An Inspired Chat with Amanda Ochs of Phoenix

Amanda Ochs shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Recenlty, I had a photo featured in a gallery for the first time. My piece “Spiral” is on display at the FoundRE hotel

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a photographer who specializes in aerial photography. I always have been a creative but I fell in love with photography while working at The Center for Creative Photography in college. After architecture school, I had a strong desire to seek out beauty and do something creative. The drone was the perfect creative outlet, combining my creative side with my adventurous outdoor-loving side.

Eventually my passion and curiosity led me to take on photography gigs and start my business. I applied my focus to the architecture and construction world as I saw how resourceful aerial photography could be in those industries. I then started expanding into commercial filming gigs, portraits, and even nightlife event photography.

In 2020 I was able to support myself solely on my own work when I lost my job. Today, I continue to operate my business while working as an architectural designer, choosing only to take on clients and jobs that inspire me.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
As a teenager I was very colorful and artsy, with a sense of curiosity for everything.

Then I had to support myself through college. While architecture school and my job at the photography museum were inspiring, I definitely struggled with burnout and anxiety. It really changed me. I became more quiet and more serious, I wore solid black and conformed to other architect stereotypes like dreaming of owning a Barcelona chair. Even my artwork became less about color and more about accuracy and displine. Don’t get me wrong, architecture school was fun and inspiring, but it was also the most challenging thing I’ve ever done. I had an intense mission ahead of me to get the job and the life I wanted.

After college, I had to figure out who I was as an adult. I took up my creative hobbies again. I got back to spending time in the desert and driving all over this state to fly my drone. Over the years, I’d occasionally put vivid colors in my hair, and collect any rainbow clothing I could find. I no longer wanted to buy that barcelona chair, I’d rather get this hot pink prickly pear chair by Queeboo. I just turned 30 and honestly I think I have been getting back to my inner child and growing in a downward direction.

When did you last change your mind about something important?
At 26 I bought a modest house. It was fairly outdated but it was mine. I put my heart into repairs, improvements and decorating it. It was a labor of love and it took most of my money and free time within the first two years. When my company moved offices my commute took a toll… and so did I. I started having migraines and felt drained at the end of each day. I was proud of my home and I felt emotionally attached to it, but something needed to give. I was drained. I moved out if my home to be closer to work. Almost immediately I felt less burnt out, migraines improved, and I had more energy for working out and being creative. Sometimes you have to embrace change, even if it means letting go of what you thought you wanted.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I don’t like aggressive sales methods. I try not to push or harass my clients, I believe that if I do good work, my clients will return to me and refer me to others. While I may check up on them or reach out to new faces, I strive to be honest, give clarity and be kind. Even if it means, telling a possible client that I’m not qualified or experienced enough for the type of project at hand.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Since college, I have one foot in the architecture world and one foot in photography. Somedays I wonder if I should stop taking on client work with photography and strictly be an artist and hobbyist with my work while architecture supports me. While other days I debate leaving architecture for photography. But I believe every lesson and life experience has been built upon one another. I am actively making my life my own and turning every experience into a foundation towards my future. Perhaps someday I will change routes, but I won’t look back at anything and say that I was going in the wrong direction.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aboveaz.world/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/above_az?igshid=16qfseva9g5dt
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-ochs-8410b674/

Image Credits
Image of Amanda by Randy Alan Woods