Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Vallina.
Hi Amanda, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
It all began when I picked up my first camera as a high school sophomore, and something just clicked. From that moment on, I knew it was what I wanted to be doing. I started planning shoots to do with my friends weekly; I couldn’t get enough, and then I started looking into colleges that offered degrees in photography.
Shortly after that, I came across one of the best schools in the world and applied. Thankfully, I got in and went to the Fashion Institute of Technology and obtained a bachelor’s of fine art degree, picking this as my path and going to school for it was one of the best decisions I ever made. I decided to do my senior thesis about Miami during my senior year of college.
I titled it “Miami Vices” it was a fashion story paying homage to the tv show Miami Vice & to all the beautiful scandalous things that happen in this beautiful city. You don’t realize how embedded the city becomes in you until you leave it.
So after graduation, I moved back to the city that has my heart to continue capturing the beauty in the moments here.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey through starting my own business hasn’t been the smoothest road.
I moved back to Florida and opened Amanda Vallina Photography, did my first couple of art shows, and then a couple of months later, a global pandemic started, so I would say it isn’t the way anyone really wants to start their business.
Then, a few months into Covid, I got into a car accident and was in the hospital for a month, so you can say that was an added challenge. I had to learn to walk and gain my strength back while trying to continue to grow my brand and name.
Truthfully focusing on my business was the rehabilitation I needed. It kept me focused on the future and pushing myself forward. I’m fortunate I’ve been able to keep my business growing despite everything, and that’s something I’ll never take for granted.
I wouldn’t take any of the obstacles back I’m grateful for all of them.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a photographer, I specialized in fashion and worked in a couple of magazines, but I’ve moved more towards lifestyle photography, which means more family types of photos.
I don’t think just because you’re taking family photos. They shouldn’t be just as beautiful as an editorial in Vogue. Everyone should get the opportunity to feel like a superstar. I’m most proud of the moments you see people light up during shoots.
When you capture a fifteen-year-old girl having the best experience of her life so far, or witnessing a mom taking maternity photos feeling truly beautiful in her skin. It’s my favorite part of this job.
It’s truly a rewarding feeling to take pictures of such special moments.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Honestly, the thing that makes me the happiest is knowing that I’m capturing these once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Time goes by way too fast. The only thing you have when the moment is gone is pictures and memories, so that is a great feeling knowing I’m capturing a genuinely important moment in someone’s life that will live on for generations.
Being in the business of memories is the most special treat, to watch people start families and see children grow up it’s truly incredible.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.amandavallina.com
- Instagram: @a.vphotos
