We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amanda Gutierrez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Amanda, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
Once I figured out that your mentality can literally make or break you, that was such a game changer. I try to stay positive and surround myself with other positive people. I TRY not to sweat the small stuff (that is still a work in progress). Life is too short to worry about all the negative things that could weigh you down. We only get this one life. Who wants to spend it being a Debbie Downer, you know?
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am the owner of Amanda Lynn Photography. I’ve enjoyed photography as a hobby for about 10 years (and took a black and white film class that started it all), but decided to make it official with my own business in 2020. I photograph maternity, seniors, milestones, etc but weddings and families are my JAM. Will I take those “everyone-look-at-the-camera-and-smile pics?” Sure. But I LIVE for those candid, in between moments of clients just hanging out and doing their thing. I want those loud laughs, baby snuggles, kids acting real silly. Those buttoned up, perfectly put together pictures are great for Christmas cards, I get it, but give me the real deal stuff that portrays your actual messy life. That’s where the magic happens.
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?
1) Discipline. It can be lonely and exhausting running your own business. You have to wear so many hats. Shooting, editing, marketing, administrative duties, etc. You have to stay with it, and do what needs to be done. No one cares about your business success more than you. 2) Education. Honing your craft is a must. You have to spend the time, money, and energy to be the best you can be for clients. When I look back on my early work the cringe is real, but it also shows me how far I’ve come.
3) Relatability. I think potential clients want to know they can relate to you on a personal level. They want to know and trust you. Sometimes I feel like my awkward personality is a blessing. People can see themselves in me and realize they can relax at a session and just have fun without all the pressure.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Imposter syndrome. I think it’s completely normal to feel this, but the key is to not camp out there. It will creep in from time to time, but I try to do things that make me feel like I am enough. If I need to stay off social media and quit the comparison game, cool. If I need to plan a creative session just for me, heck yes! If I just need to decompress with some good trash tv, so be it. Self care is the name of the game when you’re in those lulls. In any creative industry, you have to know there will be the inevitable pendulum swing from “I suck” back to “I did that! I’m proud of myself.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alynnphotography.net
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/alynnphotography1
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/amandalynnphotos1
