About Amanda

Thank you for your interest in, In Your World Portraits. My name is Amanda and I would love for you to learn a bit more about me and my photography style.
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First off, photography has always been a passion of mine. Throughout my life it has always been a hobby, but when my daughter was born, my love for photography grew even more. In February 2007 I decided to take it to the next level. I know first hand how important it is to document a child's life, because in the blink of an eye they're all grown up.
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Photographing children is my passion.
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A little more about me: I am a VERY proud parent of the most beautiful and brightest 7yr old little girl. She is involved in just about anything, which makes me the busiest "soccer mom" around :) I'm also the proud parent of an amazing weiner dog - "Jackson" and ragdoll cat - "Jasmine". I also take pride in being a "literacy aide" for kindergartners and 1st graders at a local elementary school. I can proudly tell you that I'm an "Advisor" for "Advocare" and take great joy in helping people reach their personal weight loss goals and help people gain more energy throughout their day! In addition to all of this, I humbly hold a national pageant title of: "Ms. American Spirit". The American Spirit Pageant program is a wonderful way for young women to learn more about themselves and others, make new friends, build self confidence, gain greater social awareness and give back to the community. Why yes, I am a crazy busy woman!
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Florida is my favorite escape and I'm known for singing out loud and dancing to the beat of my own drum. Did I mention I love to make people laugh?! Slow drivers, snow and rain don't tend to be on my list of favorites :) I have goals larger than life and i'm hoping to cross lots of things off my bucket list in 2011.
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As a photographer I take pride in offering non-traditional experiences for both child and family. All sessions are performed on location and rather than coming to a studio, which is unfamiliar to your child, I will come to you! I love coming into a home and capturing moments where your child feels most free to be themselves. In addition to your home, I welcome other locations such as parks, downtown areas or other places you and your family enjoy. Wherever you want to go, I'm there! Smiles are never forced and sessions are never rushed. I find true success when I am able to capture the true personality of your child and then give that memory back to you in the form of a photograph that will last forever!

| Photography Advice |

I consider myself self taught, but have spent countless hours reading about photography, watching photoshop tutorials and PRACTICING PRACTICING PRACTICING with my camera (special thanks to everyone along the way willing to teach me, model for me or even just encourage me to become better!). I started out with a Canon 30D and after reading Bryan Peterson's book, Understanding Exposure, have learned so much more! (Highly recommend this book to anyone interested in photography.)

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I always shoot RAW and in manual mode then do my initial edit and convert to JPEG in Lightroom. I then do my full edit in Photoshop CS5. I generally use 100% natural light and I do bounce a flash off the wall or ceiling if needed. I also will occasionally use a reflector when necessary.
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For Canon users, I recommend both the Canon 7D (which has a cropped frame sensor) and the 5Dii (which has a full frame sensor). If you are on a tighter budget, I'd look into a Canon rebel XSi (cropped frame). I don't recommend buying the kit lens with the camera unless you are really wanting the particular lens they are selling with the camera. I would buy the camera body only and buy the lens/lenses you really want, separately. (Just my opinion!!)
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The Canon 70-200 2.8Lii is my all time favorite Lens. I have on my 5D Mii most of the time. The 24-70mm 2.8L is great for full frame cameras. I also LOVE my 50mm 1.2L and my 85mm 1.2L lens. The shallow depth of field is so pretty. I couldn't live without those lenses. If you're looking for less expensive alternatives, a good everyday zoom is the Tamron 28-75mm 2.8. A great prime lens is the Canon 50mm 1.4 lens and if you're looking for really cheap, go with the Canon 50mm 1.8 lens. My other favorite lens is the 85mm 1.8, it's super sharp and It's a really great lens for the money. I buy all my photo equipment from either B&H or Adorama.
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I also get lots of questions about where I find my props. I get most of them from Etsy (simply "search" the item you're looking for!) and find that you can get some real gems at most antique stores and flea markets!!
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I hope I've answered most of your questions. Thanks for the visit!

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