Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda SanMartin.
Hi Amanda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
After a career in Interior design and architecture I was completely convinced that I had to change my career to photography. Although I had a successful design career I wanted a change where I could be less stressed and more free to express my artistic talent other than working for a firm or a large corporate company. I was about to become a mom and being home was very important to me to be there 100% for my growing family.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My photography career didn’t come easy. And did’nt grow to it’s full potential being trapped in an abusive relationship. It was not until I was brave enough to end it I was able to work on myself healing and focusing. After my divorce I was forced to sell my house,leaving my safety,my working studio and left homeless during COVID. I searched for an apartment but how the system works, I wasn’t able to get a roof over my head. Since I’m self employed and it was during COVID I was left without income and so obtaing a place to live was impossible. My children and I would spend our days in my car with no where to go. If this wasn’t the lowest point in my life I can’t imagine anything more difficult. I placed my kids with their dad until I found a shelter. I then was placed in one for a few weeks and a program that was offered to me placed me in a transitional home for almost a year until finally they helped me get an apartment. After a year there I was able purchase my home and now I have been voted as one of the top 3 event photographers in SanDiego.I work with all the top companies not only in SanDiego but international top companies. I’m an internationally published photographer, I have managed 5 of the largest film festivals in SanDiego, celebrity and sports events including the NFL, Comic-Con, and so many accomplishments that I am profoundly proud of. As we speak, I’m now just recieving the keys to my second photo studio in Little Italy where I plan to keep expanding my business. It’s like they say “If you don’t feel uncomfortable, you’re not growing”.
I feel grateful for the good and the difficulties I’ve experienced. You learn alot and become resilient. It’s like the universe reroutes you to where you’re supposed to be.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I started my photography professionally during my son’s preschool days. I began with school portraits, then I would volunteer photographing local events until I got invited to photograph sports events. I then started my journey with film festivals,which I’m still a part of. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to photograph these events. It was here where I was taught to work under tremendous pressure, learned to be quick and to be more creative with my surroundings. An attribute that I still practice til this day.
I have photographed many celebrities both film and tv. And this has put me in a diferent level in my career.
I specialize in events and portraits,especially branding and marketing for both small and large businesses.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
If you have a vision and you know in your heart that it’s what you want, make it happen. You may run into many roadblocks in your path but eventually you will be there. Don’t give up!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Amandasmphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandasanmartinphotography?igsh=MWI5bnh0bmxlMXludA==
