Conversations with Amanda Peixoto-elkins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Peixoto-elkins

Amanda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Brazil and moved to the U.S. as an international student, where I eventually met my husband, an Angelino. After the birth of our children, I felt a strong desire to not only be a mom to them but also a role model. I had a background in modeling before moving to the U.S. and have always had a natural eye for photography. One day, I thought, “Why not combine these passions?” I didn’t formally study art or photography in college, everything I know, I’ve taught myself while raising my kids. It wasn’t an easy journey, but it was worth every challenge.

I began by photographing my children, then their friends’ families, and eventually, through my blog, my images caught the attention of a few brands in need of a photographer. That’s when everything started to snowball. Although I didn’t set out with the intention of becoming a commercial or editorial photographer, opportunities began to present themselves, and I’m so grateful to the people who trusted me with their visions. One thing led to another, and before I knew it, I was photographing some of the familiar faces I’d once seen on TV. It’s been an incredible, unexpected journey, and I’m excited for where it will take me next.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a business from scratch is no easy feat, and when you add raising two young children under the age of five to the mix, it feels almost impossible. My husband and I were very young when we became parents, still in the process of building our lives and working tirelessly to make ends meet. There was no outside help, it was just the two of us, constantly taking turns and juggling responsibilities. We were determined to be the ones raising our children, refusing to rely on schools or babysitters to spend the majority of their early years away from us.

But with a lot of grace, resilience, and hard work, everything eventually came together. Slowly but surely, things started to fall into place, and I found myself living the dream of creating beautiful images while working alongside some truly incredible people. It hasn’t always been easy, but the journey has been nothing short of rewarding, and I wouldn’t trade a single moment of it.

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’m a celebrity portrait photographer with a deep passion for capturing genuine moments. I specialize in working with natural light in diverse, often unconventional, locations. I believe that natural light has a unique way of highlighting a person’s essence, and I love finding locations that complement or contrast with the subject’s personality. Over the years, I’ve built a reputation for creating portraits that feel both candid and cinematic. Whether I’m shooting in an urban setting, a quiet natural space, or even in a random location, I always aim to bring out the most authentic side of my subjects, creating a connection that feels intimate and powerful.

I’m most proud of how I’ve built my business from the ground up. Starting as a self-taught photographer without the usual industry connections was challenging but also incredibly rewarding. I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible artists and public figures, and each shoot is an opportunity to push my creative limits while honoring the individuality of my subjects. What I’m especially proud of is that my work has become synonymous with authenticity. People often tell me that my portraits make them feel like they’re seeing a different side of the celebrity or person, and that means a lot to me.

I think what sets me apart is my commitment to working with natural light exclusively and how I use it to tell a story. A lot of photographers rely on artificial lighting, but for me, the quality of light from the sun, how it changes during the day, how it reflects off surfaces, or even how it feels in a particular space is an integral part of the narrative. I’m also known for my ability to make my subjects feel comfortable and relaxed. I try to create a space where people can truly be themselves, which makes for more compelling portraits.

I believe the locations I choose play a huge role in my work. I’m always searching for places that have their own character, a combination of beauty, texture, and depth. I want the setting to feel as much a part of the story as the person I’m photographing.

What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue evolving my craft while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with natural light and location-based portraiture. One of my big plans is to expand my work into more editorial and storytelling-driven projects, where I can collaborate with stylists, makeup artists, and other creatives to bring a full concept to life. I’ve always loved working with people who share a vision, and I think there’s so much potential to create deeper, more immersive work.

Another area I’m planning to grow into is offering photography workshops and mentorship. Over the past 18 years, I’ve learned so much through trial and error, and I want to give back by helping aspiring photographers who are starting out on their own journey. I feel like the self-taught route gave me a unique perspective, and I’d love to share those insights, especially about working with natural light, building a business, and finding your own voice as an artist.

I’m also looking forward to branching out into more international shoots. Travel has always been a huge inspiration for me, and I’m planning to take on more global projects that allow me to work in different cultures, environments, and with new faces. There’s something about how light interacts with different landscapes and settings that constantly sparks new ideas for me.

On a personal level, I’m planning to slow down a little bit, not in terms of work, but more in how I approach my life and creative process. I’ve spent years hustling and learning the ropes of the industry, and now I’m looking to focus more on sustainability in my work and life. That could mean being more selective with projects or even experimenting with new forms of art outside of photography, like film or mixed media.

I’m excited for the future, not only to continue growing as a photographer but to build deeper, more meaningful connections with the people I work with and the places I shoot. There’s so much more to explore, and I can’t wait to see where the next chapter takes me.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.amandaelkins.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/amandapeixotoelkins
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@amandapelkins

Image Credits
Photos by Amanda Peixoto-Elkins