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

Amanda, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

The Creative Mentorship Program:

I created a program designed to nurture dancers’ growth through a series of insightful sessions throughout the course of six months. This program provides invaluable feedback, personalized guidance, and diverse opportunities for artistic development, creating a robust support system for emerging talents. Participants benefit from expert feedback, personalized guidance, skill development workshops, and more.

It all began eight years ago when I met a remarkably talented young dancer who would become my muse. Our creative partnership flourished over the years as we collaborated on various pieces, each project deepening my admiration for her artistry and igniting a spark within me to guide and mentor emerging talents.

For a long time, the idea of mentorship simmered in my heart, but I struggle with uncertainty. What could I offer? How could I develop a program that would truly benefit dancers? I dabbled in a few initiatives, but they often fell short of my vision. In hindsight, those initial attempts—though disheartening—were essential stepping stones. They taught me valuable lessons about what mentorship could look like and how I wanted to approach it.

As the years went by, I began to clarify my vision. I realized that I wanted to create a nurturing environment where dancers could grow through insightful sessions over six months, receiving expert feedback, personalized guidance, and opportunities for artistic development. The process became clearer, and I could see how each component would support emerging talents in their journeys.

The excitement grew as I mapped out the structure of my program. I dedicated countless hours to researching, gathering resources, and refining my approach to ensure it would offer substantial value to participants. My goal was to create a program that encompasses various aspects of photography, dance, and cinematics, including posing, projection, embracing freestyling, and a foundational understanding of photography.

Fast forward to today—I’m thrilled to share that I have my first signed student! The journey from that initial idea to execution has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve poured my heart into this program, and now, as I witness my student’s growth and journey unfold, I’m filled with anticipation for the impact we can create together. This program isn’t just a milestone; it’s a culmination of years of learning, refining, and ultimately, a realization of a dream.

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 embarked on my professional photography adventure in 2011, primarily documenting weddings. Over the course of more than eight years, I had the privilege of capturing countless weddings, each teaching me invaluable lessons about business, photography, and life itself.

For the past four to five years, my focus has shifted to portraits, particularly High School seniors, families, and artists, including dancers and musicians. A pivotal moment in my career came in 2015 when I was invited to document a concert for the Miami Music Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing music education to underprivileged children. That day was transformative; it felt like I had discovered my niche in this vast world. The creativity flowed effortlessly, and each photograph came alive in a way that mesmerized and captivated me. From that moment on, I made it my mission to photograph musicians, dancers, and actors as a personal project, blending my passion for storytelling with the art of photography.

As a storyteller at heart, I thrive on providing my clients with a documentary-style experience that captures authentic moments. I believe in creating a relaxed atmosphere during our sessions, allowing natural interactions to unfold. This results in images that reflect the dynamics, moments, and joy of each unique individual and family. My style is a blend of relaxed, natural, and lighthearted elements, interwoven with emotional, cinematic, and heartfelt nuances.

What sets me apart from others is my dedication to crafting a personalized experience for each client. I’m not just taking photographs; I’m telling your story through my lens. I’m most proud of the connections I’ve built with my clients and the trust they place in me to document their most cherished moments.

Ultimately, I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my work goes beyond photography. It’s about creating memories that resonate and evoke emotion long after the moment has passed. I’m passionate about capturing life’s fleeting moments and turning them into timeless stories that you can hold close to your heart.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of my most cherished lessons in resilience came during the very early days of my mentorship program idea. I had organized a small workshop for dancers with the goal of providing them artistic imagery to enhance their portfolios and a chance to test their skillsets. However, the day of the session fell apart when my assistant, who came in ill, unexpectedly took over. I found myself sidelined, reduced to merely “clicking buttons.” This left the dancers and their parents disappointed, and I felt like I had completely failed them.

Reflecting on this experience, I realized that my initial understanding of how to help the dancers was lacking. It not only impacted the quality of the workshop but also strained the trust I was trying to build with the dancers and their parents. To make amends, I offered each dancer a “reshoot,” a full one-on-one photo experience, which allowed me to connect with them on a deeper level. For those who took me up on it, we created some truly magical images together.

Looking back, I recognize that this painful experience was a blessing in disguise. It provided me with invaluable space for self-reflection. I learned that while I am not a dance photographer, I am a photographer who loves collaborating with dancers to create beautiful and artistic imagery. This realization became a foundational lesson that fueled the development of my Creative Mentorship Program. It taught me that setbacks can lead to growth and transformation, both for myself and for those I work with.

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

The most rewarding aspect of my work as an artist is the ability to create everlasting memories and experiences for my clients. Even though I don’t have a family of my own yet, I find immense joy in providing families with tangible moments that can be cherished for generations. Capturing the essence of their relationships and milestones is truly fulfilling.

When it comes to working with high school seniors, I particularly cherish the opportunity to celebrate this significant transition in their lives. Each session is more than just a photo shoot; it’s a chance to highlight their individuality, dreams, and accomplishments. I strive to create a fun and artistic environment where they feel comfortable and empowered to express themselves.

I love brainstorming creative concepts with them, whether it’s choosing the perfect location or incorporating personal elements that reflect their unique personalities. Seeing their excitement as we capture these pivotal moments is incredibly rewarding, as it marks a milestone that they and their families will treasure for years to come.

Additionally, collaborating with fellow artists allows me to contribute to their portfolios while providing them with opportunities for growth. Each session is a chance to explore creativity and push boundaries, making my role incredibly fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amandasmithphotos.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandasmithphotos
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amanda.smithphotography

Image Credits