a DSLR camera by a family friend. I had always enjoyed taking photographs but, with what seemed like an oversaturated market, it didn’t even dawn on me as a career path. A few months into having my first DSLR I was told by multiple friends that I should be charging and taking other’s photographs as well. I laughed it off and didn’t give it a second though… until one day, I did. From that first thought, I immediately started asking around about taking pictures of friend’s and their kids to build a portfolio. I also ended up asking a brand new neighbor who was about to have her second baby if I could take some of her newborn photos. It was by far the worst experience I had ever had. So, I took that as a sign as the word challenge should be my middle name. Somehow, and it all seems like a blur now- but, It took off from that moment. That love for a challenge and something I actually enjoyed doing turned into the career of my dreams. Five years ago I made a goal. I said, “I want a small, some what successful business, I want to be a mentor and I want my own studio.” Now, at 5 years into my business, I opened up my 1,100-sq. ft. commercial space studio, have photographed over 1,000 newborns to date, mentored photographers from all over the world and turned a small vision into a large dream.
Great, 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?
NO WAY!!! Smooth would be the furthest thing from my mind. I tear up thinking about all the struggles I have overcame. I was 24 when I started this business – I was not financially smart – I opened up credit cards and maxed them out by “investing” into my business. I didn’t pay them off which resulted in a slew of issues (all fixed now, thank goodness.) I had no business sense… it was a learning curve. Then, I just wanted to make a quick buck… and, I just got lucky that I happened to enjoy it, too. At the end of the day we are human, we naturally make mistakes. It’s what we do but, the mistakes I made along the way didn’t just affect me. They affected people I loved and cared about as well. Live and learn has to be my biggest motto now. When you think you are invincible and on top… that just means your ego has gotten too big.
Amanda Nicole Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a photographer that specializes in maternity and newborn fine art portraiture. I photograph families as well but, try to keep that as more of something that is just done in the spring and fall. I am locally known for my newborn photography but globally known in the industry for my editing. I am most proud of how I was able to take something I thought I could never be good at, and turn it into something that has allowed me to teach other photographers from across the globe- from all things newborn photography to business/SEO and more. What sets my business apart from others in this industry, is how I perfect the craft itself, I have found a way to create real art and safely. Prior to getting to where I am – I was trained by the top leaders in our industry in newborn posing/ safety. I understand how incredibly important safety with a newborn is. Newborn photography is not a skill everyone posses (most do not) and people should never assume this about any photographer. A newborn session with me is not just about clicking a button – it is a about creating an experience like no one else can provide and giving beautiful, high quality photographs that will last forever. I am essentially capturing a moment in time and preserving it.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Honestly, I have many I could refer to but for me personally… I would have to say opening up my commercial space studio. This is a dream so many of us have but so little of us actually do.
Contact Info:
- Address: 110 Samaritan Drive Cumming, GA 30040
Suite #211 - Website: www.amandanicole.net
- Phone: 404-704-4759
- Email: info@amandanicole.net
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/amandanicolephotoatl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmandaNicolePhotography/
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