Amy’s foray into the world of photography was a calling that came unexpectedly but fervently. During our recent episode, “Deep Dive on Amy,” she shared with Jess her early intrigue with capturing moments and how the pursuit of a job that allowed flexibility led her down the uncharted path of photography. A prayer for guidance morphed into a thriving business that stamped her heart in every snapshot, beginning in 2010 with family portraits.
Discovering Identity in Imagery
Photography is not merely about aesthetics for Amy; it’s about storytelling and honesty. While discussing the often-overlooked vulnerability of declaring oneself as a wedding photographer, Amy opened up about overcoming the initial hesitation. This heartfelt admission rings true for anyone facing the struggle of owning their passion despite societal expectations. A pivotal epiphany embraced her identity, both in her craft and her personal life, using her middle name Nicole to distinguish her business sphere from her ministry work with her husband, Josh.
The Road to Authenticity
As Amy and Jess mulled over the misconceptions of success in photography, Amy was emphatic about the dedication required. Breaking into a saturated market comes with the responsibility of honing skills from ground zero. She shared frustrations about novices undercutting the industry without paying dues in experience and the dire need to build a credible portfolio before setting premium prices.
Crafting a Personal Brand
Amy’s insistence on authenticity shapes her approach to business. She spun a narrative around her brand that resonates with clients, choosing social media as a free powerhouse tool to market her uniqueness. By balancing professional and personal life tidbits, Amy built a relational brand that doesn’t just capture moments but weaves into the client’s tales.
Culinary Quirks and Bridal Tips
Venturing into lighter territories, Amy confessed her preference for almond-flavored wedding cake over cookies and cupcakes. This segued into discussions about wedding aesthetics, focusing on the fundamentals like picking the right veil and the pivotal act of booking vendors early. Amy and Jess concurred that vendors are integral to a wedding’s success, as are harmonizing with them for the perfect day.
A Reflection of Core Values
Amidst the plethora of advice, Amy’s firm stance on integrating Christ into her brand was prominent. Her devotion transcends into her business, manifesting in the heartfelt services she provides. With Jess reinforcing the significance of brand persona, the duo painted the importance of core values as the primary hue of one’s brand canvas, far outweighing just the visual aspects.
Expanding Horizons with Upcrowd Social
Our episode took an exciting turn as Amy talked about her second venture, Upcrowd Social, born from the erstwhile Amy Kohl Creative. This social media strategy agency is a brainchild of Amy’s extensive experience in photography and social media, offering clients hand-holding through strategies or complete handling of their digital presence.
Signature Styles and Wedding Whims
The episode closed with an engaging rapid-fire session that gave insights into both hosts’ wedding preferences. The banter ranged from technical choices like Canon vs. Nikon and setting preferences such as outdoor vs. indoor weddings, to the fun of choosing between bubbles or fireworks for the ceremony exit.
The Intersection of Life’s Lines
As “Deep Dive on Amy” wrapped, we returned to her personal philosophy – a trio of intersecting lines where family, ministry, marriage, and friends converge with Christ at the center. It’s this foundation that sustains and nurtures Amy Cole Photography.
Amy’s story is a testament to the fact that success in photography, as in any art form, arises from passion, authenticity, and a relentless pursuit of growth. By intertwining personal values with professional ethos, she crafts a blueprint for aspiring photographers and entrepreneurs alike.
Our discussion concluded with mutual affection and gratitude, a reminder that at the end of the day, the personal connections we make echo the loudest. Whether through a camera lens or a candid conversation, it’s the genuine moments that frame our experiences.