Daily Inspiration: Meet Amanda J. Cain

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda J. Cain

Hi Amanda J., so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story began in my first career job as a graphic designer at a local newspaper in New Bedford, MA. It was there that I discovered my passion for photography. I had always been a tomboy and a sports enthusiast, but it was a skateboarder riding down the street that sparked my interest in capturing moments through a lens. In the early stages of my career, I focused on street and action photography. I taught myself about lighting and developed a passion for creating unique and compelling images.

Over the next five years, I navigated the challenges of becoming a professional photographer. There were moments that left me heartbroken and questioning my potential to succeed in this field. However, I persevered, and in 2017, I received an unexpected job offer from a university I knew little about. Initially, I wondered, “What does a university photographer do?” and questioned my decision to move to Kentucky. Throughout my 15-year career, I had lived in eight states, making this opportunity feel particularly unconventional.

As I learned throughout my journey, some opportunities may seem confusing at first, but they often lead to unexpected paths. I spent two and a half years at EKU, where I learned to multitask while producing high-quality images. I began to appreciate genres of photography I had never considered before, such as landscape photography.

To summarize how I got to where I am today, I chose to embrace everything photography has to offer. My love for music photography pushed me to master techniques for low-light conditions and posing artists effectively. Each experience opened new doors for me. As a sports enthusiast, working in professional sports became the missing piece I had long sought. It wasn’t merely a dream; it was a goal to see if I could achieve it. After 3.5 rewarding years in this field, I can confidently say the journey is ongoing.

As the saying goes, “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to get.” If someone had told me 15 years ago that I would be working for my hometown team, I would have laughed. Ultimately, hard work and dedication continues to pay off.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey has certainly had its rocky moments, but I believe that’s part of what makes it beautiful—having the opportunity to get back up and try again. One of my biggest struggles has been adapting to the varying expectations and needs of different organizations. I’ve had to learn to advocate for myself and for the art of photography, which can be challenging. While these struggles may seem typical, they have been particularly tough for me, as there’s a constant learning curve in understanding what you can and cannot do.

Navigating generational differences can also be frustrating, as there often isn’t a clear right or wrong approach. I tend to lean towards traditional methods, with an old-school perspective, but I also strongly believe in advocating for myself and others when necessary. This balancing act has been a significant part of my journey.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work is incredibly diverse, encompassing a wide range of photography styles. I don’t just identify as a sports photographer; I also specialize in portrait and lifestyle photography. In today’s competitive landscape, staying versatile is essential, and I strive to remain authentic in everything I do. This authenticity manifests in various ways, such as only taking on freelance gigs that I genuinely believe in and maintaining a consistent editing style that reflects my vision.

Currently, I serve as the Team Photographer for the Detroit Pistons. One of my proudest achievements was becoming the first Black female Team Photographer in the NHL while working for the San Jose Sharks. I view every milestone as an achievement, and I take great pride in my ability to design around my photography and tell stories in unique ways.

What sets me apart is the commitment to authenticity and versatility. I believe that my diverse skill set allows me to bring a fresh perspective to each project, making my work stand out in a crowded field.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Many people might be surprised to learn that I never imagined I would become a pet owner, yet here I am with three adorable cats. Additionally, I have a bit of a sweet tooth—I love an Oreo Blizzard with triple Oreos!

Another unexpected aspect of my life is my comic book collection and love for Japanese art. (While I wouldn’t say this is a goal, I would say that it would be a dream to travel to Japan and be able to take in the city through my lens.)

Lastly, in the past 15 years, I’ve lived in quite a few places, including Massachusetts, Texas, Southern California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Indiana, Utah, and Northern California. Each location has contributed to my growth, both personally and professionally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amandajcain.photoshelter.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandajcain
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandajcain
• Twitter: https://x.com/grafikAmanda
• Other: https://linktr.ee/amandajcain