Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Bendtsen.
Hi Amy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have always enjoyed photography – from the film cameras that my mom would buy me for summer camp to the small flip phones I had in my last few summers – all the way to when I bought my first DSLR camera of my own in 2016. I bought it because my mom had the same camera but was not keen on me taking it on my first college study abroad experience to Spain. I was going to be gone a month, and wanted something other than my phone to take pictures on. At the time it was a good bundle deal at Best Buy, and I splurged a little bit for it. I came home from that trip with nearly 3,000 photos, and some of them are still on my top favorite photos list. That camera has lived with me for the last nearly decade, and has since traveled to many different countries. It was also my trusty side kick through two of my good friends weddings! Since then, I have realized that I really enjoy having more control over my working hours and the ability to be creative within my work, so I decided to start pursuing photography as my business along side my quilting as they really thrive in opposite seasons. I recently invested in a second, nicer camera as well for this!
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?
I am just starting out so cant say too much but it for sure has been a bumpy road. I am working on this in my very limited free time between grad school, working, fostering dogs, and sewing. So with limited time to dedicate to it, I have had a hard time getting client bookings. I sort of expected this though, and it is part of the reason I wanted to start now to slowly build up to being more busy. Hoping it gets smoother in the future!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a pretty natural photographer, I don’t like to do a ton of editing, so very clean very natural colors with a story-like feel. I have an eye for details – which can get me in trouble when I am doing weddings sometimes but is a great skill when doing wildlife or landscapes. I like to think my clean style is what sets me apart as highly edited styles seem to be trending a bit.
What makes you happy?
Slow days curled up with a good book and nice cup of tea, snuggling in bed with my dogs, and watching puppies play in the yard. Enjoying the small moments in life really make me happy, which I think is why I notice the details so often – the details are the small beautiful things in life.
Pricing:
- Elopements/Engagements $250/hr
- All Day Wedding Package $1500
- Graduation Pictures $500
- Travel fees $50 (midwest)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amybphotography.squarespace.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amy_bphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyBendtsenphotography
