We recently connected with Amanda Kamppinen and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, thanks for joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Amanda, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve wanted to be a photographer since I was a small child. At age 12 I saved up my babysitting money to buy my first camera, a Minolta 3xi from Best Buy on St. Patrick’s Day. Not sure what led me to be so interested in photography but it was an early calling and I immersed myself in reading about cameras and practicing shooting when hanging out with friends or exploring. This led me to eventually work in a professional photography lab, learning the product side of photography. I took my business from a side hustle to my only employment in 2008.

Staring in mainly portraits and weddings my business is now 50% consumer photography and 50% commercial work, food, and headshots. I love the unique challenges and opportunities each of these categories brings, Being able to create in such vastly different genres and spaces is very fulfilling.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I’m a creator first. My tool is photography. I love making things that people enjoy. If I had been a better painter or sculptor that may have been my path instead. My goal is always to create something valuable. Whether that’s a cherished childhood milestone that a family will hang on their wall for many years or a stunning food or drink shot that will help a restaurant bring in business and thrive.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

During the pandemic, all of my photography work completely stopped. I had in 2019 began to dabble in food photography. I was finding much joy in that work and when the world stopped and I had to stay home practicing my food photography skills and working on personal projects saved my sanity. I hadn’t realized how much of my person was wrapped in creating for others it was a challenge to make projects for myself. When the world opened back up I had a more diverse portfolio to start showing potential clients. I truly believe that time helped me be able to grow the food photography side of my business which would have taken much longer without the focus I was able to give it during that time frame. I still make time for personal projects as I think it makes me a stronger artist and helps build problem-solving skills.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.amandakamppinen.com and www.arraephotography.com
• Instagram: @amanda.kamppinen
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arraephotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-kamppinen-00397110/

Image Credits
These are all my images, headshot included