Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Nicastro.
Amanda, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Art has been a part of my life in different forms from a young age and photography came seriously into my life in high school. I graduated from Montserrat College of Art in 2012 where I received a BFA with a concentration in photography. I spent my time studying photography, but also taking an illustration class that would fit my schedule. Since graduating, I’ve been building my own business. I’m constantly trying to learn more and read any tips and techniques I can get my hands on.
I started off doing any and all portraiture and have since been specializing in weddings, senior portraits, and families. People (and characters) are an inspiration to me in both my illustrative and photographic work. I enjoy capturing honest moments and helping people immortalize the most important milestones of their lives. In August 2016, I married my best friend and have had a blast with him in this new phase of our life. We’ve moved around a bit lately, but just recently bought a house in Oxford, MA that we could not adore more.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Definitely not! I exited school and had (and still continue to have) a hard time getting people’s attention. I assisted a few local photographers and learned a lot from them, but I also learned that I needed to provide opportunities for myself. I still spend a lot of time teaching myself new techniques and skills to grow. I work on my business every day and continue to have struggles, but I’ve learned to roll with the punches.
Amanda Luisa Photography & Illustration – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I started Amanda Luisa Photography & Illustration in 2012. I started off doing every kind of portrait photography, but have since been specializing in Wedding, Senior, and Family photography. The illustration side of the business takes a bit of a back seat to the photography side, but I work on it whenever possible. I’m known for a unique perspective, capturing honest and authentic moments, and super personalized experience.
I love taking a client’s photos and transforming them into albums and designs that elevates them to the next level. I like to give my clients as much extra content as I can, so I create blog posts that they can turn to for tips and tricks. I infuse my personality into posts. I like clients to think of me as a friend they can turn to and a partner they can trust with their important life moments.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is living a comfortable and happy life. Being able to run my business full-time, manage my schedule in a way that gives me time for my business as well as enjoy my personal life, have consistent business coming in, and being able to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Success doesn’t mean the hard work is over, but that the hard work comes a little easier and you have more tools to get the job done. I feel like I will always strive for more, but every day I feel closer to my picture of success.
Pricing:
- Wedding pricing ranging $1700-$4000 (contact for more info)
- Senior Photo Sessions $200
- Family Photo Sessions $250
Contact Info:
- Address: 28 Holly Street Oxford, MA
- Website: www.amandaluisa.com
- Phone: 978-549-3665
- Email: amanda@mandaluisa.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/amandaluisaart
- Facebook: facebook.com/amandaluisaart
- Twitter: twitter.com/amandaluisaart
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