Meet Amanda Waibel

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amanda Waibel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amanda below.

Amanda, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from a combination of personal challenges in the past that have taught me the value of perseverance and adaptability. I also draw strength from the people around me who provide support and perspective. Ultimately, I believe resilience is about staying focused on the bigger picture and knowing that setbacks are part of the process. I try to learn from each experience and keep moving forward, no matter how tough things get.

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?

Whether it’s through still images or dynamic video, my goal is to create visuals that resonate and evoke emotion. I work across a variety of genres, from portraiture and weddings, to commercial and documentary work, always focusing on authenticity and creativity. My approach is collaborative- I take the time to understand my clients’ vision and bring it to life through thoughtful composition, lighting, and direction. ultimately, my passion lies in documenting beauty and creating content that leaves a lasting impression.

What excites me about photography is being able to capture an emotion, a detail or a connection that can never be replicated. It’s like creating a visual narrative that speaks without words, and I find it incredibly rewarding to transform a moment into something timeless. Whether it’s the play of light, the expression of a subject, or the way everything aligns perfectly, photography allows me to see the world in a way that feels both intimate and infinite.

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?

Technical: Understanding the technical aspects of photography—such as exposure, lighting, composition, and post-processing—has been fundamental in allowing me to capture the images I envision. The more I refined these skills, the more I was able to focus on creativity without being constrained by technical limitations.

Creative vision: Developing my creative vision has been just as important as technical skills. Photography is about seeing the world in a unique way, finding beauty in the ordinary, and being able to capture a story or emotion through the lens. Over time, I’ve learned to trust my instincts and experiment with different angles, lighting, and settings to bring my ideas to life.

Patience and observation: The ability to wait for the right moment and truly observe my surroundings has made a huge impact. Whether it’s a candid shot or a planned setup, patience allows me to capture the essence of a scene in its most authentic form. It’s a skill I’ve developed through experience, learning when to act quickly and when to take my time to ensure I get the perfect shot.

– How you can best develop and improve on these:

Technical:

Learn the Basics: Invest time in learning fundamental concepts like the exposure triangle (ISO, aperture, shutter speed) and how they interact. There are plenty of online resources, tutorials, and courses that can help solidify your technical knowledge.

Creative Vision:

Experiment: Try different genres of photography, such as portrait, landscape, or street photography, to see what sparks your creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with unconventional angles or techniques.

Patience and Observation:

Slow Down and Be Present: Rather than rushing to take the shot, take a moment to observe your surroundings. Look for details in the lighting, shadows, and composition that you might otherwise miss.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

My number one obstacle has been managing bipolar disorder while striving to maintain a successful life and business. The nature of the condition—shifting between periods of high energy and productivity, and times of deep fatigue or difficulty focusing—can make it tough to find balance. I’ve had to learn how to navigate my mental health in a way that doesn’t compromise my work or personal life. This includes building routines, setting clear boundaries, and understanding when to seek help or take a break. It’s a constant process of self-awareness and adaptation, but I’ve come to see my journey with bipolar disorder as a part of who I am, rather than something that defines me. Embracing this has allowed me to find ways to continue pursuing my passion for photography and videography, while also prioritizing my well-being.”
Above all though, my number one way of overcoming obstacles and challenges comes from my Christian faith in God. Through the trials and tribulations of life I have always had to rely on and trust in my God who has always had me and never abandoned me.
I feel so undeserving because this is all just for Him. Everything I do is for the Lord and for whatever reason He has chosen me to overcome these obstacles I face for my testimony. It’s all to help others, to show that even in the struggle, it is all possible through Him, Christ Jesus.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @amandacooperphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmandaCooperPhotos/
• Other: Email: amandacooperphotos@gmail.com