We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Crean and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In the beginning (17 years ago!), it was more of a thought that I innately possessed a certain myriad of skills that when combined, looked like the makings of what I thought would make a good photographer. Of all skill sets, art was always my strength first and foremost. Pairing that with having a fundamental knowledge of what people want, the ability to relate and put subjects at ease, and maybe a smidge of delightful ignorance made me feel that I could succeed in making this my career path and small business.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Over the past 17 years, I’ve had the privilege of photographing over 500 weddings across 23 countries, from the serene landscapes of Wengen, Switzerland, to the vibrant shores of Negril, Jamaica. This extensive experience has honed my ability to art direct perfectly posed portraits and meticulously style details. However, my true passion lies in capturing human connection and real moments, as I believe that without genuine emotion, even the most elegant images are incomplete.

What sets my art apart is an unexpected blend of instinct and artistry. My team and I excel at reading people, anticipating moments, and capturing emotions with insight and courage. This approach ensures that our clients receive rich, vibrant, and elevated images that transform moments into absolute art.

The journey to where I am today wasn’t without challenges. Relocating from Indianapolis to Ireland, and eventually to California, required adjusting and marketing to new audiences. Building confidence in my unique vision was essential. I overcame these challenges by staying true to my passion for design and genuine moments, continuously refining my craft, and embracing each learning opportunity.

Throughout this journey, I’ve learned the importance of professionalism and creativity. Having faced every personality, challenge, and scenario imaginable, not much surprises or flusters me or my team. We bring extraordinary talent, calm confidence, and refined style to every event, ensuring that we handle each day with a blend of grit and grace.

I want the world to know that my brand is built on a foundation of insight, professionalism, and mad creativity. We don’t just capture moments; we elevate them, ensuring that your memories are not only preserved but transformed into iconic art.”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Having moved from the Bay, I’ll do my best to share some of my favorite spots—though I always feel a little unqualified! That said, I’ll likely reveal my favoritism for East LA along the way.

A good espresso-based coffee is a non-negotiable start to my day, and so far, Laveta remains undefeated as my number one pick. (Bonus: their chicken and ube waffles are a solid 10.) But if you’re skipping Laveta for breakfast, get comfortable with curbside dining and grab a highly praised—but, in my opinion, definitely not overrated—breakfast burrito from Wake and Late in DTLA.

For dinner, if I rotated between Grá in Echo Park, Yunomi in the Arts District, Corner Place in Koreatown, and Dunsmoor in Eagle Rock I’d be a very, very happy girl.

While I’ve grown to love this city more than any other I’ve lived in, I’m still discovering new spots and meeting incredible people every week. My guess is that if you asked me these questions again in a year, I could write a whole book with my findings—and to me, that’s the best part of living here.”

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Many years ago, after moving from Indianapolis to Ireland and reaching the entrepreneurial ceiling in Europe, I attended a workshop by Jose Villa. That week, what I gained wasn’t just technical skills or a portfolio boost—though he certainly provided that—but something far more impactful: a deep belief in myself. He validated the confidence I already held and propelled it forward, reinforcing that I had what it took to succeed. And, as an added push, he encouraged me to move to California—something that ultimately shaped my path.

Website: https://www.amandacrean.com

Instagram: @amandacrean

Image Credits
All credit Amanda Crean

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.