Meet Amy Rodgers | DFW Lifestyle Photographer

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

Hi Amy, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The thought of “having my own business” still blows my mind! When I was in high school I remember having a Nikon Coolpix camera that I took with me everywhere. Whether I was taking photos of scenery or my friends and family, I have always loved documenting moments to look back on. As I grew up into college and a young adult, having my own photography business was still a distant thought to me. My initial career is in social work and even in this field I would notice different memories that could be beautiful photos for people to cherish! I started professional photography in 2020 after realizing that it is truly something I enjoy doing and feel that I am good at! I wanted to step deeper into the field of photography and did some research on how to go about turning it into a business. I had to do a lot of my own research and follow up since I am a self taught photographer. I respect the process and learning how to actually take photos, edit photos, behind the scenes of the business and even how to use a digital camera correctly. It is all something I don’t take lightly and continue to learn something new everyday. When I started taking on professional sessions in 2020, I was still working in the social work field. It was difficult to juggle two job titles at one time, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I had my first child in 2022 and had the privilege of becoming a stay at home parent in 2023. I was able to take on more sessions and work during that time up until now! I have been able to dig deeper into the business and again have to continue learning how all of that works with scheduling, booking sessions, content creation, advertising my business, making a website and ensuring I have appropriate set ups to deliver galleries.
I found that I really enjoyed lifestyle photography with people in their element! Right now I am doing photography for families, maternity, branding, seniors and events. As I grow my business, I would love to get more involved in more creative shoots like for brands, products, etc. I have also enjoyed taking photos of scenery/architecture and just simple street photography! I am excited to see where my business takes me now and in the future!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think what sets me apart from others, is where I started in photography. I taught myself how to use my camera in manual mode and did as much research as I could to make sure I respect the art of photography. I look up to those who went to school for photography and know all the ins and outs of how their camera works, how to work with people and how to run a successful business. I started my professional career outside of photography in the field of social work. I obtained my masters degree in social work and worked in the field for 8 years, prior to mainly doing photography. Within social work, I worked with many families (biological, adoptive, foster) who all had different stories to tell. When I saw all the love poured into these families, I would always think in the back of my head it would be great if they could have some professional photos done to keep forever. There are some events/programs for families and children to have professional photos done and I always thought that would be such an amazing thing to be able to do.
The point of bringing up my social work background, is to recognize that my heart is still with social work. Working with people is such a privilege and that is why I feel I am good with working with families/people in photography. I always want people to enjoy their session and simply have fun. I never want it to feel like a structured thing that they have to do just to get some nice photos. It should feel like an hour of time that you can spend with your family or even just to celebrate yourself if you are doing an individual session. I love to hear feedback and ideas from people during their session as well so they can feel part of the session and that I am not just taking over. It means a lot to me for people to feel like they have a voice and that they feel heard, even when it is just in a photo session with me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If anyone knows me at all, they know that I love FOOD. I typically love to venture out and try different foods/drink spots/coffee shops in the DFW area. There are SOOOO many places to choose from but first stop on the itinerary would be to get some coffee!! The main coffee shops that I love going to near me are Summer Moon, Melbys or Casa Azul! I love to support small businesses so if there is a new coffee shop opening up locally, I AM THERE! Once we have our coffee in hand, I would definitely take my bestie to a vendor market! Again, I love to support small, and vendors at these markets always have the best items to choose from that are handmade. After walking around a market for hours, I am bound to be hungry AGAIN. Next stop, RAMEN! My favorite ramen shop right now is Ramen Hakata! There is a great location in the Lewisville area that my husband and I go to for dates or just with the family regularly. I am half Japanese and half Mexican American, so my heart is always torn for which food to eat in the moment! Food from both sides of my culture are my favorite to eat all the time! Final stop would probably be to go to Downtown Fort Worth and walk around the city and even around the area of Trinity Trails. I love being outdoors and going on walks and favorite thing to do is take photos along the walk! If there is a taco truck along the way, we can grab some tacos on our walk too!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
As a young child and into adulthood, I have found that my parents always loved documenting moments of our family together. Whether we were just at home hanging out together or at Tokyo Disneyland taking in the sights, there was always a photo to remember the sweet memories. My mom would also tell me stories of her dad always having a video camera and loved taking photos as well. My brother has also always hyped me up after I show him some of my work and he continues to always be supportive of me. I want to dedicate my first love for photography to my parents and grandparents. They have always supported me in everything that I have done so far in my life and continue to support me in my photography journey.
I have always felt so much love and support from other friends and family in my life who trusted me with taking photos of them and their families. When I first started out, so many families trusted me with doing a professional photo session and continue to book with me today. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have been able to start anywhere or even know where to begin when posing a family/Individual and editing photos. I would love to shout out specific families such as The Rodgers Family, The Haley Family, The Clement/King Family, The Scarnato Family, The Nguyen Family and The Patten Family. I have several individual friends who have always supported me in photography and my business. I wouldn’t be here without them either.
My number one supporter has always been my husband, Terrence. He has always reminded me that I am my own worst critic and the photos I take should been seen and praised. Early on, he was my “unpaid employee” and would help me during sessions with set ups, prop holding and even with making some of my clients laugh! He always did it with a smile and never complained. Any time I need a second eye on something, I trust him with honest feedback. He was the main one who encouraged me to start a business if I wanted to because he feels that my photography is worth it. His support has always meant the world to me and continues to the backbone of my business. My sweet little boy has always been my main subject to capture in the moment, ever since he was born. He reminds me of my love for photography, to capture moments where I can and to remember that candid photos are the way to go. My little guy keeps me going when he says “mommy is a photographer” and gives me a big smile any time I take his photo.

Website: https://kimikoscanvasphotography.mypixieset.com/

Instagram: @kimikos_canvas

Other: Email: kimikoscanvas@gmail.com

Image Credits
Kimikos Canvas Photography