Hi, I’m Amanda.
I have the best job in the world – I get to stare at faces for longer than is socially acceptable and I love it!
I came to photography through an interest in people – to capture what happens when someone feels genuinely seen. I am endlessly fascinated by the distance between who people are and how they present themselves. My work these days, has less to do with technicality and more to do with helping someone settle, breathe, and realise they don’t need to perform for the camera. When we get to that place, the armour drops and something real appears – and real, these days, is where it’s at for me (even if it’s imagined).
How We Work Together
- Unrushed: We stay until the “performance” fades.
- Intentional: I guide your posture and energy with observation, not scripts.
- Real: The goal isn’t a polished mask. It’s a portrait that makes you say, “Yes, that feels like me.”
Who this is for
I work best with folk who are tired of sterile, empty images. You might be a parent who wants an anchor to your children, just as they are right now. You might be a CEO, a founder, an artist, or simply someone navigating a significant chapter in life. If you value clarity, honesty, and depth over trends, we’ll work well together.
Some of my favourite people include:
The Mid-Life Transition: I have a particular soft spot for those 45+ who are ready to document who they are right now, beyond their job titles.
My Red-Headed Folk: As a mum to a ginger, I have a complete soft spot for red hair and freckles. I love the unique spirit you bring. You are in safe, appreciative hands here.
Neurodivergent Souls: Autistic folk are among my favourite people to photograph. If you need clear communication, a predictable environment, no small talk pressure, or time to process without feeling rushed, this studio is built for you. We don’t do “fake natural.” We do actual comfortable.
The Beautiful Weirdos: If you’re a witch, a goth, a mystic, tattooed from head to toe, or just “heart-centred and a little weird,” you are home here. This is the space for your own Art for your Altar portraits – images that honour your unique spirituality, style, and sacred objects without judgement. No toning down, no fitting in. Just you, fully revealed. (You don’t need to fit into one of these boxes to be welcome. These are just the corners of my heart where I feel most at home.)
One Practice, Not Two
I absolutely love “the art” of it all and creating pieces that reflect my own inner worlds is an integral part of my practice. For years, I tried to separate it from my professional portraits. I thought they required different mindsets. I was wrong.
The work really isn’t about where an image ends up; it’s about what happens in the room so whether I’m creating a personal archive or a professional profile, the goal is identical: to get past the awkwardness of being photographed and find the moments that feel real.
My artistic projects are simply the laboratory where I refine the skills you benefit from in every session.
- Sculpting Light: Deep study into different lighting styles ensures your portrait is communicating the message you intended.
- Honest Connection: Documenting diverse individuals has honed my ability to make anyone feel safe and seen in front of the lens, quickly and effectively.
- Reading Presence: Years of studying body language and presence means I have the experience (and the care) to notice the subtle shifts that turn a stiff pose into a genuine portrait.
So what does all this mean? Simply put, you don’t get a “business version” of me. You get the full depth of my artistic observation, applied to your portrait.
Bio
Amanda Waschevski blends fine art methodology with professional necessity. Guided by a keen observation of presence, she creates unrushed, client-led sessions that reveal genuine identity over performed perfection. Her practice explores human dignity through careful observation and believes portraiture is an act of revelation and the goal is not a polished mask, but a recognisable, honest reflection of the person already in front of the lens. Her work has been recognised through the Australian Photographic Prize and the Brisbane Portrait Prize Salon des Refusés.
Alongside commissioned work, she is preparing for her first solo exhibition, People of Ipswich, 26th August – 6th September 2026 at the Ipswich Community Gallery which will be followed by the completion of her next project, The Common Thread planned for 2027.
She also photographs select events and facilitates small workshops focused on presence and body language.
You can view event work here and upcoming workshops here.
Let’s Begin
If you’d like to understand more about how I work with people in front of the camera, you can read about my approach to portraiture.
Or, if you’re ready, we can begin.
I am also a proud member of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Heartfelt: Giving the gift of photographic memories, and the Ipswich Artist Run Initiative. Links below.
Real Stories, Real People
