We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amanda Barrett a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Amanda, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

I’ve had both and can confidently say that YES, I am truly happier as a business owner. There are some great benefits to having a corporate career, and I grew up thinking I’d always climb that ladder, but I am so grateful for the opportunity to step away from that, and build something that is for my family. I’m happy to have the freedom to build it how I want, and not have to worry about the corporate structure. On the flipside, I’m truly grateful for the career I had, and I do think it’s led me to be a better business owner. I am a toddler mom, and I’m hyper-aware of how fast time is flying by, so for our family – having my business is 100% the right move for us. There are times I briefly wonder if I should go back, but I’m very quickly reminded of the freedom that allows me to focus so much on my baby while she’s still “a baby.”

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.

Hi!! I’m Amanda, the one behind the camera at Amanda Barrett Photography. I am one of those cliche “I’ve always had a camera” photographers. I can remember when I was VERY young, I always had a camera – I always wanted the latest and greatest, and it was always SO FUN to wait for the film to be developed and look through the pictures I had taken. I remember when I got a little older, taking my friends out to a field and we’d take turns taking photos. Eventually, I got a digital camera and it was the coolest thing ever to see the photos immediately! Then came camera phones, and the actual cameras got set aside for a while. And then, for my 30th birthday, a good friend did a birthday photo session for me.. and it re-sparked that flame for me and my love of photography. I haven’t put a camera back down since. I started my business and decided pretty quickly that I wanted to focus on the magic of motherhood and all things surrounding that. I want my clients’ children to grow up seeing their faces on the walls of their homes and KNOW without a doubt that they matter, they’re an important member of the family, and they’re loved. I don’t send clients home with hundreds of digital photos to be lost in the cloud because they’re too overwhelmed to decide which ones to print later. I help them decide. I help narrow the choices down, and when my clients are through the entire experience, they have the BEST of the best, the most favorite of images. The ones that will be seen everyday for years to come. These photos matter, and they deserve to be seen and cherished.
I’m fully aware that *most* people consider photo sessions as a chore, something that they should do but that no one looks forward to. It’s my goal to change this. Let’s make it fun, so you’re making memories with your family while also capturing the essence of who you are as a family right now, not just marking it off the “to-do list.” I help my clients with so many of the overwhelming decisions – like planning the location, the outfits, all the way to selecting the images. I want my clients to feel comfortable with me and my camera. I recognize most people don’t know “how to pose,” so I will tell you exactly what to do. I do this for a living and still get awkward on the other side! I get it, but I’ll help you relax and tell you what to do with your hands! (Get that reference? If so, let’s be friends! If not, I still wanna be friends).
So bottom line, I want to help you not feel stressed and overwhelmed about a photo session, but rather look forward to the memories made and the photos of those memories on the wall. Let’s talk!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

It’s 100% the pure excitement and joy (and often tears) when parents see their photos for the first time, and then again in print. I can’t get enough of the emotion that comes with that! I know how I feel when I see stunning photos of my own family, and it’s such a thrill to give that gift to other families!!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think just being true to myself and morals. I want to give clients the best version of me and my business. I strive to give excellent service, even to those who don’t book with me.. I want to help everyone have the best experience when it comes to having photos of their babies/families.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amandabarrettphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandabarrettphoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandabarrettphoto
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandabarrettphoto?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Image Credits
All images by me, Amanda Barrett