Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Van Meter Burch.
Hi Amanda, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been drawn to storytelling through art. Before photography, I spent years in the world of dance — choreographing, performing, and teaching. Movement taught me how to communicate emotion without words, and that same sense of expression naturally led me behind the camera. But truthfully, photography became more than an art form for me — it became a calling.
Like so many women, I’ve wrestled with confidence, comparison, and the feeling that I needed to somehow “earn” my worth. I know what it’s like to look in the mirror and see every flaw before seeing any beauty. When I picked up my camera, I didn’t expect it to become a tool for healing — but it did. Somewhere along the way, I realized I wasn’t just taking pictures. I was helping women see themselves the way the people who love them see them: strong, radiant, and completely worthy.
Today, through my studio, Avy Productions, I create luxury portrait experiences that are about so much more than beautiful photographs. Every session is a celebration of confidence, legacy, and self-worth. My mission is to guide women through that transformation — to quiet the inner critic and replace it with the truth of who they are. I believe every woman deserves to exist in photographs she’s proud of, to be reminded of her beauty, and to pass that message of confidence to the next generation.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s definitely not been a smooth road — more like a scenic route full of potholes, detours, and the occasional breakdown on the side of the road. But honestly, that’s where the good stuff happens.
Confidence has always been a journey for me. Coming from the dance world, I never had the “perfect dancer’s body.” I spent years trying to squeeze myself into someone else’s version of beautiful, and spoiler alert — it never fit. Then came aging (which keeps you humble) and motherhood — because your body, your schedule, and your priorities all change. Suddenly, the girl who once lived in a dance studio is homeschooling a young man while running a full-time business. Some days I feel like Superwoman, and other days I’m just searching for my coffee and my sanity.
But honestly, those challenges are what give my work its heartbeat. They’ve taught me that confidence isn’t something you finally arrive at — it’s something you practice. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about showing up anyway. That’s what I want for every woman who steps in front of my camera — to see herself with a little more grace, a little more humor, and a whole lot of love. Because we’re all masterpieces in progress, and that’s exactly what makes us beautiful.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a portrait and branding photographer based in Central Florida, and I specialize in creating magazine-style portraits that help people see themselves in a new light — confident, beautiful, and completely worthy of being seen. Through my studio, Avy Productions, I’ve built an experience that goes far beyond the camera. Every client receives a personal style consultation, professional hair and makeup, and guided posing designed to bring out their most authentic, radiant self.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the images — it’s the transformation that happens in front of my lens. I’ve had women tell me they finally recognize themselves again, or that their portraits helped them reclaim confidence they thought they’d lost. Those moments mean everything to me.
What sets my work apart is the way I blend luxury with heart. I create a space where clients feel seen, supported, and celebrated. My background in dance gives me a natural eye for movement and emotion, while my faith and life experience keep me grounded in purpose. I’m not just photographing faces — I’m capturing stories, strength, and soul.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about living here is the sense of calm and community that comes with small-town life. There’s a little more breathing room — literally and figuratively. It’s quieter, slower, and there’s a sense of connection that you don’t always find in a big city. After spending almost a decade living in Tampa with my husband, I’ve really come to appreciate the beauty of that simplicity.
Now, the flip side? Small-town problems are very real. Everything is spread out, and almost anything worth doing involves a commute. Opportunities can be a little harder to come by, and growth happens slowly. But even that has its silver lining — the separation from the constant noise of urban life gives me space to create, to dream, and to focus on what matters most. It’s not always convenient, but it’s peaceful — and that’s a trade I’m happy to make.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.avyproductions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avyproductions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avyproductions
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsmedancing/
- Twitter: https://x.com/avyproductions
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@avyproductions
- Other: https://pin.it/7ea9tsfr7
Image Credits
Pictured: Adri Barbon, Amber Brady, Christine Fleming, Jessica Galan, Stacy Jones, Lauren Jones, Tolu Lope “Tee”, Patrizia Planzo, Sylvia Romero, Danielle Webster
