Meet Amanda DeSena | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda DeSena and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
Like most people that have chosen to pursue a creative career, coming across creative blocks is a very common occurrence. Due to the pandemic, many people have experienced this to an even higher degree, myself included. As a concert photographer during the pandemic, it was difficult to keep working and practicing on my art and I often found myself questioning whether I should continue being a photographer or quit. However, I continued to push through these struggles and I am beyond happy that I did. What kept me from quitting photography was the idea of one day being able to photograph one of my favorite bands and the joy that it brings me to have the ability to capture memories for others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey through photography began about three years ago, when I had taken my camera into a show and realized how much happiness it brought me. Although that was when I had began taking photos, I remember prior to that show that I was always watching and was fascinated by all the other photographers. Like anything in life, I have faced struggles like lighting and motivation, but what now makes me proud is that I pushed through those struggles and am now continuing pursuing a career that brings genuine happiness. Along the way, I have learned that there will always be people that don’t support you and may not think that your career path is a smart decision, but its up to you to focus on those that do support you and realize that your happiness comes before anyone’s opinion.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Typically when people think of San Diego, they always think of the beaches and beautiful weather; but there’s so much more to the city than just that. For instance, if I was to show my best friend around the city, I would primarily show them around North Park. Personally, North Park is one of my favorite spots in the city because of all the things you can do there. In an ideal day in North Park, we would go eat ramen and then walk around and looking at the shops that are amongst the streets. While shopping, we would take a break for some ice cream and end the day by going to a concert at the North Park Observatory.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Throughout the years that I have been pursuing photography, one person that has always supported me in this journey is my mom. For as long as I can remember, she has always taken me to concerts, no matter how busy her schedule may have been that day. Her support and encouragement is what continues to motivate me in the photography industry. Not only has my mom been a huge support, but also fellow photographer, Melisande Martin. Like my mom, she has always been there for me, whether it be encouragement or even giving me tips and other advice.

Instagram: @amandaxdesena