I’M THE PERSON BEHIND THE CAMERA
I’m Amanda — portrait photographer, designer-at-heart, wife, mom, dog person and lifelong creative. I’m happiest barefoot, near the water, exploring somewhere I’ve never been, or at home dancing in the kitchen with my kids.
I’ve always been someone who notices people. Their relationships, their personalities, the little expressions and quirks that make them unmistakably them. I think that’s a big part of why photography fits me so well.
When I photograph you, I want both sides of your story — the beautifully posed, polished portrait and the perfectly imperfect moment that happens in between. The laugh, the look, the personality, the way your people naturally connect when they forget for a second that I’m standing there with a camera.
I’m creative by nature, I feel all the feels, probably more tenacious than I need to be, and deeply aware of how quickly the seasons of our lives change. I want to create photographs that look beautiful, of course — but even more than that, I want them to feel like the people in them.
ALWAYS WATCHING FOR THE LITTLE DETAILS
Someone once said, “The days are long, but the years fly by.”
Now that I’ve watched one of my own babies grow up and begin a life of her own, I understand that in an entirely different way.
When I look back, it isn’t only the birthdays and big milestones I wish I had photographed more. It’s...
The little angry face that always turned red like Tink. (My big.)
The hilarious smile that had to show ALL of her teeth. (My littlest.)
The full-body shiver when he tasted something he absolutely did not like. (My middle — and this one still makes me laugh.)
The ordinary things I never imagined I could forget, but somehow time slowly tries to erase.
That perspective has changed the way I photograph other families, too. I want you to have the portrait you’ll proudly hang on your wall — and the tiny expression that instantly takes you back to exactly who they were right then.
A FEW THINGS ABOUT ME
WHAT I STAND FOR
Bare feet over busy feet.
Beautifully posed and polished and perfectly imperfect moments in between.
Heirloom over trendy.
Wall art that makes you feel something.
Kids being completely themselves.
Designing your home around what matters most.
Relationships, personalities and all the little things that make your people yours.
And dogs. Always the dogs.
WATER GIRL IN THE DESERT
I love the water — which, yes, I realize is slightly ironic considering I live in the Sonoran Desert.
Give me the ocean, a kayak, a swimming pool or a quiet mountain lake and I’m happy.
For now, My Hubby of 23 years and I are raising our last two babies beneath enormous Arizona skies, and this beautiful desert continues to be home.
ALWAYS CURIOUS
I’m a wannabe world traveler who loves exploring and learning how other people live. I collect little bits of earth from the places I visit because apparently buying a normal souvenir isn't enough for me.
I love old streets, unfamiliar food, different cultures and that feeling of standing somewhere completely new and realizing how enormous the world really is.
In another life, I’m fairly certain I would have been a geologist or meteorologist. There’s just something about this planet that fascinates me.
THE IMPORTANT STUFF
Kitchen dancing with my kids.
Exploring the world with my husband.
Espresso and tea.
Pizza and nachos.
A glass of dry wine at the end of a long day.
Being barefoot whenever possible.
My dogs — whom I will probably greet before I greet you. Sorry.
And planning the next adventure before I’ve completely unpacked from the last one.
GOOD PEOPLE DOING GOOD THINGS AND GIVING BACK
There are some pretty incredible people doing meaningful work for pets, kids and families right here in our community, and I’ve been fortunate to support a few of them in different ways.
I created Pooch Playoffs Tucson as a way to use photography to raise money for local animal rescue. I’ve photographed high school seniors through Youth On Their Own, and I’ve had opportunities to support organizations like The Sanctuary Project, and Tucson Rescue Now along the way.
These are just a few of the organizations I love and believe in.
If one of these organizations speaks to you and you’d like to volunteer, donate or learn how you can help, send me a message through the contact form below. I’d be happy to help get you connected.
READY TO TELL YOUR STORY?
You don’t need to know how to pose.
You don’t need perfectly behaved children.
You definitely don’t need a perfectly behaved dog.
You just need to bring your people.
We’ll create the rest together.