Daily Inspiration: Meet Avery Amstutz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Avery Amstutz.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started a little photography business photographing kids’ birthday parties when I was 16 years old! I only shot 2 haha My parents are very entrepreneurial and encouraged me to keep pursuing what I loved, so when I was 18, I interned at a photography business that shot newborns and family sessions.

They once said “Shooting weddings is way too scary,” so I adopted the same mindset.

Eventually, I knew newborns and families weren’t for me so I finally ventured into photographing couples in college, and in February of 2019, I shot my first wedding and LOVED it. My outgoing personality and love of bossing people around really shined, so much that the couple gave me a generous tip before seeing any photos whatsoever. I was SOLD!

I began marketing for travel weddings while I was in college. While I studied abroad, I shot as many free sessions as I could to get more portfolio work and when I returned, had booked several weddings across the country and across the world.

I now run a full-time destination wedding photography business and travel almost every single weekend from May to October!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not! Haha, I am a self-taught, solopreneur. My brain is artistic and creative (which really means unorganized) but running a full-on business is logical and tedious.

I have had to learn how to handle stressful wedding situations by putting out fires and keeping the bride calm, navigate a few almost legal battles with others in the industry, and really strive to be unique as so many are venturing into the industry these days.

Growing as a photographer is a lot about putting yourself out there even when you feel incompetent. The market is oversaturated and there is always going to be someone “better” than you but you have to figure out how to stand out and make your client’s experience something to rave about.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a destination wedding and elopement photographer. My favorite thing is destination engagement sessions and is known for flying across the country every weekend to shoot gorgeous weddings.

My favorite destinations this year are Hawaii, Cabo, Banff, and National Parks such as Yosemite, and Alaska! I photograph in a lot of cities such as Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Denver. I am so proud of this accomplishment and believe that my attitude is what really sets me apart from other photographers.

I am not quite the “vogue” photographer, but the fun, spunky and bright photographer. I love people and love to share their stories.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I went to a tiny college in Indiana in the middle of the corn fields and still made a successful destination/traveling photography business!

Also that I am self-taught (did not go to school for this) and other people fly me across the country for their weddings!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.averylouisephoto.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/flywith_ave
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/averylouisephotography