We recently connected with Amanda Neeley and have shared our conversation below.
Amanda, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
I have been blessed with a good family, great parents, and loving grandparents. That’s a fortunate situation that sets one up to see the good and positive in most things. That doesn’t mean life has been perfect or things always go my way. That is not the case. I’ve had some very tragic events in my life. Those events taught me I cannot control others or specific circumstances. I have learned to go with the flow, let events play out, and make decisions that adapt to what may be happening around me. In most situations, I’ve been able to reflect and see how it all worked out; maybe not how I initially thought it would, not on my timing, but in the end, it’s good. Therefore, I continue with that “go with the flow” mentality, which has consistently worked out for me. Being prepared is a great way to stay optimistic. I can’t predict what might go wrong with equipment, weather, or location complications in photography. However, knowing that I’ve practiced, thought through different scenarios, and generally having a positive attitude does wonders in most situations. Above all, being kind and treating others kindly and with a smile makes the world around you better.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
How fortunate are all of us who get to work in the art field! Teaching ballet for 25+ years has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my life. Each student and their family I work with has a lifelong impact on my life. It becomes so much more than just about being a ballet teacher. My photography career started 20 years ago when I began photographing my students at the studio where I continue to teach today, Impact Dance of Atlanta. I photograph recital portraits, headshots, audition photos for summer programs, portfolio sessions, and sessions just for social media. My students also come to me for their senior portraits, outdoor casual and dance portraits. It’s an honor when they have asked me to photograph their weddings and later babies! My client roster consists of over 20 Atlanta area schools for recital portraits, and I travel to Florida and North Carolina each spring. My goal is that these dancers see just how beautiful they are through the photograph. Often, a dancer is excited and surprised by what I just captured on the back of the camera. That boost of confidence is exactly what I’m hoping for each time! I want them to believe in themselves and be proud of what they see. I greatly enjoy working with the professional dancers who come in for resume sessions. They appreciate the feedback, corrections, and expertise I can offer as a photographer and my years of experience dancing and teaching. It’s always a fun collaboration, and it’s so rewarding when the same dancers come back to me repeatedly.
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?
Having a professional career in dance and then moving on to teaching dancers has been instrumental in my ability to communicate effectively behind the lens. I know what the movement should look like, the feeling it should evoke, and what changes need to be made for the best camera angles. As a photographer, I have always continued learning, practicing, and honing skills by attending workshops and conferences. There is always something to learn, a new take on something old, or simply fresh inspiration. Being humble and teachable no matter how good or big you get is a key to continuing to grow as an artist. As you learn, be willing to share that knowledge with others.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
Confidence is key to being successful. Even if confidence is faked to a degree, it is necessary. If you go in and exude confidence, people will treat you with a manner of respect that will help you improve. I believe the only way to have true confidence is through knowledge, practice, and preparedness. So, if you have a weakness, you need to hone that weakness, train it, build it, and learn in that area so it isn’t scary or uncertain. I believe we can do anything with training. You just have to have the guts to try and be willing to fail. With an optimistic attitude, you realize failures are only teaching moments that lead you to a goal. And many times, we try and don’t fail!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.amandaneeley.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amnphotographyatl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmandaNeeleyAMNPhotography
