Amy Carson

I feel that I've always had a slightly different way of seeing things. The quirks that made me "weird" as a kid turned into my superpowers as an artist. I stand out simply because I'm not trying to blend in or do what other people are doing.

Also, I'm professional with clients and respect everyone on set. I try to keep it fun, and remember that we're just making pictures. It's not open-heart surgery. It's creative work, so we can keep the mood light.

I think it really is just to know yourself and focus on what it is that you want in life. Focus on your values, and build your business around that, rather than trying to build your business around what you think the market wants. Your foundation lies in being true to who you are.

Find other female photographers who are very successful, whose careers that you admire, and reach out to them personally. Try to develop a relationship with them. Talk to them. Find someone who is several steps ahead, or not a direct competitor, so they won't feel threatened by you. Some people won't respond, but you'll find some that actually want to share and want to help. It's hard to find real mentors, but they may at least give you a thoughtful response and point you in the right direction.

I think the biggest challenge is that the industry is changing rapidly, and no one can predict where it's headed at this time.

Kindness and inclusivity. Kindness really covers just about everything. Coming from the heart and from a place of love and empathy.