Meet Samantha Amara | Elopement, Wedding, and Portrait Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samantha Amara and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have always loved every aspect of creativity whether that is expressed through music, art, or in my case photography. When I was younger I used to make things out of paper, sing when no one was home, and often take photos of my family on my phone. It was something that made me feel unique and different. I became very passionate in high school with photographer and decided to start my career in that field after I graduated college two years later. Photography is an amazing way to express yourself through creativity and my favorite part is that I can make people feel beautiful.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Something I am most proud of is that I am self taught and I am slowly starting to make a name for myself. I began my photography career at 17 when my husband (boyfriend at the time) bought me my first camera. He saw potential in me, which helped me to believe in myself. I worked full time at a restaurant between the ages of 17 and 22. During this time I was building clientele for my photography business, learning, and growing my company and by 23 I quit my full time job to pursue photography with all I had! Was is easy? Of course not, but it’s the best decision I made for myself and my family! Who can say that they do what they love every day? Not many people. There will always be challenges that arise, but they help you grow as an individual and every difficulty helps you to be a better business owner. I’ve learned that as long as you continue to love what you do, are true to who you are, and don’t compare yourself to other photographer and their work you’ll be on your way!

I am still growing and learning to this day. Everything is a learning opportunity and feedback only helps me get better. Photography is constantly changing and evolving as everything around the world does too. My mission is to make others feel beautiful and confident, but most importantly loved. I’ve been praying about how I can serve God, or at least incorporate Him through my work by praying with my clients or giving them an experience where they feel they are truly cared for.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friend and I have tons of things in common which is why I love her so dearly. We have been close since senior year of high school and have seen both our best and worst days. A day with her looks like sleeping in, having her doggos bounce on me to wake me up, heading to a local coffee shop, then coming home to spend an afternoon cuddled up in a blanket watching our favorite sport, Hockey. After that you might find us playing horror games while sipping white wine and talking about the Jonas Brothers or listening to a murder mystery podcast. This may not be the most extravagant night, but these are the nights I love.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Apart from me being mostly self taught in my photography, there was a time when I was taking music more seriously. When I was 14 years old I tried out for my hometowns talent competition. Similarly named after the show “American Idol”, this competition was called “Clayton Idol” where people of all ages came together to perform and show off their singing talents. I received mentorship help at a christian non-profit called “Cedars” which was an organization that helped troubled teens discover Jesus through their passion of music. It was there I met my now good friend, Michael who helped me realize something more important than winning or losing a talent competition.

I made it past the auditions, but once the preliminary round began, I choked up and I didn’t make it to the stage for a chance to win. I was crushed and wanted to just give up singing forever, but Michael wasn’t going to except that from me. He helped me see the worth I had and that I have far more creative talent than many young people my age. This story may not have anything to do with how I came to love photography, but it has everything to do with why I stick with it, why Mike deserves all the credit for me never giving up, and why I keep my head up when times get difficult. He truly is a Godly steward and a great friend.

Website: www.amaraimages.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amaraimagesphotography

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmaraImages/

Youtube: Coming Soon

Other: Pinterest: https://www.facebook.com/AmaraImages/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sammiamara