Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Pile.
Hi Amanda, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I started photographing people in 2013, and to be honest, I was quite terrible at it. But I loved it. I loved the connection with people I may have never met; even from the beginning, I knew it was an important job. As a college junior, I photographed my first wedding in 2014 with zero wedding photography (or life) experience. The sweetest couple trusted me, and I drove from Virginia to Pennsylvania with my best friend as my second shooter, my Christmas gift Canon Rebel T3i, a few SD cards, and a very nervous and happy heart. I photographed a few more weddings that year and the next, along with portraits and families. I fell more in love with it the more I did it. By this point, I was completely self-taught, thanks to Youtube and Pinterest, but I knew that I needed some guidance from a more experienced photographer. I started second shooting for a local photographer, where I learned my camera and the do’s and don’t’s of a great client experience. In 2016 I had something like 17 weddings, all thanks to my wonderful clients and word of mouth. I worked full-time in an office where I spent most of my time daydreaming of wedding photography and the business I was building. In 2017, after much prayer, I leaped into full-time photography and moved from VA to NC. After 8 years, hundreds of amazing clients, and most importantly, the grace of God, I’m still photographing stories.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, I’m not sure I could have asked for a better experience. Of course, there have been lessons along the way. Mostly those lessons include how I can better serve my clients, whether honing my skills or improving my client experience. I’ve been extremely blessed by the wedding industry friends I’ve made over the last several years. I can come to them with any questions or struggles and get helpful advice and words of encouragement which makes the hard things not so hard.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a photographer specializing in weddings and lifestyle sessions (families, portraits, etc.). I’m most proud of my client experience. Even in the beginning, when my photos weren’t great, I knew I wanted to stand out by how well I served my clients. As a believer, my business isn’t just a reflection of me; it’s a reflection of who I believe in. I hope that all of my clients see Jesus by the way I serve them.
Had we loved to hear about any fond memories you have from growing up?
So many!! I went to the pool just about every day in the summer – I lived for summer as a kid.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.asomervillephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandasomervillephoto/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/asomphotography/
Image Credits
Amanda Somerville Photography
