Meet Amanda Hamlin | Newborn and Portrait Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Hamlin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I initially started photography to take photos of my children who were very young at the time. When my family and close friends saw some of my work, they asked me to take photos for their families and children as well. I was a stay at home mom who homeschooled and dabbled in photography as a hobby. My love for photography quickly turned into me diving into education and classes at a local college and utilizing online learning to build my craft. I saw it as an opportunity to not only help provide for my family but also as a creative outlet for myself and a gift to others.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I love to cause time to stand still in my photographs. I love all things neutral, organic, and full of texture. I want my photography to evoke emotion when looked back on years down the road. I try not to follow the current trends with my photography, so that my images have a more timeless feel to them. Like they could stay on a wall for decades and not look “outdated.” Photography has been an amazing journey for myself, my family, and for my clients. I have made so many amazing relationships and I have families that I have watched grow over the years. That’s an incredible experience to be a part of! I have seen life brought into the world and have been there at times with those who are grieving a great loss. Photography can be bittersweet. I have realized how important photographs can be for people. They offer memories of days gone by, loved ones gone too soon, and of a fleeting childhood. One thing I have realized is that as moms, we MUST get in the photo. So many of us are concerned with our looks, weight, clothing, etc., but at the end of the day, when you may no longer be here, your children or grandchildren aren’t going to be looking at how you looked, but rather how you were there. They’ll see that you were present for the moment. Photographs can be a huge part of our legacy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are so many great places to shop, grab drinks, and dine-in, in and around Gainesville. Since my family and I are involved in and love all things local, we would have to see a local theater show that GTA (Gainesville Theater Alliance) puts on. They always do an incredible job. We might spend a morning on the lake, putting in kayaks at Lake Lanier Olympic Park, followed by a stroll at the Gainesville Botanical Gardens. We have some incredible antique stores in the area and I jump at every opportunity to shop! Putt Putt at The Oaks Miniature Golf is a fun time for both adults and children and they have an assortment of ice cream cones to choose from after your round of play.
A short drive to Farmhouse Coffee in Cleveland is definitely on the to-do list. Once there, perusing the Cleveland square and doing some local shopping and eating is always fun. We would definitely have to see Fowl Play (a local classic rock cover band) play at Wild Wing Cafe, sharing conversation over a plate of their Mile High Nachos. And I think we’d definitely have to make time to stop over at my in-laws house to check out their album full of memories from when an Adam Sandler movie was filmed here in Gainesville. They used their home in the movie as Drew Barrymore’s character’s home. It was such an incredible experience to have such famous actors in our small town.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I can honestly say that I would not be where I am at today, in life or with my business, if it were not for my relationship with the Lord. He has provided so much guidance and reassurance over the course of growing my business. There were many people along the way who helped and offered encouragement, including my amazingly supportive family. My husband has been an incredible voice in my ear. He has always encouraged me to chase after my dreams and to give it my all and regularly reminds me that if it’s meant to be, it will come to pass.

Website: www.amandahamlinphotography.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/amandahamlinphotography

Facebook: www.facebook.com/amandahamlinphotography