We recently connected with Amalia Abdalfatah and have shared our conversation below.

Amalia , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

Absolutely, I’ve been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work at Amalia Clicks, but it didn’t happen overnight. From the beginning, I focused entirely on building my business, which required patience and persistence. I started by refining my craft, creating a portfolio that aligned with the bold, vibrant style I wanted to be known for. I used platforms like Instagram (@amalia.clicks) to showcase my work, attract clients, and build relationships.

A significant milestone came when I narrowed my focus to product and brand photography. This shift allowed me to tap into a specific market and establish a stronger reputation, leading to real growth. Creating content such as behind-the-scenes footage, product setups, and styling tips also helped boost engagement and increase inquiries.

Looking back, I don’t think I would’ve changed much about the journey. Every step, from creating for smaller brands to landing larger projects, taught me something valuable. If anything, I could’ve pushed myself to market my services more aggressively from the start, but I’m proud of the steady, organic growth that’s brought me to where I am today.

Amalia , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

For those who may not know me, I’m Amalia, the owner and lead photographer of Amalia Clicks. I’ve always had a passion for photography, capturing life’s little details during my college days and finding beauty in the world around me. The real turning point came when my husband gifted me my first professional DSLR camera on my 25th birthday—talk about an exciting (and slightly intimidating!) gift. It was during the pandemic, so I had plenty of time to dive deep into photography and turn this passion into something more. That’s when (Amalia Clicks) was born!

With a background in architecture and design, I naturally gravitated toward creating custom sets and styling that tell a story. Now, I specialize in brand and product photography, helping businesses create a strong visual identity that reflects who they are. My services cover everything from e-commerce and branding sessions to studio-stylized product and food photography. I love getting creative with set designs and post-production to really bring a brand’s vision to life.

One challenge many clients face is knowing they need photography, but not being sure what kind or how many photos they need—or even how to make their brand shine visually. That’s where I come in! I guide clients through a detailed inquiry process and pre-production meeting, where we craft a custom mood board and shot list to make sure we’re hitting all the marks. By the time we start shooting, we’re all on the same page, and clients can feel confident knowing they’ll get exactly what their brand needs to stand out.

What makes Amalia Clicks different? First off, it’s all about the personal touch! I work one-on-one with each client, so you get my full attention every step of the way. Plus, our studio is stocked with an incredible range of props and backdrops—at no extra cost—which takes a lot of the stress off planning your shoot. You won’t have to worry about sourcing anything; we’ve got you covered from A to Z.

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing my photos out in the world—whether it’s on a client’s website, in a magazine, or part of a promotional campaign. But what really makes my day is hearing from clients who are thrilled with the results and feel like their brand has been brought to life by our work together.

For anyone considering working with me, I want you to know that it’s not just about taking pretty pictures (though I do love that part!). It’s about creating images that genuinely reflect your brand’s story and help you connect with your audience. I’m here to make the process fun, easy, and, most importantly, successful for you!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think one thing non-creatives may struggle to understand is that being a creative isn’t just about having fun with art or photography—it’s a full-on business. There’s this idea that because we love what we do, it’s always easy or carefree. But the reality is that it takes a lot of behind-the-scenes work, planning, and learning to make creativity sustainable. For example, when I started Amalia Clicks, it wasn’t just about taking beautiful photos. I had to learn how to market myself, build a client base, create a consistent workflow, and, most importantly, align my creative vision with my clients’ business needs.

Another challenge is that creativity isn’t something you can just turn on and off like a switch. Inspiration isn’t always there when you need it, but deadlines still exist! There’s a lot of pressure to stay innovative while balancing the technical and business sides of things.

For those looking to understand this journey, I’d say don’t underestimate the work that goes into creative careers. It’s about pushing your boundaries, learning new skills, and managing a business just like any other field. At the same time, it’s incredibly rewarding, because when you see your ideas come to life and make a real impact for your clients, all that effort is worth it!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

At the heart of my creative journey lies a vision that fuels my passion—a dream of establishing a vibrant creative hub, a sanctuary where imagination knows no bounds. This space would be more than just a studio; it would be a collaborative ecosystem where artists, creators, and visionaries come together to weave their talents into stunning works of art.

Imagine a place buzzing with energy, where workshops and gatherings spark inspiration and innovation. It would be a melting pot of ideas, where every corner invites exploration and every collaboration leads to unexpected, beautiful outcomes.

I’d love to create a nurturing environment where clients and fellow creatives can thrive together, unlocking new opportunities for growth and connection. This hub would be a beacon for those looking to elevate their brands while fostering a sense of community and creativity that’s truly transformative. Ultimately, it’s about building a legacy of collaboration and creativity, where we all uplift each other and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amaliaclicks.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amalia.clicks?igsh=MWtlOG5pNmppM2Iydw==
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amalia-abdalfatah-7a8b111b3
• Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/amalia-clicks-baltimore-2

Image Credits

amalia.clicks