Meet Amanda Landis

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amanda Landis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Amanda, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

I absolutely love being creative and getting to put together unique sets for my clients. Even getting to be creative at home with my two children is so much fun! It is inevitable though, we have all been in ruts and I think the best way to keep your creativity alive is actually to just allow yourself to accept that mental rest and then plan something that will jump start the creativity again. For me, I often plan mini sessions for my photography business when I am feeling like I need a little encouragement or a reason to put that part of my mind to work.

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?

I am a stay-at-home mom and photographer. I created my business going on 15 years ago as a side job, but it actually took off full time AFTER I had my children about 3-5 years ago. I am primarily a family focused photographer but I shoot most anything that comes my way. I believe my business became busier once I decided I am better off shooting and editing the way I love, not what’s “trending”. My confidence grew and I think that was apparent to potential clients. I love what I do, even if I didn’t make a dollar off of it, I’d still do it for fun! I really enjoy when I get to donate sessions to raffles or fundraisers so that families who may not otherwise have been able to get professional photos then have the opportunity. I am also HUGE on collaborating with other local small businesses and promoting them through my social media. With my new photography studio available, I have been non-stop thinking of fun events to include other businesses and hopefully help them get more business as well. Keep your eyes out for many fun things in the next few months!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Being confident in yourself will take you so far. “Your vibe attracts your tribe” as they say…If you love what you’re doing and love your product (whatever it may be) the right people will find you. Find your niche…not what everyone else is already doing. Being consistent is major and your genuineness will get you further than anything. I truly believe all of these things have made a major impact on my business.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I am always looking for other small businesses to collaborate with. Whether it be on a set design for mini sessions or offering my space for them to bring their services/products. I love when other small businesses shoot me an email ([email protected]) or even just drop into my DMs on Instagram (Little_Landis_Photography) looking to collaborate/requesting to use my studio, Smiley Acres Studio, LLC. Let’s connect!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://littlelandisphotography.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: Little_Landis_Photography