New year, new Podcast episode! And not only is the brilliant Amy Sampson our first guest of 2025, she’s also our very first guest for the video edition of the Podcast – yes, that’s right, we’re going to start filming each episode as well this year, for those who like adding some visuals to their auditory pleasure 🙂 You can watch over on YouTube, where our channel is @thisisreportage, or watch directly on https://thisisreportage.com/podcast-episode-141-this-is-amy-sampson/ On this week’s episode: • Amy shares possibly the BEST STORY EVER about a wedding…! • Public speaking is a new challenge for Amy, who is preparing to give a talk at Nine Dots. • She aims to represent quieter, more introverted photographers in her talk. • Amy’s journey into photography began with music photography for a local band. • She emphasizes the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone. • The conversation highlights the realities and challenges of being a wedding photographer. • Amy’s dedication to capturing moments is evident in her storytelling. • The episode showcases the supportive community within the photography industry. • Her first wedding was in a cave, with no flash allowed. • She learned to shoot weddings how she wanted to shoot them. • Burnout was a real challenge while working full-time and shooting. • Recognition from Rangefinder gave her confidence in her work. • She focuses on capturing genuine moments at weddings. • Shooting close helps create more intimate images. • Overcoming shyness was a significant part of her journey. • Technology like silent shutter has changed how she shoots. Capturing the perfect moment requires anticipation and patience. • Documentary photography goes beyond just snapping pictures; it involves thoughtful composition. • Building a successful photography business involves being approachable and friendly at events. • Referrals often come from the connections made during weddings. • Social media is important, but staying true to your style is crucial. • Being memorable at weddings can lead to future bookings. • The energy and emotions of post-ceremony hugs are some of the best moments to capture. • Quick interactions can lead to significant future opportunities in photography. • It’s essential to align your marketing efforts with your target audience. • Enjoying the process and being yourself can enhance your photography experience. If you're not yet a member of This is Reportage or This is Reportage: Family, check out all the benefits of joining us, including an unlimited number of images on your profile, 60 individual Award & 18 Story Award entries per year, invites to our physical meetups and parties, exclusive discounts, hours of educational videos featuring tips and advice from some of the world's best photographers and much more. Entries are open for our next round of Awards; The deadline is the same for both sites: Submit by 23:59 GMT on 24th January 2025. See all the benefits of membership and join our wedding site at https://thisisreportage.com/register/, or join our family site at https://thisisreportagefamily.com/register/