Business Q&A: diMonda Photography

Wantagh resident and entrepreneur Amanda DiMonda, owner of diMonda Photography, spoke with Wantagh-Seaford Patch on how she hopes to give families an everlasting gift through newborn and children portraiture.

What drew you toward photography? Was it a hobby before your career?

I have always had a love for photography and it became a hobby while I was in college. It was something I would turn to, especially when I needed to clear my mind and just be. To slow down and appreciate all the details of life and the world around me, that you generally miss when you move too fast, is what initially drew me to photography. Then later, when I became a mom, it was all the details of my sweet baby girls that I never wanted to forget. The curl of their wispy hair, the tiny folds of their new skin, the way their feet fit into my hands, their first beautiful smiles and the way their eyes lit up when they discovered something new. I wanted to capture it all.

Are you a native of the Wantagh area? How do you think the Wantagh community encourages your business?

I am originally from Blaine, Minnesota. I love the Wantagh community. Everyone seems to pull together and support each other on all levels.

You specialize in children's portraits; how do you separate yourself and your style?

I specialize in newborns and children up to about age 10. I am not sure there is one word to describe my style. I have a very laid back approach and my ultimate goal is to capture the essence of a child or family as they are today, to share their beautiful story naturally through my eyes and lens. I separate myself by focusing on staying true to me and who I am inside. I truly pour my heart and soul into my work and my vision.

Do you think being a mom gives you an advantage when working with children?

For me being a mom does help when working with children. I understand that each child is unique and different and that sometimes you need to have a lot of patience. Some children are ready to go explore and have fun from the moment I meet them and other times I need to let a child warm up to me. You cannot force that, it just happens when they are ready and feel safe. I'm aware that things can change from minute to minute and have to be ready to change up and try something new. I also think it helps because I can relate to what the parents are thinking from my own experiences as a mom. Being able to see the situation from both a child's and a parent's perspective help guide me on a session as to which direction we should go.

What is one piece of advice you could give someone weighing the options of professional photos?

Do it. Anyone can take a great picture with the cameras available today. Having a professional take you or your child's pictures can turn a great picture into a work of art. A good photographer puts so much into your photos starting from the moment you inquire on their services and not ending until they have covered every little detail to make things perfect so that you are beyond happy with the result. Sometimes children are more willing to take pictures when it is not the parent. Even professional photographers hire others to take their pictures. It allows you to just be a family and have that amazing bond captured without worrying about all the details.

Why do you think what you do is so important? What do you hope it gives families?

Being able to capture the essence of childhood and all that it encompasses is such an honor for me. It is important because our children are growing up in a world that is so fast. We are always on the go, running from one sport or another, to parties, homework and back again to the next activity that it is so easy to forget all the simple every day moments. Before you know it our little ones are all grown up. I hope that my photography, my vision, gives families a gift of an ordinary day. The moments that they knew were there but maybe forgot to slow down and see. I hope they fall in love all over again, every time they look through them. To give them something to cherish and hold onto for lifetimes to come.

Do you think in a struggling economy your business is effected?

Somewhat yes, but ultimately it has not been that much of a hit. I feel families have to sit down and decide what is important to them and some things of course go on the back burner. However, photographs of their children is something that means a lot to parents.

With the constant change of digital technology, what do you think is most important in keeping an edge in your work?

To never stop learning and to keep challenging and pushing your own limits.