Fashion photographer, Amanda Diaz is something of an internet phenomenon. She has conquered social media with over 170,000 organic fans on Facebook, and growing significantly every week. With well over 25 publication credits to her name, she has recently started teaching workshops and is releasing an entire line of products in the next weeks. I recently had the opportunity to chat with Amanda Diaz about her work and outlook on the upcoming year.
Adam: In a recent Facebook post you mentioned that 2013 was a great year for you. What were the highlights?
Amanda Diaz: I was excited to achieve a of few of my goals in 2013. First, I began teaching workshops and I held my first Fashion and Beauty Workshop last October; it was a great success! I was also nominated in the FRAMED Awards as one of the Top 10 Fashion Photographers of 2012. I felt really privileged to be seen alongside some really amazing photographers whom I’ve looked up to since I started photography. To cap it all off, I was recently invited to New York to collaborate with Lindsay Adler whom I’ve been following for forever. Finally, I began my online store, selling Photoshop Actions and Presets. My 2013 was pretty fulfilling, to say the least.
Adam: Did you have any business or artistic challenges that you overcame in 2013?
Amanda Diaz: Something that is a constant struggle for me is the ‘office’ side of things. I swear I just have such a hard time focusing on emails, paperwork and so on. It drives me insane! I can only focus for so long before I go and check Facebook or go do some random thing. But, put a Wacom pen in my hand [to work on an image] and its ON! I can sit in front of the screen for hours editing my images.
Adam: Do you think you’ve experienced anything differently, artistically or business, because you are a woman?
Amanda Diaz: Yes. On the business side, I have noticed that it’s a constant ‘walk up hill’ to get my work ‘out there’. Don’t get me wrong, doors do open here and there, but I feel that a lot of people get their breaks because someone is helping them somehow or in some way. At times, that can be very frustrating. It’s like that saying: “It’s not WHAT you know, it’s WHO you know”. {Sigh…}
[REWIND: 18 Real Tips on Becoming a Pro Commercial/Fashion Photographer]
Adam: What is your outlook on 2014, both business and artistically?
Amanda Diaz: I have a pretty positive outlook on 2014: I plan to continue with teaching two or three workshops, travel and continue to grow in my publications.
Adam: If you got to shoot with your ideal gear, what would it be?
Amanda Diaz: Okay honestly, I have never been into gear! I have come to love a couple specific lenses, a camera that takes decent quality shots and have learned to use light as it’s available. Here’s my current setup:
- Camera: I’m still using the Canon 5D Mark II and I’m perfectly happy with it!
- Lenses: I mostly use the Canon 85mm f/1.2 and Canon 50mm f/1.2. From time-to-time I use the the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8.
- Bag: I really like the Kelly Moore Black Sling Bag. It allows me to carry heavy cameras and lenses in comfort for at least a few hours.
- Computer and Software: I use the ASUS ROG G750JH. The gaming power allows me to work on Adobe Photoshop CS6 and Lighroom 5 without computer lag.
Adam: Do you have a favorite, must have piece of kit? And why do you love it and must always have it with you?
Amanda Diaz: Yes! My Canon 85mm f/1.2. I have used that lens for so long now and just love it so much!
Adam: What advice would you give young women looking at a career in photography?
Amanda Diaz: Stay focused, don’t worry about what everyone else is doing and strive to be different. Also, constantly seek inspiration — not just in other photographers’ work, but in everything: your surroundings, books, movies, music and so on.
But, most importantly, take any negativity that may be thrown at you and use it to get better! This is something I think that is so important and not told enough to young women.
Start the conversation!
- Who’s the photographer we should be watching out for in 2014?
- Is photography a harder gig for women?
- Where do you find inspirations for your work?
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CREDITS: All photographs by Amanda Diaz are copyrighted and have been used with permission for SLR Lounge. Do not copy, modify or re-post this article or images without express permission from SLR Lounge and the artist
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