Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Kar.
Hi Amanda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Becoming an experimental photographer began when I was in high school. I’ve always been a creative person with a desire to push norms, reveal the humanity and stay authentic. I started wedding photography in 2008 and moved to Orlando in 2016. The Orlando scene continues to inspire and open my mind towards the nuances of what makes people different and interesting. In 2019, I began incorporating the “maker” artist in me, designing handmade books and occasionally bridal fashion. Thematic elements and cinematic inspiration are what makes my work unique.
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?
The photography market has always been supersaturated, even more so with so many creative people in Orlando. It wasn’t easy to transition to this town, but my engagement in theme park communities really has helped grow my vision and position myself as an alternative photographer with something different to offer. It’s still climbing the hill, but it’s picked up some good momentum!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in thematic design. It’s hard for me to just say I’m a photographer because custom design flows so much into so many aspects of what heightens photographic experiences with me. What sets me apart from others is my total willingness to immerse into the customized design, be it hand-made props for a portrait session, creating a wedding album from scratch, or fashion designing a thematic item worn by a bride. I’m known a bit these days for my magic effects added to portraiture, and I’m proud of this because I love the Wizarding World and how dense it is for so many different types of people to enjoy expressing themselves through. My clients often feel more like they’re in a movie rather than in front of a camera, and I love heightening that experience for them.
What matters most to you?
Allowing people to express their truest self. No matter what I’m doing for a client, I always strive to encourage and empower who they are without amendment. I don’t put people in superficial positions or pose inconsistent with personality. I love that people are so different and unique, and that has to show!
Pricing:
- $200/hour wedding photography
- $180 starting rate handmade books
- $250/hour magic effects
Contact Info:
- Email: mandamariephoto@gmail.com
- Website: mandamariephoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imagemariastudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imagemariastudio
- Other: etsy.com/shop/imagemaria
Image Credits
Photo subjects: Matt and Jen Hart Cami and Andrew Morin Kelly and Jason Smith Manda Kar Chaviva Samantha Fickenwirth Keara Seys Georgieanna and Jason Williams
