Featured Artist Spotlight: Amelia Kay Photography

The fourth featured artist in this ongoing series is Amelia of Amelia Kay Photography. I met Amelia in the Etsy thread Second Chance BNS. Amelia is a very talented photographer who features nature at it's finest, I know this for a fact because I am the proud owner of a couple of her prints...



Start off by telling us about yourself...

I am a self taught photographer living in Denver Colorado. I grew up in Virginia, right outside DC, but moved here to Denver 4 years ago. I love it here because its not only a beautiful place to live, there is a ton to do all year around and there is some amazing photography. I am also a mom to 2 young children and the wife of a loving husband.

When did you start doing photography and how did you get into it?

I have loved photography for as long as I can remember. I started taking photography classes in middle school and high school with the goal to be a photographer later down the road. But, for some reason, I took a long break from photography. I think college, and life in general just got in the way. But 3.5 years ago, my daughter was born and I got back into photography again. In this last year, I have really discovered that I love fine art photography. I especially enjoy taking up close shots of flowers and then creating a paining like quality to the print in my digital darkroom.

Where do you get the ideas for your creations?

I read some great books on macro photography. I also play around a lot. Both with the way I take my pictures and while I edit. I am always trying to be different and come up with an image and style that someone hasn't seen before.


Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Why?

I really hope that my photography business is my full time job. But, the fact that I started this business in the first place is a huge dream come true. I get a lot of joy and excitement when I am taking and editing pictures. Nothing means more to me than to have others enjoy my work as much as I do. I will be over the moon if in 10 years people still want to buy my images!

If you could start over with your business is there anything you would do differently?

At the moment, I am not sure. My business is still very young - I just started it this year. Since starting my business, I have realized that I would like to offer more than just prints of flowers. So, I am working really hard on more landscape photography.


Do you work at your art/craft full time or do you have another job?

I work at my photography part time right now. I am also a stay at home mom to 2 young kids. My son is 2 and my daughter is 3.5 years old. I tend to edit my photos at night once they have gone to bed or take pictures of flowers while they are taking a nap or playing in the yard.

Who do you admire (artist or otherwise)? Why?

I admire Ansel Adams. What an amazing black and white photographer. I don't think there are enough good things to say about his work. His work makes me strive to be better. When I take landscape shots, I always think of his work and wonder if it will measure up to his quality.

What tips would you have for someone that is just starting out?
Ask lots of questions, practice, practice, practice and don't be hard on yourself! There are a lot of great books out there to learn from such as Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. It takes lots of practice to get better and not every picture has to be perfect, but you will get there!

Be sure to visit Amelia's Blog and her Etsy site...

Etsy Buy Handmade AmeliaKayPhotography