Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Bremser.
Amy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When I was a young girl, I LOVED photography, being in photos, taking photos, printing photos. If you can name it, I was probably tearing up someone’s desk space (sorry dad) doing it! I always carried around an old digital camera, you remember the floppy disc? Because that was the memory card of my first camera! My dad always used them for his business and technology would change and he’d pass down the next camera in line to me. As I got older, I became interested in being in front of the camera as well. I had been told from a young age on that I should be a model since I was so tall and lanky. So I gave it a shot! But on the job, I found myself more interested in what the photographers were doing than walking down a runway. I’d watch them move lights, find good angles, we’d chat over gear bags or lenses and I remembered my floppy disc days. I had seen people use the lights and the gear and the cameras and always though, “man, I could do that!” So I did!
I upgraded my camera and started out taking photos of my friends, my family, or places I would find myself. I went to college and brought my camera along with me, I took WAY too many photos of my son that will definitely embarrass him in the future, and I learned about my passion surrounded by the people I love! It was actually one of my college professors and fellow photographer, John Dettling, that really acknowledged my potential and sparked my desire to just go all in! I started doing photography full time after I graduated college and haven’t stopped shooting since! I’ve grown and developed (pun intended) over time and hope that I’ll always grow and evolve as my career does! I’ve met a lot of great people along the way and learned alongside other photographers in my area. Without the encouragement of my family and peers, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Has it been a smooth road?
Now it hasn’t always been smooth sailing.
There are always people who doubt your dream or discourage you, and I’ve come across PLENTY of these people. I’ve had to learn to overcome people’s opinions over a nontraditional career for myself. I feel like a surprising amount of people expect young adults to just get an education, graduate college, go get a 9-5 job, do that job until you retire, then retire and that’s it. I’ve always sought an alternative route that feeds my creativity as well as allows me to spend quality time with my family and children. Photography isn’t just something I do, it’s very much a major part of my lifestyle as well. I’ve made connections with other photographers along the way who are like-minded and have helped me tremendously (Thank you Jon Eilts). When I’m feeling discouraged, we pick each other up or bounce ideas off of one another and honestly finding those friendships has been a game-changer and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support and encouragement. I’ve learned that if you want to do something, you have to do it and throw 100% into it until you make it what you want it to be.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
By Amy Cole is my stamp on photography! Every photographer has something that sets them apart from one another, mine is ME! I specialize in portraits, particularly candid, natural light, bright, happy portraits! But it’s more than just a pretty picture. I want people to feel joy when they look at my photos! I want them to be happy during the shoot, feel comfortable in front of the camera, feel beautiful in their photos, and at the end of the day I make memories along with my clients as I capture them. There’s lots of jokes and I go the extra mile to make sure that sessions with me are an experience. I also use my past modeling experience to help people with poses that are the most flattering for them. Being in front of the camera has helped me understand what it’s like to be in my client’s position as well. Overall what sets me apart from other photographers is that my main goal is to bring happiness to my clients in every step from booking to delivery.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I LOVE Houston. Houston is full of beautiful locations and beautiful people. Houston is a great place for photographers at every skill level. My best advice to someone starting out is to be confident, try everything, and always be willing to learn more. Confidence is always key in starting a business. It’s important to radiate what others want to be in booking you. If you’re confident in your work, your clients will be confident in you. Try all kinds of photography! Outdoors, indoors, families, babies, events, find your niche and don’t spread yourself too thin. Pick what you love to shoot the most and do that! Photography is always growing and changing. Better cameras come along, new techniques, new styles, you’ll favor dark and moody or light and airy or both. Always be willing to learn more, get new tricks, take advice and criticism with an open mind. Join groups and other like-minded photographers to grow with and learn with because those will be who you turn to with questions or insight. Houston has a lot of love and people willing to help you along your journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: ByAmyCole.com
- Phone: 9795332373
- Email: heyamycole@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/ByAmyCole
- Facebook: Facebook.com/ByAmyCole
Image Credit:
By Amy Cole
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