Meet Amanda Avink | Photographer

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

Hi Amanda, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have always enjoyed photography. From the first camera I got as a child to having my own children and wanting to capture every moment, much to their dismay most of the time! Once my four children became active in sports and activities I started capturing the games and events and sharing them with the teams. That led to photographing the Marysville High School Marching Band in 2015 and starting an Instagram account so that students as well as parents who may not have been able to make it to performance could still see their child. I was asked to do Senior pics for a few band students, which was so exciting getting to see these young adults and their passions and personality shine in photos. Even with all of this I still wasn’t a business, I was a mom with a camera and a “regular” 8-5 job. When the decision was made for me to leave my soul crushing job in taxes (that’s only slightly dramatic haha) it seemed like the perfect opportunity to start considering photography more than a hobby. I don’t follow what some would consider the typical business model. I don’t believe that photography and quality photos should be a luxury item. I don’t believe that parents should have to come up with $800-$1,000 for their child to have quality senior photos. I wanted to be able to offer services on an affordable level for parents, while still providing the same level of quality and care. Senior year is stressful enough for both parents and their child!
Along those same lines I wanted to help the alphabet mafia express their art and show their authentic self in photos. Most drag performers starting out don’t have hundreds of dollars for photos, however, the best way to promote yourself and book gigs is having good quality photos. I saw a need that my skills could help fill.
Every time someone uses one of my photos I am still just as excited and proud as the first time. My whole goal as a person and as a photographer is to make people feel safe, loved, and seen.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I want my art to accurately reflect my subject. I joke and say that if you ever go missing they should be able to use my photo to find you haha! Personally, I prefer to stay away from lots of AI and heavy edits. My subjects are amazing, unique, talented individuals and I feel it is my job to capture that as accurately as possible. Drag performers spend hours and lots of money to create their looks, it is my job to highlight their art in photos, with the least amount of editing possible. I’m a sucker for motion in my photos; a color guard flag, a good hair flip, a fringe or flowy costume, or any dance moves. Outside of the vibrance and motion of sports and performance, my style is dark and twisty and artsy. I love the color red, it photographs so intensely and really pops in photos.
I am literally up for anything! You want your photos with a snake, we’ll find you one! You want fire, we’ve got you covered! I love bringing someone’s ideas to life and making each photo session as unique as the person.
I have photographed everything from marching band, winter guard, soccer, senior photos, drag performance, drag promos, burlesque, family, maternity, newborn, special occasions, cemetery, pet, band concerts, rallies/protests, bridal showers, highland games, and even a dog funeral. Every event, every session is super fun and makes me love photography even more.
I want to build my brand on providing a safe, loving, creative, accepting, fun, affordable photography experience. Being allowed into someone’s world and capturing that for them is a huge responsibility and honor…not something I take lightly and I want every person to walk away happy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Columbus Ohio Boscoe’s, District West, and Axis for drinks and drag performance
The Short North for shopping and restaurants
The Otherworld for some fun

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost I have to say my husband Justin. This man has helped me in every way possible with this adventure. He has come to almost every photo shoot and event I have photographed. From setting up equipment, building props for shoots, throwing out ideas in the moment, making sure I remember to eat and drink, bringing food and drinks so my clients remember to eat and drink, allowing me to set up a studio that has completely taken over our living room, and being my biggest cheerleader. He is literally the definition of the most supportive spouse. I would not be able to do what I do without him beside me every step of the way. He is the love of my life and my best friend. My four children and six bonus children for their love and support. Especially my daughter Vivian for being my assistant and model. Almost every new idea for a photo I have has been tested on at least one of my children, sometimes reluctantly haha
My best friend Rebekah, the emotional support and honest critiques have been invaluable, love this woman so much.
Fellow photographers Aaron Hobgood & Dean Dufresene. They have both been fantastic mentors!
There are so many people who have believed in me and given me opportunities (I hate that I know I will forget someone) April McMillian, Maya Bizness, Mikayla Denise, Isaac Ismael, Mari Jane, Maja Jera, Reese S. Pieces, Robyn DaCulture, Happy Lynx, CeCe Jane, Ruby Royale, Crunchwrap, & Boscoe’s (Bobbie Perry).

Instagram: www.instagram.com/amomdaphotography

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