Where are you located? Is travel available?

I am currently located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. For those unfamiliar, this is in the Midwest, also near Minnesota and Iowa. Yes, it is cold in the winter! I was born and raised just over the border in Minnesota so I am very knowledgable about the area. I have most recently lived in Las Vegas, NV for six years and consider it my second home. I do travel frequently for work and adventures! Fun fact: I have traveled to every state in the West, Midwest, and South… except Arkansas. I still need Alaska, Hawaii… and the entire Northeast!

Travel is available, currently within the U.S. only. International travel anticipated to be available toward the end of 2025.

What are your dream jobs or future goals?

I have a long list! I consider myself an extremely ambitious person, and believe if I focus, visualize, and obsess (just a little) - I can turn my dreams into reality! My personal life’s goal is to go on tour with My Chemical Romance, my all time favorite band - as a photographer or otherwise. I’d even do it for free… for as long as Tayler and the cats can still afford somewhere to live!

A work related goal is to be able to focus more on travel content. Spending time in nature is relaxing and energizing all at the same time. Olympic National Park in NW Washington state is my personal “happy place” and I have a strong desire to “become one with the forest moss” as the memes say. I need to build a little bit more of a nature portfolio, but someday wish to apply for their artist in residence program! I think I would also enjoy spending a season as a campground host - I look forward to sleeping in my hammock along the edge of Lake Crescent every day!

What are your hobbies?

Music. Camping. Swimming. Cats. Reading. Travel. Harry Potter!

What types of work do you want more experience in?

I have a few items I would like more experience in. I’d like to get into film, working on a movie set as a stills photographer, location scout, or PA -definitely only jobs behind the camera! I would also do pretty much anything you’d find on National Geographic: Underwater Photography (oceans & marine life), Adventure Photography (Skydiving, BASE jumping), and Macro photography (for close-ups of all sort of animals and bugs).

Aside from these more lofty ambitions, more locally I want to expand my Sports Photography portfolio and feel like I can do so here in the Midwest. I would most enjoy capturing Swimming or Hockey, but any sports are fine, all ages, even some not-so-mainstream sports like Lacrosse or Rodeo!

I am willing to negotiate much more flexible rates on these types of work, so if you have connections for any of the above listed items, please contact me!

What type of gear do you use?

Here’s a rundown: I currently shoot on Sony - I have a Sony A7IV as my main hybrid body. For video, I have a Sony FX3. I plan on adding a Sony A7RV into the mix soon! I also have a mix of Nikon gear (for photography only) with some specialty lenses I use for low-light or to dual wield at larger events & weddings. I am most familiar with these two brands.

I started my career on Panasonic, have previously owned Canon, and use a Fujifilm (X100V) for a backup camera as well. I believe different cameras have different strengths and while it can be expensive to own more than one brand, part of being a successful professional is being well-versed in technology and knowing exactly what to use to get that perfect shot!

I also have a growing collection of “aesthetic” cameras - most produce a digital photo or video with a film aesthetic (think polaroids or Super 8/Camcorder vibes). These are fun even for beginners! You can read more about comparing all of this different gear on my travel blog - The Photographer’s Bucket List!

What types of work are your favorite?

Events are where I started and where I have the most experience, so if I was to pick a specialty, it would have to be events. I really enjoy the unpredictable and ever changing environment that comes with a festival or music event - and am often complimented on my ability to pivot and change direction at a moment’s notice. With events you get to capture the talent, the atmosphere, as well as the crowd. This can be challenging when you are just starting out, because those are all different settings and sometimes different gear, but it’s the best way to learn! I also enjoy capturing people as they are, before they notice the camera, living in the moment and expressing their true emotions!

WhY photography?

Unlike most, I didn’t grow up with a camera in my hand or always know this is what I wanted to do. I happened to stumble upon an undiscovered talent at 30 years old! My husband, Tayler, likes to change hobbies often, and one of his interests was photography. We bought him a camera and I would go around with him taking photos for practice. We are both competitive by nature, so I decided to give it a try. Soon we both had cameras and were running around the Las Vegas strip taking photos of our new home and everything in it!

Eventually I bought a nicer camera, and went to a local First Friday event downtown to test it out. I took a few photos of some local DJs and the crowd dancing to their music. I nervously introduced myself to one of them and got a contact to send the photos to. They were amazed, to say the least, and I was hired! They became some of my best friends, and I worked with them for many years. From that day on, I was a real photographer!

Anything else you want to know? Send me a DM on Instagram!
-Amanda