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

Hi Amanda, what’s your definition for success?
Thought Process – Starting a business is so easy to do but so much harder to actually run! Ive always wanted to be my own boss and my parents knew this was my path before me, buying me my first camera 10 years ago! From the beginning ive just let the passion and purpose guide my path!

Social Impact – I think we are all just looking for some every day joy and excitement, I work not only on woman empowerment but also love creative looks as well, from sharing work on social medias to hosting girls day/night events and creating a safe social gathering I hope anyone can find joy from any and all our moments in studio and content posted!

Risk Taking – Risking taking has played a big role in my life as someone who is impulsive this tends to be a monthly thing for me from changing studio, changing ideas, to just going against the norm. Thankfully most have always worked out in my favor positively with me leaving my job in 2014 becoming a full time photographer who built a safe space for my clients and now gets to work from home and spend time with my 3 year old son!

Parent – My son is 3 so far the most important impact is my career choice being able to be home with him is everything!

Important factor Success- My clients hands down, without them I would be nothing, I have some who just need to do this once and many who shoot with me multiple times a year!! I also would need to credit my other half who has been with my 8 years and continuously supports and helps with anything asked!!

Weather to keep going or give up – I can tell you ive hit rock bottom in every area of business and life, the only choice you have is to keep going, when you do this for the passion and purpose there is not other path for you! <3

Work life balance – What even is work life balance lol! Over time and honestly finally just now ive been able to find a happy medium and that owes a huge thankyou to my other half who gives me the time needed! Lets be honest photography is a full time 24/7 job so its really on you to set boundaries and a schedule that fits you!

What makes you happy – My family is my greatest joy, next being my clients and the content we create!

Why did you pursue a creative career – I have always had a passion for photography from a small child, always taking my moms phone and taking photos of everyone at our softball games, or parties! When my mom got sick she told my dad to get me a camera for my birthday from the two of them! They saw something in me before I did! From the moment I picked up the camera and started taking photos the peace and quiet I felt, I knew it was my path and ive never looked back!

Define Success – For me my success is being able to stay home with my son, creating amazing moments for my clients and getting to do something I love so much while giving back to others! Success is what you make it 😉

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am the ADHD of Photography!! Let’s be real I don’t stick to one style, subject, or technique for long. Im always changing up everything and anything – I’m bouncing from boudoir, to lifestyle, landscapes one day to street photography the next. One minute I’m obsessed with capturing the perfect portrait, and the next I’m knee-deep in experimenting with macro shots of random objects!! I thrive on variety. Maybe it’s because I find beauty in everything, or maybe it’s because staying in one lane just isn’t my thing. My camera screen is as chaotic as I am but I give my everything to this passion and sessions!

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?
We are absolutely homebody style people who love the nature so ideally probably would rent an airbnb style cabin in the woods and just enjoy the trails, scenes, fire and party at the house with good company and food!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To my parents – Thank you for always believing me

Michael & Mikey – My heart and soul thank you for supporting me

To my endless clients – Thank you for choosing me

Website: https://BeautyWithinByAmanda.mypixieset.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautywithinboudoir/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563066103918

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