Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ameliah Rogers. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ameliah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

Growing up, I was raised by a single mother until the age of 14, when she remarried. During those formative years—just the two of us—my mom did a lot of things right, but the most impactful was teaching me the value of resilience and an unwavering work ethic.

From a very young age, I watched her do what felt impossible: work full-time from home, go to school part-time, and raise me full-time. Yes, we had a village when we needed it, but more often than not, it was just her and me, figuring it out together. Watching her push through challenges that would overwhelm most adults—and still come out on top—taught me what strength really looks like.

While I’m incredibly grateful that my stepdad eventually came into our lives and gave my mom everything she deserves, it was those earlier years that shaped me. Because of her, I’ve grown into someone who is strong, independent, and unafraid of hard work. She showed me that dreams don’t just happen—you have to work for them. And when you love what you do, that work becomes a passion.

My mom is the definition of “hard work pays off.” She taught me how to be a leader, how to stand up for myself, and how to move through the world with purpose. Now, as an adult, I’m still learning from her—just on a different level. Today, she’s teaching me how to speak up in male-dominated spaces, how to make a name for myself, and how to own my place at the table. She’s showing me how to be a boss lady in every sense of the word.

While our journey wasn’t always easy, I’m endlessly thankful that she’s not only my mother but also my greatest role model. Seeing her resilience from such a young age shaped who I am—then and now.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I discovered photography the summer before starting high school. I had just moved to a new area, and for the first time, I was exposed to creative opportunities that simply weren’t available to me before. Coming from a community where extracurriculars like photography weren’t offered, I signed up just to try something new. I told myself if I didn’t like it, I’d try something else the next year—but I fell in love with it almost immediately. From that point on, I’ve rarely been without a camera in my hand.

A few years later, while in college, I officially started my photography business. It began as a side passion but has truly gained momentum in the past year. At the same time, I also found myself drawn to education. I switched my major and began working in schools—and that’s when I fell in love with teaching, too. Now, I balance both creative and educational paths, and they continue to fuel each other in unexpected ways.

One of my biggest inspirations was my high school photography teacher. She didn’t just teach me how to take a photo—she showed me what it meant to feel seen, supported, and capable. Her impact was so profound that I truly believe she’s the reason I made it through high school. Now, as I grow into my role as both a photographer and an educator, I strive to be that same kind of presence for the young people I work with.

In my photography work, I primarily focus on portraits and events, but I also enjoy creating conceptual pieces that allow me—and my clients—to explore more artistic and meaningful themes. Whether it’s capturing a graduation, helping someone launch a new brand, or creating a visual story that reflects a personal journey, my work is always rooted in intention and authenticity.

What sets me apart is the experience I offer. I’m not just here to take a photo—I’m here to help people feel more confident than they were when they arrived. I work closely with my clients to celebrate milestones, reflect their personalities, and help them uncover or elevate their brand—whether that’s personal or professional.

What I’m most proud of is being able to use both of my passions—photography and education—to make people feel empowered. Whether it’s helping someone see themselves in a new light through a photo, or showing a young person they’re capable of more than they know, that’s what drives me.

At the end of the day, I want people to walk away from a session not just with great photos, but with a deeper sense of confidence and clarity about who they are and what they represent.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

From the very beginning, I’ve been incredibly lucky to have the support of my mom, who has always believed in me, my craft, and the heart I put into my work. She was not only my first investor but also my biggest cheerleader—always ready to help whenever I needed it, without a moment’s hesitation. Her belief in me gave me the confidence to take those important first steps.

I also carry the spirit of my grandmother with me in everything I do. She was a deeply passionate woman who supported everyone around her in pursuing their dreams, no matter what. When she passed, I chose to honor her legacy by using the inheritance she left me to reinvest in my business—upgrading my products, improving the client experience, and elevating my overall brand. It felt like a full-circle moment, turning her unwavering support into something lasting and meaningful.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist is getting to witness the transformation—both inside and out. I love watching confidence grow in someone who may not have fully seen their own light before. Being able to help people see themselves as the best version of who they are, to reflect back the beauty, strength, or softness they didn’t know was there—that’s powerful.

There’s something so special about showing someone how radiant they truly are, and then capturing that in a way that lasts. Whether it’s a milestone moment or just a fleeting expression, knowing that I’m helping families preserve those memories forever is a feeling that never gets old. It’s not just about creating something beautiful—it’s about creating something meaningful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://blackcatphotography.glossgenius.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mia.rogers.photo/?igsh=Yjc5dnRoeWwxazV3
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhotographyByMiaRogers?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=lV0qs0oe93qBtVzG&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F15xr9xf6po%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr

Image Credits

All of these images are from shoots I have booked and completed!