Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Golden
Hi Amy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
“I’m a proud Texan through and through! After high school, I spent 12 years working in hospital administration before deciding to stay home with my two wild and crazy boys. Watching them grow has been such a joy. But as they’ve gotten older, I started feeling that pull to dive back into something I loved back in high school—art. Growing up, I spent a lot of time watching my mom and grandpa capture memories through photography, and I’ve always had a special place in my heart for those photos. In 2020 (what a wild year, right?!), I finally decided to take the plunge and buy a camera. I forced myself to figure it out, and started getting my name out there by taking family ‘Porchraits’ for my neighbors during the pandemic. Then, during the great ‘Snowpocalypse’ of 2021, I offered more free sessions to my neighbors, which led to a handful of paid clients including my first wedding. Since then, things have just snowballed, and here I am doing what I love.”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like with most businesses, getting started hasn’t exactly been a smooth ride. One of the toughest parts of running a photography business has been figuring out how to juggle all the different hats you have to wear. When I first started, I thought it would just be about taking awesome photos. But quickly, I realized there’s so much more—like being a marketer, accountant, customer service rep, social media manager, wardrobe stylist, child entertainer, and sometimes even a therapist for my stressed-out clients! It’s definitely been a balancing act, but over time, I’ve figured out how to embrace the chaos and find some tools to help make it all work. Another challenge has been standing out in such a competitive photography world. Finding my voice, refining my style, and figuring out how to connect with the right people took a lot of trial and error. But when I see how my photos resonate with clients and know I’ve captured something they’ll treasure forever, it makes it all worth it. Also, staying motivated and avoiding burnout has been a learning curve too. I’ve learned that taking time for personal projects, learning new things, and just stepping back to recharge is key to keeping the passion alive.”
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a passionate photographer who’s all about capturing those special moments whether it’s weddings, couples, families, grads, or soon-to-be mamas. People say I’m pretty good at capturing all the joy and love in those real, raw moments. I love helping people feel at ease in front of the camera and guiding them into poses that show off their best sides and bring out their confidence without it feeling stiff or forced. I like to think the way I use lighting, color, angles, and composition gives my work a little something extra that makes it stand out
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My biggest tip would be to just put yourself out there and connect with other photographers and vendors as much as you can. Join online groups, grab coffee or brunch with people in the industry, and go to those networking events. I’m still learning new things every day, but when it comes to finding a good mentor, be patient. Find someone you look up to, take the first step, be open to their feedback, and offer something of value in return. Don’t be afraid to have more than one mentor, and definitely make use of all the online resources out there!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.goldengroveimages.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldengroveimages/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goldengroveimages/photos
- Other: https://goldengroveimages2020.pixieset.com
