When it comes to the enchanting world of pet and equine photography, Amanda Linas has carved a niche that beautifully intertwines her love for animals and her passion for capturing life's moments. With a background steeped in art and a lifelong affinity for animals, Amanda has transformed her journey from a high school photography teacher to a full-time photographer specializing in pets and horses.
"I have loved photography since high school," she recalls, reflecting on her early days with disposable cameras and her first film photography class. "After a couple of career changes, I became a high school photography teacher, which is when I got more serious about my own photography." It was in 2021 that Amanda decided to take the leap into professional photography full-time, inspired by a pet photography workshop that illuminated her path. "I could be in the most gorgeous place... and I would find myself taking pictures of the dogs and cats there. So, when I thought about the fact that I could do that for a living, it just made sense."
Her passion for animals has been equally profound. "I’ve worked with animals since I was a teenager," she shares, which includes roles as a pet care technician, dog groomer, assistant trainer, and rescue volunteer. This hands-on experience with animals has translated seamlessly into her photography. "Having experience in working with animals, knowing their behavior, having patience and understanding made photographing them come natural to me."
Amanda's journey into photography wasn't merely a career shift; it was an evolution of her artistic expression. Early influences included candid moments with friends and pets, particularly her dog Hercules. "I look back to my early documentary work and most of it ended up involving animals and specifically the human-animal connection." This connection remains at the heart of her photography, especially during her storytelling sessions, where she captures the essence of families and their beloved pets. "I particularly love horses with their people, and families with their pets," she notes.
The emotional ties between children and their pets are especially significant. "Pets and horses contribute to the happiness and well-being of children significantly," Amanda explains. "They both provide a special kind of love that humans can’t, as well as teach them about life." She emphasizes how the act of caring for animals can encourage empathy, confidence, and responsibility in children, while also serving as a source of unconditional support and joy.
However, photographing children and animals does not come without its challenges. "The biggest challenge is getting everyone to cooperate at the same time," she acknowledges. To overcome this, Amanda employs a playful approach. "Rather than having them just sit there and pose, I will give prompts, ask questions, play games, and mix up posing and candid moments." Her background as a teacher has equipped her with the patience and skills necessary to navigate these lively sessions.
One session stands out vividly in her memory—a young girl with her beloved pony. "Even though she was the only one in the family who rode, the whole family fell in love with this pony," Amanda recalls fondly. "The session was calm, fun and special. The weather and light were perfect, and they were just enjoying themselves." Such moments encapsulate the joy Amanda aims to convey through her work.
To capture the unique personalities of animals, Amanda takes a personal approach. "I will talk to the owner to find out about their personalities," she explains. "I typically let them get comfortable with me first. When they are comfortable and having a good time, that’s when their personality is going to come out." This attention to detail ensures that each photograph is a true reflection of the animal's character.
Preparation for a photo session with both kids and pets is crucial for Amanda. "I’ll want to make sure we are somewhere comfortable for everyone," she advises. "I schedule during a time when the children are likely to be well rested and the animals will be more calm." Setting expectations and planning fun activities helps create an enjoyable atmosphere, paving the way for successful sessions.
Beyond photography, Amanda draws inspiration from her love for travel and community involvement. "I love to travel. Seeing new places, meeting people and exploring inspires me," she shares. Her commitment to volunteering at a horse rescue adds depth to her artistic vision, allowing her to remain connected to the animal world while fostering creativity.
Staying current with trends in photography is also essential for Amanda. "As a photographer, I am always learning and improving my craft," she explains. "By chatting with other photographers, working on personal projects, and attending photography workshops, I continue to grow and learn." This dedication ensures that her work remains fresh and relevant.
For parents considering a photo session with their children and pets, Amanda offers valuable advice: "My advice is to not wait. It’s really easy to put off booking a photo session because life gets so busy." She emphasizes the importance of capturing these fleeting moments, as kids and animals grow quickly. "Find a photographer who is experienced with both kids and horses or pets," she suggests, ensuring a smoother experience and better images.
Photography's role in preserving memories is something Amanda is passionate about. "Photography has always been a great way to preserve memories," she asserts. In a world where digital images can easily get lost, Amanda emphasizes the importance of tangible prints. "I work with the top and most unique professional print labs... to offer beautiful museum-quality printed artwork, photo boxes, and albums with the photos from our session."
Looking to the future, Amanda has exciting plans on the horizon. "This past year, I released my first book called Dog Days of Summer," she shares. "In the future, I plan to work on another book, maybe a second edition." Her commitment to community shines through as she aims to host pet-centric events that are child-friendly, fostering connections among pet lovers.
As Amanda continues to capture the bonds between children and their beloved animals through her lens, she remains dedicated to sharing the joy and love that these connections bring. "To me, this is the best way to preserve memories of the bond between kids and their animals," she concludes, reminding us all that every moment is worth capturing.
In order to hear about these events and information about sessions, you can join Amanda’s email list at https://www.belovedpetphoto.com. There is a pop-up to subscribe, or a link is available at the bottom of the home page.
“Pets and horses significantly contribute to the happiness and well-being of children.”
”Photography’s always a great way to preserve memories.”