Today we’d like to introduce you to Ammie Rivera.
Hi Ammie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Thank you for having me! My name is Ammie, I’m a portrait and lifestyle photographer based in Orlando, FL. My photography journey began in the fall of 2021, as a simple hobby. I was a Medical Assistant for 9 years and in 2021, I decided to go part-time in the field to become a full-time student and further my education, with plans to obtain a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies. I had it all planned out to the last detail when I would graduate, where I would get employed once a PA and more. The truth is, I was never one hundred percent convinced this was for me, but being in the medical field was the only thing I knew and for once, I had a hell of a plan.
Then, photography happened. It all started when I offered my sister to do her maternity session and later on the newborn photos. Once the photos went out on social media, a friend reached out and asked if I could do his son’s newborn photos, as the photographer they had originally booked became sick with COVID-19 and was not able to complete their session. I didn’t know it then, but this went on to be my first official session with a client, out of many more to come. Expecting nothing out of a few casual sessions for practice, inquiries started coming in for paid bookings. With each session I shot, I felt a sense of belonging and freedom, a burning desire and passion for photography.
I started 2022 confused about the education plan I had made, which came with a lot of uncertainty and anxiety. I started praying for guidance and confirmation on this photography journey and if it was truly meant to be for me. Then, doors of opportunity started opening, one after the other. After graduating college with my Associate’s Degree during the summer of 2022, I decided to pause my plans to pursue PA school and devote most of my time to photography.
Exactly 365 days after, I went part-time as a Medical Assistant, I placed my two weeks in the field and I am proud to say that I am a full-time, self-taught photographer since the fall of 2022! Today, my artistic photography portfolio ranges from creative editorials and fashion shoots to commercial business branding, weddings and elopements, maternity sessions, professional headshots, and event photography.
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?
It has been far from a smooth road.
Some struggles I have dealt with along the way are making many beginner mistakes, dealing with imposter syndrome, questioning whether my work is good enough to make a living out of photography, rejection, and fear of the unknown for what’s ahead.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a portrait and lifestyle photographer. My artistic portfolio ranges from creative editorials and fashion shoots, commercial business branding, weddings and elopements, maternity sessions, professional headshots, and event photography.
What I am most proud of is being a self-taught artist and making a career out of nothing. Some qualities that set me apart from others in the industry are the desire to learn, grow and while doing so pay my blessings forward mentoring and inspiring others to do the same, to take risks and chase after their dreams.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
More than lucky, I have been blessed big time. I believe that what is meant to be for you, will find its way no matter what or how long it takes.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ammierphoto.com and www.yoursphotography.info
- Instagram: @ammierphoto and @yoursbyammie (one is for editorial/commercial work and the other for couples, weddings, and lifestyle).
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ammie-rivera/
Image Credits
Lauren Rattigan, Nhaan Ngo, and Adriana Irizarry
