We recently connected with Amanda Shields and have shared our conversation 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 have been a full time professional photographer now for five years! It was not always that way- I actually worked full time as a receptionist in a hospital for six years while building my business on the side for most of that time. I think it was a great way to earn extra money doing something I loved but not having to put all of the pressure on it right away. However, I do think I could’ve made the leap to full time a little sooner than I did. Making the decision to go into freelance work full time is scary! There are a lot of factors that go into that decision (income, retirement, health insurance, etc) that I had to figure out on my own.

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 am Amanda, owner of Root + Arrow Photography. My husband, Richard, is also a part of the team & shoots alongside me for weddings. We are based in Northern Michigan but serve all of Michigan & beyond. We offer photography services for weddings + engagements, boudoir, seniors, families, + branding.

Creativity has always been a big part of my life, a kind of outlet for me. I got my first point & shoot for Christmas when I was around 14 & I’ve been hooked ever since. I started mainly with self portraits, which are still a big source of inspiration for me, & taking fun pictures of my friends. People started to see my pictures & asked if I would do family or senior sessions so I started offering those. In 2012 one of my friends was getting married & had asked me to photograph her wedding. I actually told her no repeatedly because I was way too nervous! I did end up shooting her wedding (my husband, who was my boyfriend then, shot it with me as well) & here we are 11 years later! From that very first wedding I knew I wanted to shoot more- I loved the flow & the energy of wedding days.

My approach to all of my work is to tell an authentic story in a beautiful, artful way. I love to capture the big picture- a pulled back scene of a wedding ceremony, all of the guests looking on- to the tiny details- your new baby’s tiny fingers wrapped around yours. I believe the details, no matter how small, are important & I love catching the in-between moments.

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

I love to see photographs of my grandparents & parents, or of me as a kid. It’s very rewarding to get to create those memories for others & for my own family.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

One of the main sources of new clientele has been word of mouth referrals. I think being consistent & intentional with my work has been the most important thing- putting love into what I do & really leaning in & connecting with people so they feel like more than just clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rootandarrowphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootandarrowphoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rootandarrow