Meet Amanda Blodgett

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Blodgett.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
My love for all things creative stems back until I can’t even remember, but my passion for photography began as a Senior in high school. With my well-used, second-hand Pentax K1000, I dove right into film every fourth period. I continued my photography exploration in college, minoring in traditional fine art photography and spending all of my spare time in the darkroom. After graduation, I followed a career path in line with my major (Graphic Design), but in my heart I always held a special place for the camera. The birth of my first daughter, Marlowe, in 2015 prompted me to jump into the world of digital and rediscover my love for being behind the lens. In January of 2016 I decided to try my hand at photographing families and I haven’t looked back since. I’ve spent the last two years building my business, furthering my photography skill set, and pushing myself beyond belief—all while working full-time and raising my two children with my husband, Sterling. I’ve learned more than any degree could have taught me, I’ve made some wonderful creative friends along the way, and I’ve developed a love for capturing organic, emotive images full of golden light and genuine love. I pride myself on developing relationships with families, allowing me to document their evolution from pregnancy to first born to the moment their family is finally complete. Growing through the years along-side my clients is the most fulfilling career I could ever ask for.

Please tell us about your art.
The purpose of my art is to tell not only a story, but to genuinely capture life as it unfolds. I do not pose my clients, but rather offer them guidance and direction through circumstances they would encounter each and every day–playing peek-a-boo with their brand-new baby, bursting with laughter as they tickle their toddler, or gently embracing their lover while they are engulfed in the memory of how they once-upon-a-time began. I aim to document fleeting moments created by feeling, not by force.

I come from a Fine Art background where our photographs initiated from an original, creative concept. While technicality was key and a necessity that must proceed creative exploration, we never sought to be technical artists. We were story-tellers.

I am a photographer of families. Motherhood in particular. From the moment you feel that first flutter in your belly to the bittersweet sensation of being surrounded by your not-so-little anymore children, these are the moments I know personally as a mother, and these are the moments I aim to capture for my clients to adorn the walls of their home.

I am a full-service photographer who works with my clients on wardrobe selection, session vision and expectations, and best of all, how to display your artwork in a means that best fits your style and your home. I pride myself on delivering not only beautifully captured moments, but also heirloom quality artwork that so many of us moms never find the time or resources to execute on our own. Your memories deserve to live beyond your hard drive, and I am here to help adorn your walls while you enjoy making more memories with your family.

What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
In a world where social media is at the forefront of all we do, artists have both benefited and suffered from its existence. While the likes of Instagram and other social platforms offer an unimaginable world of inspiration, it also comes across as an often-soul crushing experience for artists who are so prone to comparison. We, as artists, must remind yourself that to maintain our craft and our creative spirit, we can compare ourselves to no one other than ourselves, for it rings true that comparison is the thief of joy.

I feel that larger cities and even small artist communities have shifted into a support center for artists in a way that was previously very limited or non-existent. Many of my colleagues and friends are leaving their corporate environments for a self-sufficient, creative path through life–one which society seems to support. Hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind, locally sourced goods are in the midst of a resurgence and society is more and more beginning to value us as artists. But with an ever-changing market, the uncertainty of success is the cloud that continually hangs over all of us–especially the makers and crafters of the world.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
While my family work can be viewed via my website, dearmarlowe.com, or Instagram, @hellodearmarlowe, my goal for 2018 is to revisit my Fine Art roots and create more street art, as well as participate in more Houston based artist events and exhibits.

Contact Info:

• Website: dearmarlowe.com
• Phone: 8326286217
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @hellodearmarlowe
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/hellodearmarlowe

Image Credit:
Tabitha Corinne Photography for my personal image.

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