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

Amanda, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us 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?

I didn’t start out with the intention of earning a full-time living from my creative work, I’ve definitely built that path over time. Initially, I was a high school math teacher, which was my full-time career. But when I had my first baby, I decided to stay home and focus on my family. During that time, I picked up my camera again after many years of not using it. Before becoming a teacher, I had been an assistant to my mom, who was also a photographer, so photography had always been a part of my life.

At first, it was more of a hobby, and I started taking on commissioned work here and there. It was a fun way to get back into it, but gradually, my passion for photography grew stronger, and I realized I could turn it into something more. Over time, I transitioned from doing it as a hobbyist to taking on more serious, full-time work.

Eventually, I took the leap and opened my own studio, which has now been running for the past seven years. It wasn’t a straight path, and it certainly wasn’t like that from day one. There were a lot of milestones along the way—from building a client base to learning the business side of things, managing finances, and understanding what it takes to run a studio.

Looking back, I don’t know if there’s much I could have sped up, as every step helped me learn and grow. But, if I were to give advice to my past self, I’d say to trust the process a little more and not be afraid to ask for help early on—whether it was in terms of mentorship or business advice. That would have certainly helped accelerate my confidence in making some decisions.

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?

My business is centered around celebrating motherhood and helping women reclaim their confidence and sense of identity, especially during the transformative journey of pregnancy and postpartum. Motherhood is the most precious role a woman can embrace, but it can often come with a loss of self-image. Through my photography, I aim to make motherhood feel glamorous, highlighting the beauty and strength of women at every stage. I love helping women see themselves as beautiful again, restoring their confidence as they navigate this powerful, life-changing journey.

What sets me apart is the unique, high-end studio experience I provide. My clients enjoy a fully personalized session with a curated client closet, professional hair and makeup services, and an elevated, luxurious atmosphere. I also offer exclusive professional prints and products, ensuring the memories we create together are preserved in the highest quality.

One of the things I’m most proud of is capturing the first year of a baby’s life through a Baby’s First Year album, documenting all of those precious milestones. Following a family’s journey, especially those early, transformative moments, is incredibly rewarding and special. My commitment to guiding clients every step of the way is key to ensuring they feel supported and confident throughout the process.

I want potential clients and followers to know that I’m passionate about making them feel beautiful, confident, and seen. My mission is to help every mom experience the magic of motherhood while never losing sight of who they are as individuals. It’s about celebrating both their personal journey and the journey they’re on with their growing family.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my following on Instagram was a gradual process that started with collaborating with other like-minded businesses. In the beginning, I focused on working together on posts, sales, and giveaways to reach a wider audience and build connections. However, the key to my growth really came from staying consistent and showing my true personality. I made sure my content felt authentic and relatable, which helped build trust with my audience. I also encouraged my clients to tag me in their posts, and when you’re providing excellent service, they’re more than happy to do so. This organic word-of-mouth helped amplify my presence and contributed significantly to growing my following over time.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Yes, there was definitely a time when I had to pivot, and it was during the COVID-19 pandemic. When everything shut down, I saw a real need in my community and decided to shift my focus. As a photographer, I had to find a way to stay connected with people and keep my business afloat. So, I started offering free coaching to new parents on how to take their own newborn photos at home. I hosted Zoom calls where I provided guidance, and then I would edit the photos for them.

This initiative allowed me to stay busy, maintain a positive mindset, and most importantly, give back to my community during a tough time. It was incredibly rewarding, and what surprised me was that a couple of those parents ended up becoming long-term clients who still come to me for photography services today. That was completely unexpected, but it was a wonderful perk.

Even though the focus of the project was about helping others, it ended up strengthening my relationship with my clients and keeping my business alive during the shutdown. Looking back, I’m proud of how my business adapted, and now, I’m fortunate to say that my business continues to thrive as we’ve successfully come out of the pandemic.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.Acapellophotography.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/acapello_photography