Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda SanMartin.
Amanda, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Hola! So nice to meet you! I’m a San Diego based photographer with love for creativity and a spirit for an opportunity. I specialize in emotionally bold and vibrant imagery that captures the feel of the moment– the colors, textures, emotions and if I could capture the tastes and smell with my camera, I would! But the next best thing is to capture the essence.
Finding my element took some time and before doing so, I studied art at San Diego State University, achieving a Bachelor’s in Interior Design. I have worked and traveled all over the world and shot a variety of scenery, portraits, events and products. Allow me to be in my element by giving me a task and I will create while focusing on my clients. Tell me what you are into and I will tailor the experience to your specific wants and style. My work is versatile and innovative. My work ranges from travel, weddings, red carpet, fashion, portraits, food and an endless list. I specialize in Event Photography, corporate, branding, and Portrait Photography. My work has been published in numerous magazines, newspapers, and for marketing purposes in print advertisements and websites.
I have six years managing various film festival red carpets and photography teams in San Diego for the past six years. I have been a photographer for a total of 11 1/2 years, photographing celebrities, chefs, large charity events, business moguls, major athletes, sports, private and corporate events. I work with PR firms and event planners across the nation who are producing constant events in Southern California and Mexico.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh no, not at all. I have worked very hard and almost quit many times but I have been super persistent. I absolutely love what I do. And that motivates me. Throughout the years, I think I have created a totally different path, as photography is a concern. As a woman and especially a single mom, I have made so many sacrifices. Too many to count. It’s not easy to keep up and to stay on top of everyone’s mind. Photography is a very saturated business but I think I have done a good job putting my name out there. I want people to remember my name when they need a professional photographer that has the ability to execute and capture an event seamlessly. Photography is no easy task. Lol, I have had many accidents in sports fields, had my adventures with golf carts.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am known for photographing celebrities. I am the Photography Manager for six film festivals in San Diego. I also manage one of The United State’s largest sports events, The Police and Fire Championship Games held each year. About 50 different sports and more than 5,000 athletes, It has to be the largest event I cover and manage. I have been photographing at Comic-Con for a few years and I think my career really elevated when I was the personal photographer for the cast of The Walking Dead during Comic-Con. It takes so much courage to do what I do sometimes. It’s not easy. I really don’t know where I get it lol. I guess I really wanted to get better in photography and fear just went out the window. It takes so much commitment and passion. What sets me apart from others, I guess it’s my ability to not only photograph but simultaneously can manage 30 to 50 photographers at a time, making sure we all do our jobs and get it right.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
San Diego is amazing! There is so much to do here. You have so much opportunity plus because we are so close to the border, the opportunity expands beyond the borders. Events are held almost every day of the week. Especially because most of the year we have amazing weather. If you’re not taking pictures of chefs creating their own art, there is nature and it’s abundant beauty. There are so many social events and being so close to Hollywood, the possibilities are endless.
Pricing:
- $200 per hour corporate events
- Portrait sessions start at $400
Contact Info:
- Website: amandasmphotographyy.com
- Phone: 6192793631
- Email: amanda.sanmartin@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandasanmartinphotography https://www.instagram.com/amandasanmartinphotographykids https://www.instagram.com/sandiego_boudoir https://www.instagram.com/asmphotographyweddings https://www.instagram.com/amandasanmartin_photography
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