We recently connected with Samantha Amara and have shared our conversation below.
Samantha, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
One of the things my parents taught me at a young age was to help around the house. Whether I did the dishes, vacuumed the rugs around the house, helped fold laundry, or simply clean my room, I always had a job to do when I returned home from school. As I got older I realized how hard my parents worked to give me and my sisters a life they never had and I really took that to heart. At 13 I began working as a busier at a local restaurant in my hometown cleaning tables and delivering food to people. I got paid a small amount, but that was enough to get me motivated to work harder. When I turned 16 I started working at a bowling alley and shortly after that I took on a second job as a greeter at another restaurant. Two jobs at 16. When I turned 18 I became a manager at the same restaurant and took on triple the hours and around that same time I found my passion in photography. When I turned 22 I found that this passion of mine wasn’t just a hobby anymore and I wanted to give it my all. I wanted to pursue it and be successful in it, so I quit my full time job to dive head first into the unknown. Today I am 26, I am still growing, learning, and working hard to become an even better photographer!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a business owner, I definitely love the artistic part of the career, however, I find it just as important, if not more to be fully in control of your business and having good time management. One of my takeaways from working as a manger is customer service and I firmly believe that it is a key detail to owning your own business and building clientele.
Weddings are probably my favorite to capture. I love that I get to be a small part of the rest of someone else’s life! It’s an emotional and unforgettable experience every time and also a blessing that I get to watch and photograph. I do my best to go above and beyond for my bridal clients so they have a stress free and memorable day that they can look back on!
I have had the amazing opportunity to invest in my company and I am happy to offer digital and film photography now with my wedding and event services! I am also in the process of starting a podcast that captures the idea of exploring different viewpoints and insights in the world of photography and other creatives in the world and wedding industry!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
As I said previously, customer service is number one! Having a good relationship with your clients can help your business grow in more ways than one. Time management is important because you need to be aware of dates and times for when you schedule your clients, but also for when to schedule time off for yourself! Lastly, having drive. I don’t think people realize how much time and effort goes into owning your own business and sometimes you get burnt out, so it’s important not to lose the soul purpose for why you do what you do!
If I could give any advance to someone who wanted to pursue photography it would be to fully send it! If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life! It can be stressful at time, but it is so rewarding seeing people cherish your work! Don’t ever be content with your work. Always strive to be better and to learn more. That’s the difference between a good photographer and a great one!
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
A challenge I am currently facing is not comparing myself or my work to others. Imposter syndrome is the persistent inability to believe that ones success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of ones own efforts or skills. In the photography world, this is something that occurs when you start to question your editing style and whether or not your work is actually good or not. It can be crippling as an artist to be stuck in the mindset of “am I even good at this anymore” and It can destroy a photographers confidence. I struggle with this, but it’s important to remember that people love your work and they love YOU. You should never compare yourself to others because you are you and that’s what makes you special. Keep getting inspired, keep striving to be better, and remember that this is your community NOT your competition!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.amaraimages.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amaraimagesphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmaraImages
- Other: COMING SOON: Shutter Talk Podcast
Image Credits
Venue: @thebradfordnc Wedding Planner: @weddingplanningnc Florals: @brushedbybec.florals Rentals: @weddingrentalsnc & @greenhousepickersisters Catering: @rocky_top_caters Bartending: @celebrationsidekicks Cake: @sugareuphoria Champagne Painting: @champainted.brushedbybec DJ: @impultzdjs Live Artist: @artbyashleytriggiano Stationary: @letsrevel Sweetheart Models: @aaron_x_sarah Hair & Makeup: @winkhairandmakeup Bridal Gown: @simplyblushbridal Groom’s Attire: @vipformalwear
