One of our newest Premium Wedding Photographers in Florida is Orlando-based Amanda McMahon Photography. We asked her a few questions to give you the chance to get to know her:
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Well, I am a 24 year old, ice cream-a-holic, pet loving, flip flop wearing, addicted to Dr. Pepper wife and photographer. :) I think that sums it up! :) Just Kidding….on the summing up part at least.
I am an outgoing, friendly, worry wart. I work a lot, and play a lot. I have wonderful family and friends, and I wouldn’t be where I am without them and their support and encouragement. My husband is my backbone and I love people. I love documenting everyday life, once in a lifetime events, and just the plain old fun that comes with life and love. I am a huge fan of realness and honesty and I love when people can just be themselves. It makes my “job” so much easier…..they come to life in front of me and I am there to capture it. It’s an amazingly blessed life that I live.
Why did you choose to become a photographer?
Simply put…..I love people. I used to get yelled at when I was younger (ok…and now) for people watching. I would make stories up about a couple that I didn’t even know. They were having an obvious tiff and in my head, I’d wonder what got them to that point. Or, I’d see a new mom talking to her newborn while grocery shopping and think of how cute and wonderful that is. It’s so easy for me to watch people and WANT to know them. So now, I get to let my creative juices flow AND watch people……I can’t think of anything better for me. Not even being an ice cream tester…and THAT says a lot. Hehe.
How long have you been a photographer?
I am what some may call a “newb”. I went to school for a photography degree and graduated in Decmeber 2007. Once graduating, I worked and assisted other photographers around the area, and then in January 2009, I jumped in head first on my own, and I have never looked back. Not that anyone is counting, but it’s about 1 year, 4 months and 24 days….give a day or two depending on when you read this :)
How would you classify your style of photography?
Fresh, Outgoing, and Modern Lifestyle and Wedding photography. I document everyday life and events with a little bit of a twist. I want people to see those images I create and say, “wow, that is so them!” I want to show the laughs, the passion, and the heart these clients of mine have….not just a smile at the camera. Drawing that out and putting my own little zest with it….that’s what I do!
Who or what are some of your influences on either a personal or professional level?
Oh wow, um, well Jose Villa for starters is one of my favorite photographers. He connects with people and keeps things very simple, light, and refreshing….I love to see that. Additionally, at an even more extreme, and as cliche as this may be, Annie Leibwitz is an inspiration on all levels. The people she has photographed, the things she has gotten them to do, her eye and her skill are just impeccable.
On a personal level, my colleagues. Those are the people you are befriending, “competing” with and ultimately working with on a day to day basis. They inspire me, push me, and motivate me to be at my best at all times. To push myself past any limits I may have, and to constantly re-evaluate where I am going and why.
Do you have any good wedding stories?
I’m sure I do, but can’t think of any that stick out as of right now. An Engagement story on the other hand…..those I have. I just very recently, shot an engagement session on private property (thousands of acres) and of course….it’s horses, and cows, and pigs etc. I was being SO careful all day to avoid cow manure, or any manure for that matter, until the last 15 minutes of the shoot. I’m taking their photographs in this beautiful field surrounded by the moos of the nearby cows, and I feel something sorta wet on my foot. Lo and Behold, I had just stepped in a cow pie. Having not learned my lesson, about 5 minutes later, I did it again. Gotta trudge along though…..anything to get the shot, right?! Good story to tell when I met people for dinner later that same night……hope I didn’t smell!
What’s your preferred type of camera equipment?
I shoot Canon. I have a Canon 5D Mark II, and a Canon 50D as well as all Canon lens and accessories. My favorite lens currently, is the 135mm 2.0. I love the fact that it’s sharp, fast, and I can get in people’s faces without actually being in their face!
What would you recommend for a couple just starting their search for a wedding photographer?
2 things….1.) Know your personalities and look for someone who is very close…..you are going to spend a lot of time with them and it’s important you connect and vibe. 2.) Know your budget. Most photographers don’t have their full prices on their sites, but some have a range. If you fall well below that range, it may be best to keep looking, or email them and come right out and tell them this is what you have to work with and is there anything they can offer for that. You wanna find who’s right, but don’t want to waste valuable time either.
Any fun personal facts we should know about you?
I’m sure I could give a lot, but as my dad would say…..people don’t need to know EVERYTHING about you. So for him, I will listen this time and not give away something embarrasing in the heat of the moment. Instead, I will tell you that my favorite ice cream is Baskin Robbins Chocolate Chip, but I am a HUGE fan of Marble Slab (similar to Cold Stone, but better) and an even bigger fan of Pinkberry (Frozen Yogurt) and I would literally eat Pinkberry every. single. day….only if it resulted in 1.) me being wealthy and 2.) never gaining weight. I would be in Heaven.
And my dream vacation is South Africa….why? Because I have always, always, wanted to go on a true safari. I would just about sell my kidney if I could ever go. I’d rather be able to save for it, but if it came to it….bye kidney! (just kidding….kind of)
Amanda is an Orlando, Florida-based destination wedding photographer. Contact her today!
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