Amanda Rowan

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LACP Interviews Amanda Rowan

LACP asks Amanda Rowan ten questions about their background, career in and beliefs about photography.

Los Angeles Center of Photography: What kind of photographer are you?

Amanda Rowan: I’m a celebrity portrait photographer, a self-portrait photographer, and a still-life photographer, and my fine art tends to be very vibrant and colorful. While my commercial work can sometimes take on a more muted tone depending on the client, my true passion lies in lighting.

For me, photography is all about illusion. I’m most interested in using lighting to create that illusion, whether it’s building an entire environment in the studio or blending studio and ambient light to create a cinematic, almost otherworldly effect. Lighting gives me the power to sculpt both my subjects and the space, turning ordinary scenes into something that feels entirely new.

LACP: How long have you been photographing?

AR: Amanda Rowan: I got a Pentax K1000- 35mm film camera when I was in 7th grade, and I’ve been shooting ever since. That was the beginning of my love affair with photography, and it’s been a constant in my life ever since.

LACP: Where did you get your training?

AR: I sort of learned the basics and went on a self directed exploration in highschool shooting friends and family.  I went on to pursue acting at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. However, by my second year, I transitioned into photography full-time. I immersed myself in the studio and the dark room and that’s where I really learned the craft. Performing still plays a significant role in my work, whether I’m behind the camera or in front of it. I don’t know if I would be the kind of photographer I am if I had not studied acting.

LACP: When did you know you wanted to devote your life to photography?

AR: Even though I love performing, photography felt like the right outlet to express my creativity in a more personal way that I could control. It was during those early years of working with light, film, and the chemistry of the darkroom process that I knew photography was where I belonged. It has been one of the greatest joys of my life ever since.

LACP: Did you ever come close to giving up?

AR: I think a creative career is a continual process of “Not- giving up!”. As artists, we choose a path that is windy, bumpy. So for me, it’s not about a single moment where I almost gave up—it’s a constant choice to keep going. The decision to keep finding inspiration, to keep creating, and to continually put myself and my work out there as a photographer is one I have had to make over and over again.

LACP: Have you sacrificed anything by being a photographer?

AR: That’s a tricky question. I feel like whatever we choose in life means we’re not choosing something else. I don’t know if that counts as a sacrifice, but I’ve definitely chosen art, creativity, and the need to express myself over jobs that would stop me from doing that.

It’s interesting to think about, but I try to stay mindful of my body, finances, and health to make sure that my need to be a creative person doesn’t sacrifice my quality of life or well-being. Both of my parents are artists, so I’ve seen firsthand how making choices for your art can be both incredible and potentially detrimental. For me, though, it’s never really felt like a sacrifice.

LACP: What have you gained by being a photographer?

AR: A sense of purpose. When I carry a camera, I have a reason to be wherever I am. It’s a tool that keeps me present and engaged in the world in a very active way. When I was starting out, working with bands, celebrities, and live performances, being a photographer gave me a sense of purpose and confidence in situations that were otherwise overwhelming. That has only grown as my relationship with the camera has evolved. Now, I gain the ability to capture the world in a surreal way and express myself.

LACP: What classes do you teach at LACP?

AR: I’m extremely excited to be teaching a class this spring that focuses on the intersection of fashion lighting and fine art photography. In the future, I also look forward to teaching classes on the business of photography and still life photography and maybe AI.

LACP: What do you love most about teaching?

AR: Teaching gives me the opportunity to alleviate the fears that come from a lack of information and knowledge. I remember being an emerging photographer right out of school, full of questions and insecurities about what I didn’t know. Being able to fast-track students through that process and see the confidence it gives them is really rewarding. I also love how I’m constantly surprised by my students’ different perspectives and how much I end up learning from them. Teaching is a huge gift! And I am so grateful I am able to do it!

LACP: What advice would you give someone who is thinking about making a career in photography?

AR: The best advice I can give is to be bold. Don’t spend your time photographing what you think other people want to see. I know that’s hard when you are trying to find a place in the industry. However, I know from experience with myself and my mentors and students that truly connecting with your personal tastes and photographing what genuinely excites you is the best choice. If a subject gives you butterflies or feels intimidating, that’s another great sign you should probably pursue it.

I also suggest building your portfolio by documenting what you have access to—your family, friends, and community. Photography is a powerful tool for elevating the stories of subcultures and communities that don’t often get a platform. The more personal your work is, the more you’ll stand out in the marketplace as you build your career.