Meet Amanda Pedroza

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

Amanda, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My interest started at a young age but didn’t fully bloom until two years ago. I initially took the safe route in life, you know, the one where you study something that is guaranteed to support you but is murdering your soul every minute? Yeah, that one. Fortunately, that safe path actually led me to where I am today. I made a friend in school that gave me a job as a “Fresh 24” photographer, which means I was photographing newborns in their hospital rooms with their families. This friend knew I was into photography as a hobby, but I still had no real experience. I did not even own a camera! I found one in a supply closet at the headquarters for the company and off I went (I also did administrative work for them when I wasn’t in the hospital, which is why I was in the supply room). It was amazing and I’m really grateful for that friend. I believe with all my heart that we can’t do this creative life alone. One aspect of the job required me to photograph demise cases, which are babies that are stillborn. It was definitely hard and those memories are vivid, but it was when I realized the incredible impact a photo can have. I shortly realized I was capable of doing more that I ever thought possible with photography and I haven’t looked back since.

Has it been a smooth road?
What’s the opposite of smooth? Well, that’s what it has been. I’ve struggled with my confidence a lot. I’ve wanted to run away from it, give up, and only take photos for myself. But there is a voice in my head telling me this is where I am supposed to be and need to continue. Perhaps to inspire other people who identify with me to pick up a camera and show the world through their eyes. Photography is a male-dominated field and it can be difficult breaking through, especially in a city like Los Angeles. There are SO many photographers here and it’s a challenge to stand out. The one thing that I can say about separating yourself from the crowd is to be a person people want to work with. I’m never absolutely satisfied with my work, and often wonder why people hire me! Lol. That may be a little dramatic, but it has some truth to it. Growing up, photography was a distant interest, something I did every now and then, and I definitely did not see people like me doing it as a career, so it didn’t “click” until late that if it’s something I really want, I can do it. It’s helped me grow tremendously, and growing is painful and confusing and causes doubt, but it’s really beautiful on the other side of that change.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Amanda Pedroza Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
I make my money photographing events and people, this includes company parties, birthdays, engagements, weddings, and family portraits. I do love it, but what really elevates my spirit is landscape and street style photography. My Instagram page definitely reflects what my passion is and one day I will be getting paid to do documentary style photography. But until then, I am so blessed to get paid to freeze moments for all those that hire me. I’m most proud of the first dollar I made (I still have it!) because it ignited the journey that I was meant to travel.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Photography has really exploded with the advent of social media. That’s where I found tons of other LGBTQ+ photographers that have really inspired me to keep going. With all of its downfalls, social media is still a place to connect with like-minded people. I’m seeing and meeting more womxn, Latinx, and QPOC photographers and it makes me really excited. When it comes to more technical stuff, I see a lot of photographers doing more aerial stuff and that’s something I am considering doing myself. Videography is an obvious next step as well, but I want to spend most of my time learning good ol’ fashion photography at the moment. There are so many niches, like personal branding, food, real estate, product, and the list goes on and will continue to grow. I really believe there is room for all of us who really want it.

Contact Info:

• Website: amandapedroza.com
• Phone: 626-290-8478
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsgofoto/

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