Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amanda Overton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Amanda , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
For a long time, I was searching for something that felt truly meaningful — a way to express myself while also connecting with others. When I picked up a camera, something just clicked. It wasn’t just about technique or aesthetics; it was about the feeling behind the image. The ability to transform how an image is captured and perceived—simply through subtle shifts in angle and lighting—is both fascinating and powerful. It’s a nuanced skill that goes beyond technical instruction; it’s something that’s developed through experience, intuition, and a deep understanding of visual storytelling. Through photography, I discovered my purpose: to help people see the world — and themselves — with fresh eyes.
At the heart of it all, I do this to bring joy. Photography, for me, is more than just capturing moments — it’s about creating an experience for the viewer. I want my photos to spark something in the people who see them, whether it’s a quiet sense of peace, a rush of excitement, a wave of nostalgia, or even just a reason to pause.
In a world that often moves too fast, I hope my images offer a moment of stillness — a breath, a memory, a deeper appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us every day. I aim to reflect not just what’s in front of the lens, but what’s behind it too: intention, emotion, and a genuine desire to connect. If someone walks away from one of my photos feeling even just a little more grounded, inspired, or uplifted, then I know I’ve done what I set out to do.
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’m a photographer from a small town just outside Ottawa, Kansas. My work spans a wide range of subjects including portraits, landscapes, and nature but I’m especially drawn to high-energy, fast-paced environments. I love photographing live events, the excitement of car shows, and the intensity of sports and action scenes. There’s something thrilling about freezing a split second of motion—where the emotion and energy are raw and real.
For me, photography is more than a creative outlet—it’s how I connect with the world and share how I experience it. Every photo I take captures a unique moment in time, whether it’s filled with motion, emotion, or quiet beauty. I also enjoy food and commercial photography, helping businesses showcase their products in a bold, appealing way. And when the pace slows down, you’ll find me behind the lens capturing nature, wildlife, and quiet landscapes—moments that ground and inspire me.
Whatever the setting, my goal is always the same: to tell a story, capture the feeling, and reveal the details that might otherwise be missed.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities that I believe were most impactful in my journey include versatility in subject matter, attention to movement and timing, and emotional connection and passion for photography.
I have developed a broad skill set—from nature and wildlife to food, events, commercial, and portrait photography. That adaptability keeps your creativity fresh and allows you to grow continuously as an artist. Experiment early and often. Don’t box yourself into one niche too quickly. Try different genres and see what energizes you. I would also build foundational skills that apply across categories—like lighting, composition, and editing. These are will serve you in every type of photography.
Capturing live events, car shows, and sports requires precision, fast reflexes, and a deep understanding of timing. Shoot fast-moving subjects regularly—sports games, pets, street scenes. This will train your anticipation and your camera control under pressure. Learning how to track motion and use burst mode, high shutter speeds, and continuous focus modes effectively helped me tremendously.
My deep emotional connection to photography is the heart of my work. It’s not just something I do—it’s how I see, feel, and relate to the world. That kind of passion fuels curiosity, perseverance, and creativity. It’s what pushes you to get up early for the perfect light, to chase a fleeting moment at a car show, or to spend time editing until an image feels just right. It’s the reason your photos resonate with people—they’re not just technically sound, they’re emotionally honest.
This passion has helped me navigate the inevitable ups and downs that come with any creative pursuit. When motivation dips or self-doubt creeps in, love for the process—not just the results—is what keeps you going. The best advice that I can give for this is to follow what excites you, and take breaks when needed, but don’t quit. Burnout can happen, especially when photography becomes work. Step back, reconnect with your “why,” and return to it when you’re ready.
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?
I work full-time, I have a toddler who’s almost two, and I’m trying to keep my passion for photography alive on the side. It’s a lot—and some days, it feels like too much. I’ve always loved photography for how it connects me to the world, how it allows me to slow down and see things differently. But lately, instead of being something that fills me up, it’s started to feel like something else I have to manage.
I’m learning that it’s okay to say no. To turn down sessions when I’m overwhelmed, when my plate is full, or when my heart just isn’t in it. That hasn’t been easy—but it’s necessary. I’ve realized that honoring my own limits is just as important as honoring my commitments to others.
At the same time, I’m starting to explore new directions within photography—spaces that feel more manageable and creatively aligned with this season of life. I’ve been drawn more and more to live events and food photography. There’s a different pace to it, one that gives me room to be intentional and creative without the same emotional and time demands that come with scheduling back-to-back sessions or editing into the late hours of the night.
This shift doesn’t mean I’m giving up—it means I’m evolving. It means I’m choosing to protect my passion so that it doesn’t burn out completely. It means I’m giving myself space to breathe, to rest, and to find joy in photography again—on my own terms.
If you’re in a similar season, I see you. Be kind to yourself. You’re allowed to change, to pivot, and to grow in a different direction. Creativity isn’t linear—and neither is life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amandaovertonphotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: @amanda.overton.photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amanda.overton.photography/
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