A Small History

• My interest in photography began in my early teens when I discovered that, as a second child, the photographs of my growing up were sparse. With that discovery, I got my first camera and decided that I would record my own history.

• I received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photography from Georgia State University. During my residence at GSU, I began developing my style for creating documentary projects with a fine art flare.

• My first documentary project dealt with Habitat for Humanity. Choosing to photograph a single family allowed me to focus on the emotional highs and lows of building the house. There were hundreds of individuals coming together for one important event. I was able to capture individuals and small groups working at ordinary tasks that would have an extraordinary and lasting effect on a single family. This project became my first gallery showing which was held at The Art Farm.

• What an honor it was to be selected by one of Atlanta’s hottest radio programs, The Bert Show on Q100, to photograph a promotional event at the Philip’s Arena. The station hosted an honorary graduation for Masha. She had been seriously injured in a car accident. Masha’s sole motivation during rehabilitation was to walk across the stage at her graduation. She was devastated when the school’s principal denied her this reward for fear she would not succeed. Businesses around Atlanta donated their services in order to make her graduation an event where her dream came true.

• An internship at Atlanta Homes & Lifestyle Publication allowed me to work with many well established photographers. I took this opportunity to learn new and inventive ways to photograph and set up lighting. It was fun and energizing to experiment in a different area of photography.

• Last year, continuing my education, I completed an intensive workshop with the renowned wedding and event photographer Denis Reggie whom Oprah Winfrey calls, “the best in the business.”

• Recent events that I have photographed were located at the beautiful Chateau Elan, the amazing Fernbank Museum, and in historical Savannah. It was a joy to have the opportunity to photograph in these very beautiful and very different settings.

• Last spring I invested in a new and exciting avenue for my photography. Event Perfect Cafe, owner Lisa Chappelear, will feature Amanda Phillips Photography as a resource for future brides and event planners.

• Starting this month, December 05, The Knot Georgia will display my advertisement in their publication.