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Amanda Elkins Photography bio picture

From the perspective of a client

"A portrait should be more than a passport photo. It needs a backdrop, an expression, a movement, and, in my opinion at least a little bit of natural light. Maybe even a dewdrop or a splinter. When by happenstance I found Amanda, I stumbled onto a visual biographer, someone who could capture the character within us, place it in time and space, and make it a memory.

"Unlike most of us who can detect a Kodak moment but not capture it, Amanda has fine-tuned her professional skills to bring it all together in a single frame. Perhaps it was her knowledge of being the subject that gave her an intuitive sense of what to look for.

"Amanda came into photography honestly, first as a model in Brazil, then as a parent trying to capture her own son's poignant moments. As a model, Amanda discovered the art of environment. As a parent, she learned to tune in to the emotion within a subject. Unlike studio photography where poses seem forced and smiles unnatural, Amanda's pictures reflect the nature of her subjects whether they capture an intimate moment between newlyweds or the fleeting sense of excitement in a toddler.

"Without a doubt, her Brazilian heritage emerges in the colors she captures with her camera. One wonders why we fill our frames with black and whites and sepia tones when there is such vibrancy in the things we take for granted everyday: an old straw broom, a loved leather chair, even the fringe of a much abused rug. I used to be a fan of sepia-toned family shots until I saw Amanda's work. Now they fade into a sea of lost faces compared to the rich intensity of Amanda's prints. Besides bringing life and vibrancy into the expression of the subject, Amanda sense of light and color also captures the subtle nature of distressed wood or rusted steel in the background. I had no idea how much energy a picture could possess. I caught glimpses of my son possessively reaching for his favorite toy, of my husband smirking from the corner of his eye, and of me delighting in a single moment of being a novice mom.

"A picture has a hundred reasons for being taken; to share with friends, to remember for when we are older, to reveal to our children when they ask about themselves. Amanda's pictures capture the weight of a newborn's head on his mom's shoulder, the delighted smile of a toddler jumping in the air, even the tenderness of a couple's hands touching. She finds these moments, as unique as they are to the individuals she is photographing. Each time I revisit pictures Amanda has taken I see something new, something that brings me into that moment even if I wasn't there to begin with."

Ruth Barbie, Los Angeles, CA

Monthly Archives: May 2009

Press Release – Amanda Elkins – High school senior photography

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FROM: Amanda Elkins Photography

http://www.amandaelkins.com/

For more information please contact: Amanda Elkins, phone 805-901-9241

 

For immediate release

 

PRESTIGE CAMARILLO PHOTOGRAPHER INTRODUCES NEW HIGH SCHOOL SPOKESMODEL PROGRAM

 

Camarillo, Calif.–Amanda Elkins, a slim former model from Brazil, took careful aim with her camera at a model near a broken trellis.

 

“Eyes here,” she said, and snapped the shot.

 

The abandoned gas station where the photo shoot took place offered a colorful array of backgrounds. Particle board gave one wall a rough texture. Shattered glass windows glinted in the sun. The jutting wood of the broken trellis waited, paint fading in the sea air. All visually interesting, and all very much in line with the casual, editorial style Elkins searches for in creating her work.

 

“If I could buy this place I would,” Elkins said. “And I would keep it just as it is now.”

 

Elkins’ line of signature portraits are rich with color and full of personality. And so it seems a natural fit that Elkins is introducing a new line of portraits for teens.

 

“I was inspired to create the teen portrait line by my modeling days and my love for editorials,” Elkins said. “I have been able to create a whole session based on each teen individually while making it fun and stylish. I want each one to feel like one of those girls or boys in the magazines they read.”

 

To celebrate the introduction of her new senior portrait line, Elkins is launching a teen spokesmodel program.

 

The spokesmodels will each receive a free sitting and can earn points they may apply toward portraits by working as spokesmodels for Amanda Elkins photography. As spokesmodels, the teens will share information about the senior portrait line with classmates and friends.

 

Portraits from the sessions of Elkin’s first spokesmodels are now available for viewing at http://www.amandaelkins.com.

 

“Amanda was very easy to work with, very professional and it is obvious she is passionate about her job and loves what she does,” said spokesmodel Chantelle Sawyer. “She always made me feel comfortable wherever we were—even if we were in the middle of the street! Everyone loves Amanda’s pictures, they all think they are fun and very professional.”

 

Spokesmodel Heather Grassette agreed.

 

“Working with Amanda is really a lot of fun, especially now that she has a stylist,” said Grassette. “You get to wear the most awesome outfits and be a model for a day. No matter the reason for your photos, whether it be for a modeling portfolio, senior portraits, or just a few family photos, your pictures will always look amazing.”

 

Elkins has recently added stylist Laura Paley to her team. The Amanda Elkins combination of a prestige photographer and professional stylist offers a one-of-a-kind photography experience that spokesmodels and clients will not soon forget.

“Working with a stylist can be an eye-opening experience,” said Paley. “Discovering what clothes make you look your absolute best is powerful. It changes how you think about clothes and the choices you make.”

Paley works with each spokesmodel and client on an individualized basis prior to each photo session.

“I like to start out by having the client show me their favorite wardrobe items, the clothes that they love the most and feel the best in,” Paley said. “This helps me to identify their personal style. I’ll make selections from their wardrobe, pull clothing—borrow from a retailer, and use items from my style closet to complete the look we are going for. I work with my client’s basic style and encourage modifications that would benefit them.”

Elkins hopes the spokesmodel program will attract a range of teens, from athletes to fashionistas to aspiring models.

 

“This session is meant to be for everyone,” Elkins said. “It will cater to different crowds. The main ingredient here is a love for photography.”

 

Amanda Elkins photography offers on-location senior portraits in and around Camarillo, Calif. To learn more about Amanda Elkins photography or to get in touch with Amanda about applying to be a spokesmodel, visit http://www.amandaelkins.com.

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 Press Release writen by Copywriter, Rebecca Kellogg.

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Independent Banker Magazine – Amanda Elkins – Commercial photographer

Last month I received a call from the editor of Independent Banker Magazine requesting a shoot for a local banker.  I worked together with Laura Paley (my sweet and incredible stylist) on this assignment  and it was so much fun! Our model for the day was Ms. Shari Skinner, president of the Ojai Community Bank in Ojai, California. 

 My assignment was to capture her in a relaxed manner, enjoying herself and doing something she truly enjoys.  So shooting at the Ventura Harbor sounded like a great plan, as being outdoors is one of Ms. Skinner’s favorite things to do in her spare time. I think she looks so happy in the photos! They could not have gone wrong with any of the shots!

After the shoot we had lunch together at a restaurant recomended by Ms. Skinner (a fabulous greek restaurant) and we had the opportunity to talk and get to know each other more. Ms. Skinner is one of the most brilliant woman I have ever met. She is kind and generous and spending time with her was truly an honor!

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If you’d like to read the interview, here is the link to the current issue: http://online.qmags.com/IB0509/Default.aspx . You will find the interview on page 72.

~A

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Video – Amanda Elkins – California teen and high school senior photographer

[vimeo width="640" height="480"]http://vimeo.com/4688035[/vimeo]

I’ve been waiting a long time to get this video ready to play to you all. It was from Heather’s model shoot last month. So much fun! Hope you enjoy as much as I do!

If your video card is capable of HD playback, then click here for the full size HD version.

~A

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