Meet Amanda Merrifield

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Merrifield.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I feel like as with many artists, my journey began as a child. My father is a talented illustrator and photographer and my mother is an educator. I was equally motivated to make beautiful things and work with children and families. I have always been exposed and encouraged to explore different artistic mediums, but had a strong pull towards the camera. Even now looking back through all of the thousands of photographs I have taken through the years, I see that I was a documentarian before I even knew what that was. Back before everyone was carrying a camera in their pocket, I was carrying around cans of film and cheap “point and shoot” cameras. In college I majored in media arts and education, and spent the better part of a decade working with children on the autism spectrum. This, I feel, brings a unique perspective to photography and the expectations we put on our little ones. I favor playing over sitting, movement over poses, and connections children have with their parents in everyday situations. A day hanging out at the beach, or an evening playing in your backyard turns into little pieces of art.

Please tell us about your art.
As a photographer I capture moments. I sit back and observe interactions. The way a mom brushes the hair off her daughter’s face. The way a father grabs his kiddos in a giant bear hug. The colors that reflect off my son as he splashes in the ocean. I love incorporating rich colors and seeing movement in my photographs. I am laid back when it comes to photographing children and families as children are beautiful unpredictable creatures. Having my own child really puts that into perspective as we are always on the go. I don’t expect toddlers to listen to every direction. I don’t expect them to want to sit still. In these movements and interactions, I find an incredible amount of beauty. Again, my background in special education also brings a more flexible approach on what we think family or lifestyle photography can and should be. Every family I connect with is different and being able to adapt to the needs of each client is something I am constantly working on. I travel into homes and pick comfortable settings to shoot. My photographs come from low pressure, low demand settings where families are encouraged to relax and I become a fly on the wall.

Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
At the end of the day, success to me is being able to showcase beautiful moments. I love to show all the amazing photographs that can be captured when you’re just playing around as a family or couple. You don’t need everyone to be on their best behavior in their nicest clothing smiling directly at the camera. You can be cannonballing into a pool screaming for the whole neighborhood to hear and that is just as amazing and exciting to see.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can find me shooting all over New England and the Tri-State area, although I am based out of Merrimac, MA. I am a travel bug, and will happily jump at any opportunity to escape these long cold New England winters.

You can find more information and new adventures on my website at www.alittleheartphoto.com and on Facebook and Instagram at A Little Heart Photo.

Contact Info:

• Address: Merrimac, MA
• Website: www.alittleheartphoto.com
• Email: alittleheartphoto@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alittleheartphoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alittleheartphoto

Image Credit:
Amanda Merrifield of A Little Heart Photography.

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