Conversations with Amanda Duque

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Duque.  

Hi Amanda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I started out in photography setting up scenes that I was going to use for reference in my artwork; I loved the process of lighting, creative posing, and working with my models. I loved art so much and wondered what it would be like being able to have a creative career. The art of photography is such an amazing way to be creative; composition, colors, capturing emotions, and how I see and imagine ideas is so much fun! I started photographing clients in 2019; it was so interesting trying to discover my editing style and what categories I wanted to really explore and focus on. I think that the exploration will never really end! But I worked on saving up, researching, upgrading equipment, and my techniques! I feel like I’m discovering my abilities! 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
There have definitely been some struggles! 

Big photographers online always say that you don’t need fancy equipment to be successful photographer, but it certainly makes it easier! 

I’ve been working on saving up for new equipment and upgrading my camera body since 2020, when I knew that this wasn’t just a hobby anymore. But with medical issues, financial struggles, Covid-19, and just life happening, I kept having to dip into my savings that I set aside for gear. I recently successfully saved enough to purchase my first mirrorless full-frame camera with an RF lens, and I cried with joy bringing it home! 

Aside from the financial side of things, there’s also the mental part of it. Struggling with mental health can make it hard to be passionate about the things you love, especially when things happen to make you backtrack. But even during the rough times, creating is good for the mind and soul! 

(Helps to work with cheerful colors!) 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a photographer based in Southern Michigan, Ann Arbor area. I specialize in creative and editorial portraits, lifestyle photography, couples, engagement, and weddings! I’m most proud and excited about doing creative portraits; it makes my little artist heart so happy. But I love working with my clients! Learning their stories and capturing these huge milestones in their lives! I just about cried the first time a client sent me a photo of the images I took of them displayed on their living room wall! That was so huge! 

I think every photographer is different; editing style and how your photographer makes you feel during your session is important! My clients always say how much fun it is during sessions and how their nervousness of being in front of a camera melt away! But I most enjoy being there for big milestones; I recently had a maternity session for this couple’s second child. I had the honor in 2019 photographing her first pregnancy! It was wild to see how much their family had gown and how I had grown in my skills as a photographer! 

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I want to share the importance of capturing memories and still being in that moment to soak it in, life moves so fast, and it’s nice to have these moments frozen in time. I’d love the opportunity to help you capture these moments! 

Instagram @amandakay.photography 

Facebook @amandakay.photograph 

Website www.amandakaydphotography.com 

Pricing:

• Couples Session – 60 min – $130
• Engagement Session – 60 min – $150
• Weddings – 8 Hours – $1000
• Senior/Graduate – 60 min – $130
• Creative Session – $125/hr

Contact Info:

• Website: www.amandakaydphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandakay.photography
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/amandakay.photograph/ 

Image Credits
Amanda Kay Duque Photography