We recently connected with Amanda Klaus-Henggeler and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Amanda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I was able to start my own business as a lifestyle photographer while working a full time job as a product photographer, I was mostly photographing smaller weddings. I was already editing photos all day at work but during lunch hours I was able to edit my own photos. In 2017 my daughter was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (also known as Brittle Bone Disease) and I became a stay at home parent and was faced with the reality that I could now use this huge lifestyle change to focus on my own business. And I’ve been doing that ever since! My daughter just started school for the first time and I’m now really able to focus on my business and give it 100%. I’ve offered all sorts of photography sessions but my favorite events are headshots and weddings, and I’m looking to focus 2023 on those two types of sessions mostly.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I always loved taking photos but it wasn’t until I was in college in Houston, Texas that I learned I could actually make a living taking photos. I transferred to St. Edward’s University in Austin because they were known for their photo department and while I was finishing my degree I was already working with local and traveling bands to photograph live events, press photos, and backstage portraits. Music photography was my first true passion but it wasn’t paying the bills and I had to find for a regular job. I spent several years in the social work field and I feel like that gave me an advantage of having more patience with children, especially kiddos with special needs, and loving families of all types. Being a mom has also definitely helped with my patience.

Each session I strive for that perfect photo, and it may not be perfect by standard practices, but it’s toothy smiles and big laughs for me, tight embraces, tickles, and stolen kisses. I want to take a picture that makes you smile every time you see it. And everyone deserves beautiful photos.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients is 100% word of mouth referral. It happens in so many different ways thanks to social media. It’s sometimes hard to keep up with it but anytime someone tags me on a Facebook post or shares their new photos or writes a great review, it’s such a proud moment to know I’m doing something right.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Annie Leibovitz is my all time favorite photographer. Her books themselves are absolutely beautiful, not to mention the beauty inside. Her work really made me explore the idea of mixing music photography and portraits for a series I did featuring backstage portraits of several band members and musicians. I fell in love with portraits and I think that’s why I love taking headshots so much.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.amandaklaus.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/amandaklausphoto
• Facebook: Facebook.com/amandaklausphoto

Image Credits
Amanda Klaus Photography