We’re looking forward to introducing you to Amanda Leidy. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Amanda , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Hi! I’d love to delve into what life has been like lately. With two older toddlers ( two and four), we have finally broken out of the constant diaper, nap, and teething hustle. Although, they have not slowed down much so our days are still full and joyful.
I really enjoy opening the home before they’re awake as often as i can. That usually means i’m up around 5:30 to do my devotions, coffee, and anything else i need to do for work. Although it sounds maybe unnecessary, it sets me up with a balanced brain for the day.
We have just begun life with a child in school, so we focus on that throughout the day and have really enjoyed baking a bunch of bread and hosting often. I work on photography usually at night, since my focus right now is submitting my work to publications and exhibitions. This has taken off a lot of the time sensitivity of my work! I shoot as much as I can and its become very therapeutic to just do what I love in a meditative, and thoughtful way.
I have also become certified as a personal trainer, so much of my free time i invest in research, and 1:1 client conversations and work. Thankful I have jobs I can do at my kitchen table while my toddlers nap! Life feels really balanced right now, and I am so very thankful.
My days usually end with a cup of tea and a card game, or something of the like between Trisden and I. We try to keep the TV off most nights of the week, but really enjoy a good sci-fi movie or series.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Amanda Leidy. Wife before anything, mom to the two best boys, documentary photographer, and personal trainer. That about sums up every corner of my heart. I have always been a photographer and a collector of memories, and that is my passion. I focus on capturing anything that tells a story. People, places, things, and animals. I will always dream of traveling and- in some universe- sharing my work through organizations like National Geographic and the like. I was a history major in college, so I think I am naturally inclined to the photojournalistic style of photography.
Personal Training has been a long time coming. I have been in the gym consistently for almost 10 years, and have accrued so much research ( I guess you could say) on fitness and health. Its been an interesting journey for myself since 4 of those years were through pregnancies, nursing, and postpartum. By way of that, I have really grown in interest for health and fitness with moms!
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
I have met and exchanged thoughts with so many people along my path of life. I really couldn’t narrow down one person as being the turning point in photography for me. But there were professors of mine in college who truly believed in me. I really couldn’t even begin to thank them for what they did to inspire me, encourage me, and send me off to incredible opportunities.
My husband is my biggest cheerleader, and most dont even see how encouraging and supportive he is. If there is ever a wild opportunity in my lap, he wont let me say no. I’d be full of a lot of fear and hesitation if he wasnt in my corner keeping me upright!
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
before we moved to Charleston, SC, I really hit a point with photography that I struggled to get through. I raised the question for the first time of whether or not I was really meant to continue. Photography is an incredibly saturated market, and without massive amounts of money, or connections, its tough to break through the crowd. Since that moment of doubt I have really seen where my artistic perspective belongs, and chasing viral success is really not fulfilling or the ultimate goal.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
I do not share much of my life online, so no, not really. I enjoy keeping me and my families life private and personal!
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That i knew God and made Him known
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amandacleidy.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandacleidy/
Image Credits
Amanda Leidy
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