Amy O. recently collaborated with photographer Kelsey, from Eight31 on one of her lifestyle shoots. Because we loved the images so much, we want you guys to know a little more about her and take a look at all of the awesome pics from our collab!
What made you go into photography?
I took an art class in college that was a prerequisite for my major at the time - Elementary Education. I very specifically remember the instructor telling me I had “a real eye for this stuff”, so I changed my major to Art Education (seriously, just like that). I had to have a certain amount of hours in art classes for that major and ended up choosing a photography for beginners course my junior year. That was it. I was hooked. I changed my major again to Art. The photography instructor, who was a wedding photographer at the time, saw my immediate passion and let me shadow him at a few of his gigs to see if it was something I would be interested in. I remember feeling overwhelmed but so incredibly into it at the same time. I started my photography business immediately after I graduated in 2010 and have never looked back.
What does your daily routine look like?
After going full time with photography a little over a year ago, I’ve had to make some major changes to my daily routine/lifestyle. I’m usually up by 8 (not a morning person) and have breakfast on my back porch. I sometimes take a morning yoga class at my gym and then get my day started around 10 or 11. I work through emails every morning and go through my to-do list -- which is usually loaded with editing projects. I give myself breaks to check social media, eat lunch and play with my pup. I almost always have on background noise (music, tv show, etc.). My husband is a fireman, so if he’s on shift, sometimes I work until 10 or 11 at night just because I am by myself and don’t feel like I’m taking time away from family time. The really nice thing about being your own boss is you get to make your own schedule, but you have to make sure you really focus on getting tasks done and set strict deadlines/hours if you want to be successful.
What's the best part of your job?
The best part of my job IS my job. The whole thing -- even the tough + lonely behind-the-scenes parts. It all combines to be this one amazing thing I get to do on a daily basis. I love giving my clients (who turn friends) photos they’ll be able to cherish for a lifetime. I love that I get to tell their love stories through photographs. They’re frozen in time and they’ll always be able to remind them of how they were before and new photos will tell the story of where they are now. I also love photographing families. Those are love stories too, you know. The love that runs through a family is so deep and rooted and I love to be able to be just a small part of it.
What drew you to Amy O.?
My whole adult life, I’ve been drawn to dainty jewelry. I love being able to layer my pieces to make a bold statement. Amy O allows you to go from simple + classic with one necklace to chic + fashionable by layering multiple pieces. Amy O jewelry makes me feel confident (even if I’m on day 5 hair). I love how versatile the pieces are and how it makes whoever is wearing it feel so creative and put together.
Your guilty pleasure?
I have a lot of guilty pleasures. Here are a few - Food: it’s got to be french fries. Although, I incorporate them into a meal almost daily, so I’m not sure it’s as much a guilty pleasure as it is a staple. Drink: I love a good Prosecco cocktail. I like to ask my bartender to just come up with something fun and it’s always amazing. TV Show: I literally will rewatch Grey’s Anatomy and Sex and the City until I die Movie: The Greatest Showman has my heart and anyone who disagrees is not invited to my next birthday party Youtube: I will sit for hours on end just get lost in a rabbit hole of youtube videos - specifically beauty/fashion bloggers Shopping: Online. All the time. I actually have to occasionally delete my apps just so I don’t go shopping. Someone help me.
What is your favorite piece from Amy O.?
My favorite pieces are the body chains. I think they’re so fun and make a casual outfit instantly flirty + sexy. I love seeing them paired with bathing suits or even put together with boudoir sets. I die.
Do you wear jewelry everyday?
I do! Even if I’m just working at my computer all day. I’m most productive when I feel put together, and that always includes jewelry. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about a pajamas all day vibe, but I’ll still put in small hoops and a necklace and rings.
- Photography: Eight31 Photography
