Today we’d like to introduce you to Bailey Amato.
Hi Bailey, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always been interested in cameras and photography – From a young age, I was picking them up and playing with them.
I knew I wanted to pursue photography as a career before I hit junior high school and started taking classes as soon as they were available to me my Sophomore year. I was an editor of my school’s yearbook so I was always at school functions taking photos and also helping my photography teacher during my free period.
My parents purchased my LLC for me as my graduation gift back in 2010 and it’s been all I’ve strived toward ever since. I also have a passion for travel, so I decided to work toward destination photography. (Best of both worlds, right?) I’ve been blessed to have traveled to 4 different countries and nearly all 50 states at this point capturing love and life adventures.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road at all… Trying to build a business and work full time at a young age can get pretty complicated. And there’s always that voice of self-doubt when bookings get slow – Am I good enough? Do people actually like my work? Am I worth what I value in my sessions? Etc. But I’ve had so much support from my family and my friends.
They’ve pushed me and encouraged me to continue on this path and I’m forever grateful they did and continue to do so. My best friend has been the greatest supporter of them all. She’s been there for me as a model, an assistant, and most importantly, my hype-woman.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a destination portrait photographer and I specialize in families and elopements. I’m probably most known for being on the constant go. Stylistically though, I’d say I’m known for the warmer tones and emotive feel of my images. Someone once told me all my pictures made them feel like Summer as it fades into Fall and that has to be one of the nicest compliments I’ve received.
My ultimate goal is to not just give people pretty pictures but to make it an entire experience from the moment they book with me all the way through to getting their galleries. I run my sessions pretty organically, but I keep a few tricks up my sleeve to evoke the emotion I’m trying to capture. I also want these to be more than just pictures for my clients. I want fun and true emotions attached to them. I think making each session an adventure for those who book with me – whether that be in their own homes or the Grand Canyon – is what makes them love their images that much more.
And I’m pretty proud of that. It’s always my favorite to get a client who feels a little awkward in front of the camera or someone who hates pictures of themselves and then see them blossom by the end of our time together. I always want to leave people feeling better about themselves than when I find them.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I would define success as just being happy with where you are. Sure, there is always more to work toward. Always more to learn. You can be successful and still have further to go. But if I look back at where I was to where I am, 18 year old me would think 29 year old me is pretty dang successful.
Contact Info:
- Email: sweetteapix@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetteapix_33/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetteapix33
Image Credits
Sweet Tea Photography
