Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: @johncottermedia
Amanda Belawski is using the power of TikTok to make photography accessible. Her concert photography and editing tips have garnered a large online following. Belawski talked to NYOTA about making the industry more inclusive and developing her style and favorite photo equipment.
What led you to discover your passion for photography?
I actually started in videography and making short films. I loved telling stories and bringing my ideas to life. I found a lot of inspiration through YouTubers I loved in the 2010s. Once I started working with Respective Collective they were the ones to introduce me into photography and I just fell in love.
When you first started shooting did you have a particular focus (ie: architecture, nature) or did you always find yourself drawn to shooting people and live music?
Because growing up I was one of the only people in my friend group to have a camera. I used to take all of my friends’ Instagram photos. I used to love taking my friends photos and editing them the way I liked for their personal Instagrams. I feel like that really foreshadowed my future of loving to edit photos.
It can be difficult to be distinctive as a photographer. How did you develop your style?
I feel like I show my style through photo editing and my style has definitely progressed over the years with trial and error of editing.
Has social media been a helpful tool when it comes to getting your work seen by more people, and/or booking more jobs?
100%. I think more people should take advantage of social media because it truly is the only way to get your name out there. Unfortunately people do care about the number of followers you have.
On social media you share editing tips, photo equipment information and more. Is making photography more equitable a personal goal of yours?
This industry can be very lonely and every man for themselves and I hate it. I’m trying to make this industry a little more inclusive and less scary to those who are just starting out.
If you were stuck on a deserted island and could only have one camera and one lens with you to shoot with. Which camera and lens would you choose and why?
I think I would have to choose my Sony a7iv and 24-70. That is my ride or die setup.
Are there myths surrounding photography that you hope to bust as you continue sharing your photography journey online?
I think the main “myth” of photography is that you have to follow the “industry standard way” and I think that is a bunch of BS. The awesome thing about photography and photo editing is it is open to your interpretation and your self expression. Which can also help you create your own personal style.
What advice do you have for aspiring photographers?
Keep shooting and practicing new techniques and when you think you’re done editing a photo think of ways you can make it better or different. Really push yourself creatively.
This story first ran in Issue 37: The Empowerment Issue. Read more from the issue here.
