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

Mary, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

I hope people remember me as someone who saw them more deeply than just the surface of their appearance. When I photograph someone, I strive to capture their essence, which transcends their looks; it’s really about intuitively connecting and deeply validating them for who they truly are at their core. My wish is for people to feel recognized, celebrated, and valued for their unique selves. In the end, we’re all just trying to do our best; I want to be remembered for appreciating the beauty of each human while acknowledging the efforts they are putting into their journey.

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.

My name is Mary Amor, and my journey with photography is deeply rooted in my mission to honor each person in front of my camera with genuine enthusiasm and sincerity. I have been photographing people for over 25 years. I’m most passionate about seeing beyond appearances and celebrating the holistic essence of individuals with timeless photographs.

My focus lies in capturing moments of authentic connection between family members. I believe these moments are the ones that families will cherish for a lifetime. Parenthood, with its highs and lows, inspires my work. I seek to preserve those pure moments of joy that can make the sometimes-difficult journey rewarding and fulfilling.

I think what I do differently from other family photographers is that I do not pose people and force them to hold still for the camera. Life is constantly in motion, I don’t believe anyone should hold still like a statue at their photography session. One of the lessons I’ve learned from working with hundreds of families over the years is to always trust my gut instincts about what is actually fun for each person or group of people I work with because this will result in authentically joyful pictures. I use prompts to facilitate a playful and meaningful time for each person or family I photograph. I try to capture and preserve these special moments of connection, reflecting back the authentic spirit of each family member and the true dynamics they share with one another.

I’m excited to create beautiful and creative images that showcase the love and uniqueness of each family at the particular stage they find themselves in. My hope is that each family proudly displays the images we create together in their home. I am inspired by knowing that custom family portraits displayed in homes contribute to higher self-esteem for the children and parents who see themselves in them. We all want to feel connected to our “group” and timeless photography contributes to a sense of belonging for each person in the whole family.

If there’s one thing I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about my business, it’s that I’m dedicated to creating a photographic experience that goes beyond the surface and captures the essence of who your family truly is, and that it can be a pleasant and oftentimes joyful experience. Let’s have fun and create lasting memories together!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Being a single parent has presented its unique set of challenges, but it is in those daily challenges that I have discovered the depth of my resilience and the power of leading by example for my kids.

In my twenties, I attended photography school with a dream – a dream to build a successful career doing what I loved most. However, after a decade off as a stay-at-home wife and mother, life took an unexpected turn, and I found myself navigating the responsibilities of single parenthood six years ago.

At a crucial crossroads during Covid, I faced the dilemma of balancing my passion for photography with the demands of raising children alone primarily full-time. It was then that I made a conscious decision to re-ignite the flame of my creative aspirations and showcase to my kids the importance of following one’s heart, no matter the circumstances. I opened my business.

The journey was marked by late nights of editing after the kids were in bed, early mornings to make breakfast for the kids and drop them off at school so I could get to my photography classes on time, and a constant juggling act to fulfill both my parental duties and creative entrepreneurial career. There were moments of doubt and exhaustion; but in those moments, I found deep inner strength.

By pursuing my life-long dream of having a successful photography career, I wasn’t just fulfilling a personal ambition; I was teaching my kids the value of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of something meaningful. They witnessed firsthand the challenges and triumphs of balancing a single-parent household while following a creative calling.

The most recent chapters in our family are marked not only by the responsibilities of parenthood but also by continuing to pursue and build on the foundation of this dream that has echoed in my heart since my teenage years. Today, as I look back on the challenging yet rewarding early days of starting my photography business during Covid times, I am proud of the journey we undertook together. It’s a testament to the idea that as a single parent, following your passion not only enriches your own life, but leaves an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of the little ones watching you as you navigate the complexities of life with an unwavering commitment to your dreams. Through this example, I hope that they follow a career that “lights them up”, motivating them with passion and joy as well.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

“The Gap and the Gain” by Dan Sullivan was a transformative book for me that has significantly influenced my entrepreneurial thinking. Sullivan explores the concept of “the gap” as the space between where you are now and where you want to be, emphasizing the often-overlooked progress and achievements made along the way.

One key takeaway from the book is the idea of focusing on the “gain” — acknowledging and celebrating the progress you’ve made rather than fixating solely on the “gap” or the end goal. This mindset shift has been pivotal in shaping my approach to challenges, fostering a more positive and forward-thinking perspective.

Sullivan’s insights into the psychology of achievement and the importance of recognizing small wins align with my belief in continuous improvement. The book encourages embracing the journey, appreciating accomplishments, and leveraging them to propel future success.

Incorporating the principles from “The Gap and the Gain” has not only enhanced my entrepreneurial mindset but also influenced how I, as a creative solopreneur, approach my work. By fostering a mindset that values progress and celebrates achievements, I’ve seen a positive impact on my creativity, motivation, and overall approach to my craft.

“The Gap and the Gain” serves as a valuable resource for creative solopreneurs seeking to refine their entrepreneurial philosophy, manage their work effectively, and cultivate a mindset that thrives on an attitude of gratitude.

Contact Info:

• Website: maryamor.com
• Instagram: maryamor.photo
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mary-amor-photography-centennial

Image Credits
Portrait of Mary: Sally Grant Photography
All other images in article taken by Mary Amor Photography