Meet Amanda Thompson! Amanda is a local-to-me photographer who has captured my attention in many ways! She is SO kind hearted, generous, sweet, has an inspiring story, and her photo was the VERY first professional photo I recieved of one of my Loopsy Daisy hats in action. It was amazing, and so is she!
Amanda Thompson
Tell the world a little bit about yourself, as a person...
I'm pretty happy go lucky, laid back and dorky but I have a few OCD/organization quirks. I love people and what they are about. I've been told I have an old tender soul by multiple people, I'm not sure exactly what that means but I'll go with it. My world is my husband of 11 years and our kids ages 9, 6, 4 and one, almost 2 years in Heaven. My faith and relationship with God is a huge part of who I am and the reason I love people and life, even when things don't go how I want. I have been "birth junkie" since before I had my oldest 9 year ago. I went to college to be a teacher. After having my kids and being a labor support for a bunch of friends and family, I had planned to go back to school to be a labor and delivery nurse. Now I am happy doing what I love to do and I feel settled.
I love to make crafty things, Asian foods, Starbucks and the outdoors (especially the beach). Mostly I just love being around people.
What is your photography business name, and where are you located?
A.R.T. (Amanda R. Thompson) Photography in Gresham/Portland, OR
What inspired you to become a newborn photographer? Are you self taught?
I've always been into photography, I've always been smitten with babies and enthralled with the birth process (something about that first cry and a mama's joy) but it wasn't until I lost my 3 day old daughter nearing 2 years ago that I really realized HOW special and important those first hours, days, weeks and months really are. It became clear that birth and newborns are my heart in photography and that is where I needed to focus my attention.
I am mostly self taught but I have attended a class with the fabulous Amber Scruggs of Little Moon Photography. I am always looking for areas to improve myself, my skills and my business.
Studio or Natural Light?
I love both but I have really come to love the consistency of my studio light more. I do in home portraits and I really never know what the natural lighting conditions are going to be, especially here in Portland area, so it's nice to not have to think about that.
What's in your bag?
Canon 7D, 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.8, Elinchrom BXRi lights with a 40x40 soft box, a Speedlite 430EX that doesn't get much use and a Lastolite gray card. I'm about to add a 35mm lens too. I love primes!
What is your favorite pose? (photo)
I'm not sure I have a favorite. I guess it depends on the baby, kid or person. I really love to capture what is special, unique, stand out about individuals. I really do love sibling and mommy/daddy shots though.
Who inspires you as a photographer?
It sounds totally cheesy, but my kids. I can't believe how fast they change and grow and I always want to capture moments to the fullest. The things that are special now that you don't realize are until later down the road. A photographer that inspires me is my pal Amanda McGhee of Kimberlin Gray Photography. She rocks!
What is one piece of advice you'd offer a new photographer?
Do your homework and set your business up legally and right from the start and also value your time and worth...if you don't no one else will. Also, look for areas you need to improve and get constructive criticism from someone who is qualified to give it. If you are going to do newborns, study up on safety! Okay, I guess that is more than one but things I wish I would have really taken to heart before the beginning.
Please take a moment to visit her page and show some support! A.R.T. Photography
Thank you so much for sharing with us, Amanda! <3 Loopsy Daisy
Love your photos Amanda! You are an inspiration! =)
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