We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amy Schwartz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amy below.
Amy, thanks for taking the time to share your lessons with our community today. So, let’s jump right in – one of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. Where does your self-discipline come from?
My self-discipline comes from my ‘want’. I’ve always known that my ultimate career goal is to become a tour photographer, and I’ve never lost sight of that vision. It’s a path that demands hard work, patience, and resilience—and I’ve committed fully to that reality.
Whenever I feel tired or tempted to put off editing or skip a shoot, I remind myself why I started. I think about how much this goal means to me, the sense of fulfillment I’ll feel when I achieve it, and how every small effort moves me closer. This isn’t a dream I’ve placed on a fixed timeline—it’s a long-term commitment, one that requires consistent effort every day. That internal drive—the ‘want’—is what fuels my focus and keeps me moving forward.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As a concert photographer, no two days are ever the same—and that unpredictability is exactly what draws me in. I work both as a freelancer and as the co-founder and lead photographer of DISTRACTED, an independent online music magazine dedicated to spotlighting rising artists, emerging photographers, and the unique, often overlooked stories within the music industry.
What makes DISTRACTED special is that we’re not traditional journalists—we’re passionate fans first. Our goal is to create a space that feels personal, honest, and deeply rooted in a love for the art. We’re building a platform for people like us: those who live and breathe music and want to celebrate it in its rawest, most authentic form.
As a photographer, my favorite part of shooting live shows is that I have no control—and that’s where the magic lies. I can’t adjust the lighting, the haze, or where the artist moves next. Every moment is unpredictable, and capturing something powerful in the midst of that chaos is endlessly thrilling. It keeps me inspired, challenged, and constantly pushing to evolve.
We’re currently working on expanding DISTRACTED with new editorial features, collaborations, and opportunities to elevate more voices in the music space. Whether you’re an artist, a creative, or just someone who loves music as much as we do, we’re building something for you.
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?
For me, its false confidence, real confidence, and patience.
In the beginning, you often have to lean on what I call “false confidence”—that willingness to show up and act like you belong, even if you’re still figuring things out behind the scenes. It’s not about being fake; it’s about giving yourself permission to grow into the person you want to become. That energy can open doors and create opportunities that help build your real confidence.
As that internal confidence grows, it becomes the fuel that keeps you going. When you truly believe in yourself and your work, you stop waiting for permission and start pursuing bigger challenges. You’re less afraid to reach out or put yourself in rooms that once felt intimidating.
The final piece is patience. Even when you’re doing everything right, success doesn’t always come quickly. There are moments where it feels like nothing is moving—but those are often the times when the most growth is happening under the surface. Don’t quit, stay consistent and trust the process.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
The friends I made during my time at Columbia College Chicago have had the biggest impact on my growth. Being surrounded by people who shared the same passion and drive for music and photography created an environment of constant inspiration and support. We believed in each other fully—and still do. I found friends who push me creatively, hold me accountable, and are often more excited to promote my work than I am. That kind of encouragement has been invaluable, especially in an industry as gatekept and competitive as music.
When you’re aiming high in a field like this, having a solid support system of people who genuinely believe in you makes all the difference. They reminded me that I wasn’t chasing this alone—and that kind of belief can carry you through the toughest moments.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amysphotos.myportfolio.com https://distractedmag.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyschwartzphotos/ https://www.instagram.com/distractedmagazine/
Image Credits
Amy Schwartz
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
