Amanda McNeal shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Amanda, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
When I wake up I head to my she shed where I do 30 minutes of spiritual work that ranges from mantras, journaling, reading spiritual texts, prayer and yoga. This is a sacred time I observe daily. it sets the tone. Next I head to my office and do a brain dump and layout my day. I started this a year ago and I’ve noticed huge increase in productivity. As most creatives we can get sidetracked so it always brings me back to home base. I then take my pup for a walk and observe nature. I then head to the studio or work in my home office.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a portrait photographer of 15 years based in Columbia, TN. I mainly focus on capturing women from high school seniors to professionals. Women make up 95% of my clientele outside of families in the fall. I believe women should lift others up and be each other’s number one fan. I am a true to life color photographer that uses posing mixed with light lifestyle to create images that show life yet still polished and refined. I am currently exploring more editorial and creative lighting styles of photography.
I also create conceptual art using my camera, Photoshop and myself. This art explores the feminine experience and the struggles we all face as women on this journey of life. From motherhood to depression to betrayal each series embraces and shows light to an experience that many feel they have to keep in the dark.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I have actually written extensively about this. Before the world got its claws in me I was a very free spirited modern day hippy. I had no desire for being the woman I was expected to be. I walked my own path. Then after high school the world got me, I fell into the idea I had to act a certain way, contain my wild side, get a job, get married and have a family. 18 year old Amanda would never have recognized 30 year old Amanda. When I was 38 that lie I was told finally caught up with me – lies grow in you like poison – and I withdrew from the world. However when I emerged I was myself again and began doing all I wanted to do in my 20’s – traveling solo, creating art and free.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
After my dad passed I fell into a deep depression. I started creating conceptual self portraits to express the pain. I realized that this art I created touched other women and they no longer felt alone. I realized then that we are given pain – all of us – and we can either hide it from the world or express it into the light so others can realize that we are all on the same journey. I truly believe it is out jobs to turn pain into purpose.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to women having bodily autonomy. It’s a deeply rooted belief I have had since I had to face certain truths as a teenager. No one knows a woman’s story or walked in her footsteps. I believe as women it is our job to support each other and want only the best even if we don’t share the same story or same beliefs.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Yes I have. Years ago I gave up photography and focused on real estate. I made double in that year than what I made in photography however upon reflection it’s the year that I did less of what I loved. I stopped traveling although I had more money and could have went anywhere. I stopped creating art. I stopped spending time exploring the spiritual side of life. All of the things I had discovered about who I truly am I put aside and became miserable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amandamcnealphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandamcnealphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandamcnealphotography
Image Credits
I’m a photographer and took these outside of the portrait of me on the green sofa which was Mandy Liz Photography.
