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Meet Amanda Warda of Earth Below Photo in Flagstaff

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

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started in photography when I was young. My parents handed me Kodak film cameras to use on vacations and that’s where my passion started. I purchased my first DSLR camera in 2012, where I took portraits of my friends and a ton of senior portraits. From there I brought my passion into my undergraduate studies at Northern Arizona University, where I minored in Photojournalism and Documentary Studies. Though I graduated with a degree in Anthropology and Archaeology, I found myself consistently incorporating photography in all aspects of my career. I practiced Photogrammetry (3D Photography) at the Field Museum in Chicago, IL, created social media content for Virtue Cider, continued to take lifestyle portraits for friends and family, and furthered my education by taking wedding photography workshops around the country. The workshops immediately changed my career path and it was then that I found my passion for couples portraits and wedding photography. I founded my own portrait photography company, Earth Below Photo in 2018, where I specialized in Weddings and Couples Portraits. In between all of this time, my passion for the craft beer industry found its way into Earth Below Photo as well. Social Media Content Creation is also a part of my services now and I currently do work for Mother Road Brewing Co.!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This road has not been smooth one bit. When I realized my passion in photography as a career, it completely shook my post-undergrad world. I thought I was going to graduate and continue my career within museums, where I was well-established, and would find financial comfort of some sorts. I quit, immediately started pursuing Earth Below Photo, and never looked back. I became a Craft Beer Ambassador and Sales Rep for a local brewery to help pay the bills and get me on my feet in between weddings. It was hard and there were days I wanted to give up; being your own boss is GREAT, but it takes self-determination and entrepreneurial skills I was not previously trained in. On top of that, I decided to add moving-out-of-state (from Illinois to Arizona) on to my plate, where I had to completely start over with Earth Below Photo’s clientele. It took me a solid year to solidify my company again, but I am beyond grateful for all that I have learned through these obstacles.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Earth Below Photo – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of  and what sets you apart from others.
I am a lifestyle portrait photographer for couples, engagements, adventurous elopements, weddings, as well as a lifestyle content creator for local businesses. With my backgrounds in Anthropology and Photojournalism, I feel as though I am able to step back, observe, and capture the human experience. I listen to my clients, we create together, and what is produced is art.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Earth Below Photo is my future. I hope to continue to grow my brand of lifestyle portraits, adventurous elopements, and social media services. I’m looking forward to creating a separate brand for those social media services as well!

Pricing:

  • Couples Portrait Sessions start at $350
  • Elopement Packages start at $1,400
  • Wedding Packages start at $2,500

Contact Info:

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