We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amanda Cureton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amanda below.

Alright, Amanda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Taking a risk on my dream business was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Photography has always been my passion. For years, I specialized in lifestyle and wedding photography, capturing meaningful moments. At the same time, I had another love—food and product photography. It was a creative outlet that brought me joy every time I picked up my camera. Even though I felt excited about it, I hesitated to pursue it professionally, knowing it would require learning new skills and making a big transition.

After a lot of thought and plenty of conversations where I weighed the possibilities, I finally decided to take the leap. I still remember the day I chose my business name—Creative Thinking 4U Photography—and how real it felt. It was a turning point for me. Since then, it’s been a journey of growth, challenges, and constant learning. But every step has brought me closer to doing what I love. Looking back now, I’m proud of the risk I took because it’s led me to a place where I not only feel excited and fulfilled but also get to help other businesses bring their visions to life through my work.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

About Me:

Hi! I’m Amanda, the founder of Creative Thinking 4U Photography. I’m a dedicated food and product photographer who believes that the best stories are told through vibrant, eye-catching images (with a bit of creative magic). With over a decade of experience in the photography world, I’ve transitioned from capturing weddings and lifestyle moments to focusing on my passion: creating stunning visuals that help brands stand out and connect with their audiences.

How I Got Started:

My journey into photography began as a child when I first picked up a Polaroid camera. I was fascinated by the magic of capturing moments instantly and watching them develop before my eyes. This early love for visual storytelling grew into a professional career, where I worked as a wedding and lifestyle photographer, capturing authentic moments for my clients. Over time, my passion for food and product photography took center stage, leading me to build my full-time business dedicated to this specialty. Today, I combine my skills and creativity to produce captivating images that elevate brands and engage their audiences.

What I Offer:

At Creative Thinking 4U, I provide a tailored, high-quality photography experience designed to highlight the unique character of each brand. From the initial development of mood boards and styling to the final shot and detailed editing, I offer an end-to-end service that ensures my clients receive compelling images that resonate with their target audience. My services are ideal for business owners seeking visuals that not only reflect their brand’s identity but also drive engagement and growth.

What Sets Me Apart:
I have a big heart and genuinely want to see people succeed. I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of so many special moments, capturing them through my camera. My commitment to my clients goes beyond the lens; I provide personalized attention to each project, working one-on-one to understand their vision and goals. The visuals we create together are impactful and aligned with their brand’s message. I’m passionate about going above and beyond, developing visual strategies that enhance brand visibility and achieve measurable results. It’s not just about taking photos; it’s about building engaging imagery that supports my clients’ business objectives.

Problems I Solve:

With visuals playing such a vital role in today’s branding efforts, businesses often struggle to create content that stands out and connects with their audience. I address this challenge by offering a complete, professional service—from conceptualization and styling to shooting and editing—ensuring that my clients receive high-quality, strategic images. Each photo is designed not just to look beautiful but to engage viewers and convert that engagement into brand loyalty and sales.

What I’m Most Proud Of:
Building Creative Thinking 4U from the ground up has been one of my greatest achievement. It’s been a journey filled with dedication, perseverance, and a passion for my craft. I’m proud of the impact my work has on my clients and the role my visuals play in helping them reach their goals. Collaborating with businesses and creatives who share my passion continues to inspire me and drives me to keep evolving.

Main Takeaways:
For businesses looking to elevate their brand through impactful visuals, partnering with me means having a dedicated, professional collaborator invested in your success. I believe in the power of well-crafted images to drive growth and foster meaningful connections with audiences. Whether you need food photography that makes dishes irresistible or product images that showcase your brand’s story, I’m here to create visuals that not only stand out but also deliver results. Let’s work together to create something exceptional.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Lesson Unlearned:
Overcoming the Comparison Trap:

When I first started my business as a creative, I was eager to grow my social media and learn from other talented professionals. I followed those whose work I admired, knowing their success and experiences could inspire my own journey. However, in the early stages, it was hard not to feel intimidated. I’d see their large followings, their years of experience, and their incredible work, and I’d catch myself thinking I might never reach their level.

I realized that while it’s natural to feel intimidated, these feelings could easily spiral into constant comparison. It was essential to unlearn this mindset because comparison, I learned, is a creativity killer. It can hinder growth, both personally and professionally. What helped me overcome this was understanding that my journey is unique, and so is my work. No one else can replicate my perspective, my style, or the way I create.

I also reminded myself that I don’t know the full story behind the people I admire—their years of hard work, the obstacles they faced, and the dedication they put in to get where they are now. In business, especially when starting from nothing, every step forward takes effort, and it’s important to appreciate that process. We should be lifting each other up, focusing on our growth, and learning from each other rather than letting comparison hold back our creativity.

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

The Most Rewarding Aspect of Being a Creative

Getting to do what I love every day for a living is the most rewarding part of being a creative. It’s the opportunity to help others bring their vision to life and learn about their story. It’s an honor to work with individuals and businesses, understanding their goals and passions, and turning their ideas into visual stories through my photography. When I get feedback from clients expressing their excitement and pride in images that truly showcase their products and brand, it’s an incredibly fulfilling experience.

Hearing my clients’ stories and understanding their journey adds a personal touch to the process. It becomes more than just creating an image; it’s about collaborating to represent who they are and what they value. Whether it’s a small business owner launching a new product or a chef showcasing their culinary art, being a part of their journey feels like a meaningful partnership, and I love seeing the positive impact my work can have.

Being a creative allows me to connect deeply with my clients, contribute to their success, and continuously explore new styles, concepts, and stories. It’s a process of growth and inspiration, motivating me to push my skills further every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://creativethinking4u.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativethinking4u?igsh=eTJxa3M1MGJ4cHM1&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandacureton?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Other: TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@creative_thinking4u?_t=8qrxW7WKuTv&_r=1

Image Credits

Femforce Shoots Provided me with a beautiful headshot! They do incredible work!