Meet Amanda Delgadillo | Photographer

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

Hi Amanda, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born in San Francisco but moved at a very young age to Charlotte, North Carolina where I lived until I was 18. Growing up, I frequently visited the Bay Area and was constantly enamored with the “California aesthetic” and sunny lifestyle. Larry Sultan’s work from the 1970s has profoundly shaped my photographic vision. His masterful use of bright, saturated colors and meticulous attention to detail in documenting his surroundings have deeply influenced how I perceive and capture the world through my lens. I studied Photography at Parsons School of Design in New York City. Living in New York for those four years deepened my longing for California, especially during the unforgiving winter months. While it seemed straightforward to present the commercial work I produce as a freelance photographer, I felt compelled instead to share images from my personal life—photographs that reveal the original spark that drew me to this medium. These are joyful, luminous moments that serve as a time capsule of an endless summer, embodying the essence of why I fell in love with photography in the first place.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart as a photographer is my ability to infuse my work with a sense of nostalgia and emotional connection. I strive to capture the fleeting beauty of everyday moments, highlighting the interplay of light, color, and emotion in a way that feels timeless and intimate.

Professionally, my journey has been anything but easy, but that’s where the growth has been most rewarding. Moving between states, navigating seasons of self-doubt, and balancing the creative with the commercial aspects of photography have all shaped me into a more resilient and introspective artist. I’ve learned to embrace the challenges as opportunities to refine my voice and vision, and to never lose sight of the joy that first drew me to photography.

The lesson I hold closest is that authenticity is everything. Whether in my personal or commercial work, staying true to my creative instincts and honoring the stories I want to tell has always led to the most meaningful results.

Through my brand and my work, I want the world to know that photography is more than an art form to me; it’s a way of life. My images are a celebration of light, color, and the human experience, all grounded in my deep love for California’s warmth and vibrancy. I hope that my work resonates with others and inspires them to find beauty in their own everyday moments.

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?
I absolutely love hosting visitors, especially those who have yet to experience the quintessential SoCal lifestyle. My welcome typically begins with a pick-up from LAX, followed by lunch at a beachside spot—recent favorites include Fig Tree and Shutters on the Beach. From there, I like to offer a driving tour through Beverly Hills and the Sunset Strip before settling in at my place in West Hollywood.

A few days in LA can be as relaxed or action-packed as you’d like. Whether it’s lounging by a rooftop pool, hiking scenic trails, or indulging in some retail therapy, one thing is certain: every day is spent soaking up the sunshine outdoors. For dinner, my go-to spots for guests include the classic El Coyote, the always fresh Sugarfish, and the beloved Din Tai Fung.

On a typical week, you’ll find me either cooking homemade meals or grabbing tacos from my favorite corner stand. If time allows, a road trip to California’s wine country—whether it’s Temecula, Paso Robles, or Napa for the more ambitious—adds the perfect touch to any visit. California is all about the scenery, so road trips, iconic roadside eateries, and time at the beach are guaranteed to create an unforgettable experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout not to a tangible object, but to California itself. The aesthetic of the entire coast inspires me daily, offering endless creative ideas and evoking a profound sense of warmth. With each passing day, my love for this state continues to grow.

Instagram: @amandadelgadillo_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-delgadillo-2a22301b7