Amanda Cantrell Photography: Blog

Are You Still Learning?

Sun, 26 Nov 2017 00:07:34 GMT

In an effort to perfect my craft, I have been doing continuing education for a number of years, and entering image competitions. Just like anything else that's worth doing, nothing is perfect the first time, or second, or third... I stumble & learn, stand a little taller, stumble & learn, and stand a little taller again. This is a not a sign a failure, but of the complete opposite...GROWTH. Having been in business for over 15 years, I have seen refinement in my skills, and a step up in the level of my game.

This year, I entered the Professional Photographers of America International Print Competition, and didn't score even one merited image. 0/4. Disappointed? Yes, but I asked for critique & got VALUABLE feedback on image selection, refinement, lighting, and storytelling. I was in AWE of the award winning images & decided to try my hand at another competition. In October, I entered The Portrait Masters Competition, where 3,9696 images were judged by 7 international judges with over 100 combined years of experience in both winning, judging awards, & running extremely successful photography businesses. Lo & behold, 4 of my 5 images received Bronze awards, being deemed of a High Professional Standard.

Next year? Onward & upward! Silver, here I come!!!

Outtakes sometimes show the best relationships

Sat, 18 May 2013 03:21:56 GMT

I was scrolling through one of my ginormous hard drives of sessions from the last 12 years and found a great outtake. That's when I decided that a humorous blog post was necessary. What I found was that I had more than one of these....and so, this post is short on words, but hopefully big on laughs and snickers...outtakes really do show some of the best relationships.

Photographer= Master of Trickery

Mon, 06 May 2013 02:12:00 GMT

One evening this week, I was photographing a very special family session. Not only was the client a friend of mine, but her son has Asperger's, which is a form of Autism. This was a first for me. Now, for those who may not know, one of my many areas of teaching certification is in Special Education, so I had a few tidbits of knowledge to help me try to make this session successful.

When I arrived, my main subject, Paul, was busy in the yard, trying to help me stage good sets. So, one thing I have learned with clients who are nervous about the session is to let them "be themselves." I let Paul help me. He moved a tree stump, because he thought it would make a good picture, to a location that I thought would photograph better (heavy work helps with sensory issues). He went into the garage and brought out a selection of knick knacks and made an arrangement on the deck. I was blown away at his precise artistic staging. Everything was placed very intentionally, and I had to photograph it because it was BEAUTIFUL.

When I began taking Paul's picture, he was stiff and nervous at first. I kept talking to him. I told him if he needed a break, to just get up and move. I continued to shoot images and just let him "be Paul." I managed to continue entertaining him with teen boy banter (helps that I speak "teenage boy" fluently from teaching high school), all the while capturing many very good images of him. Out of the blue Paul gets this great serious expression and says, "I have figured you out." (HA! I captured that precise moment!)

Hmmmm...I was curious what was coming next...

"You keep moving your head and talking to me so that I will change my expression. You tricked me."

Yep, trickery. One hour of trickery. Guess what? All of my teacher training has really helped me work with kids on photo shoots. Thank you Morehead State University & Georgetown College. Teaching and Photography have something in common....build trust and a relationship with your students & clients, and the result is priceless.

Melanie & Richard {surprise proposal}

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 01:33:00 GMT

This afternoon, on what has proven the coldest day this winter (about 15F) I got a call from a fabulous coworker, Melanie, who was interested in taking "a few shots" in order to send save-the-date cards for a summer wedding. The decision to go ahead and plan a wedding was in full swing as they were moving out of state soon after. Anyways, we start taking a few shots to get "warmed up" and Richard said, "There is something missing here..." I start looking around, checking lighting, positioning, and couldn't figure out what was missing...until I noticed him fumbling around in his pocket. And to Melanie's surprise, (AND MINE), he pulls out a gorgeous engagement ring and asks Melanie to officially be his wife.

We were able to capture some great images around Georgetown today. From the proposal site to the courthouse downtown, I took image after image of this true and beautiful love. Can't wait to see this relationship unfold over the next few months. Thank you both for allowing me to capture this beautiful moment today. This is the very first time that I have cried while editing photos.