We recently had the chance to connect with Amanda SanMartin and have shared our conversation below.
Amanda, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I started my photography journey 17 years ago this month. I bought my first camera on Holloween same day as the TV show The Walking Dead came out and what makes this date important it’s because I would have never thought that a few years later I would be their official photographer at Comic Con. To me this moment gave me so much validation and such meaning because I did have people that didn’t believe in me or my talents. Never give up or your dreams and always be greatful for each opportunity.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a SanDiego photographer. I have been a photographer for 17 years this month. I have never taken a photography class, I am self taught thru sweat blood and tears as they say. It hasn’t been an easy journey but here I am. My life hasn’t been easy but instead of living with all that heartbreak and negativity, I put it into my businesses. I also became a pastry chef and ran my baking and party planning business including it to my photography and video services for events. I specialize in large events and branding photography. I was a red carpet manager for five film festivals in SanDiego, managing up to thirty photographers. I started in sports photography photographing The SDSU Aztecs and Chargers, The Jr. Seau Foundation, The LT Run,The Celebrity Golf Tournament and so much more. I work with the top companies in SanDiego as well as in other states and abroad. I have worked with The Mexican Board of Tourism capturing a group of social media influencers. I have been published in many magazines and newspapers. Currently working as the main photographer for La Revista Binacional,the fastest growing binacional magazine. I just opened my second studio in Little Italy. It has been my dream since I started my career. Im super proud of this accomplishment. I have started my workshops and styled shoots for other photographers to join me as I create different fun sets for them to use in their portfolios. My studio is also available for other creatives to rent. I provide full wardrobe and many props to customize sets.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was no where close to who I am today. I have worked on my confidence and self worth. I trusted myself and my experiences have lead me to fight for my dreams. I had to start from zero and built my business when no one else believed in me. I had a vision and slowly I have been building my ideas into an amazing business. With love and hard work my business has thrived. Im very happy and totally in love with what I do.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I have been through a very heartbreaking divorce. I have lived through and survived domestic violence. All I can say is that Im very lucky to be alive today. However, all the pain and anger I have been through I put it into my business and craft. My career and the love for my children have helped me survive through it all. It’s very difficult for me to talk about this but if it helps anyone that is in my shoes I would be so happy to uplift them and give them strength.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes I am definitely the same person as the public me. I think my public version is even more real than my private me lol. I love my life now. I am more myself than what I was a few years ago. I am free,I am such a better version of myself and I am so confident now. All though I have been thru so much hurt I feel that I am ready to love again. It took me a long time to feel this way but I am at a point in my life that feels healed and so ready to start over.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
People think that everything comes easy to me. Nothing comes easy but if you stay true to yourself and what you love everything falls into place. I have sacrificed many things. But everything was worth it!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Amandasmphotography.com
- Instagram: @amandasanmartinphotography
