Respect the Shooter Interview with Amanda Lee Domenech @a_leethal
by Austin Paz
How did you get into photography/videography?
I always loved taking pictures circa MySpace era but really started taking it seriously when I met my husband. He taught me the technical side to it and then I developed my own style.
What did you first use to take photos?
A little olympus point and shoot. I still preach till this day, the best camera you can have is the one in your hand.
Where did you go to school? Do you have any formal training/self taught?
I have no formal training but the amazing thing about this time that we’re in is that there is free education everywhere, from youtube to podcasts and Facebook groups.
Do you have any nicknames? How did you get that name?
A.Lee which of course is just a short version of my first and middle name.
If you could take photos of any 3 people who would it be?
Jerry Seinfeld
Sarah Jessica Parker
Nasir Jones
If you could take photos of any 3 people that are no longer living who would they be?
My grandmother
Frida Kahlo
Salvador Dali
If you could take photos in any 3 cities what would they be?
I've taken photos in over 24 countries so this is tough for me but of course Santorini because the landscape is just stunning,
Somewhere in Vietnam, ideally everywhere.
Havana, Cuba because when I went a couple of years ago I forgot my camera (literally thought my husband packed it and ended up shooting photos and video with an iphone 6s)
What is your goal when you capture photos of someone?
My goal when I take photos of someone is to uncover their unique traits. When people step in front of my camera they first show me who they think I want them to be or who the world wants them to be. But I want to find out what’s under that surface and bring out their truth.
What music do you listen to when you edit photos?
It depends on what I’m editing. If I’m editing event photos and it’s a party then something more fun like Spice Girls. But if I’m editing a wedding or an engagement session I listen to something slow and sweet.. some r&b, some sappy stuff. For other photos it’s usually something with little to no lyrics like Petite Biscuit.
What's your favorite app on your phone?
Well the obvious is going to be Instagram but currently it’s DuoLingo. I’m teaching myself Spanish with it and I’m currently on a 48 day streak!
What is your dream as a photographer?
My dream as a photographer is create a company that’s sustainable for years and years to come and to be able to hire more of my friends. People think the best thing about having your own business is making money but what’s even better is making money and giving your friends opportunity to make money as well.
What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream to be a photographer/videographer?
Just do it. Pick up a camera, ANY camera and start doing something. Before you could be good at anything you have to be brave so give yourself grace to suck for a bit but if you keep going you’re going to crush it.
Where can people find you? (social media, website, etc.)