Life & Work with Amanda Novena of Columbus, Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Novena.

Hi Amanda, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had a love for taking pictures, but over time it became so much more than that.

As I started building my business, I realized I didn’t just want to create beautiful images. I wanted to create an experience where people feel comfortable, confident, and fully themselves in front of the camera. That really became the foundation of everything I do.

I now photograph weddings and senior portraits in the Columbus area, and my approach is very laid-back with gentle direction so my clients never feel stiff or unsure. I want them to feel taken care of from the moment they inquire all the way through receiving their final images.

I’m also a mom of three boys and married to my high school sweetheart, so relationships and family are a huge part of who I am. That naturally carries into my work and how I show up for my clients.

Over the years, I’ve grown so much both creatively and in how I serve my clients, and I’m really proud to be known for creating an experience that feels easy, personal, and genuinely meaningful.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road.

One of the biggest challenges for me has been comparison and mom guilt. There have been seasons where I’ve questioned if I’m good enough, especially when looking at what others are doing. At the same time, my kids are the center of everything for me, so there have been moments where I’ve wondered if it’s worth it when it takes time away from them.

That’s something I’ve been really intentional about. I’ve learned to build my schedule around my family as much as possible so I’m not missing the moments that matter most.

Over time, I’ve also had to shift my mindset. I’ve been more mindful about what I’m consuming, even unfollowing accounts that were causing me to compare, and focusing on what I’m building instead. Encouragement from others has helped a lot too.

I’ve reached a point where I can truly say I feel content with where my business is. I’ve learned to recognize my own strengths, trust my growth, and define success in a way that aligns with my life, not someone else’s.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a wedding and senior portrait photographer based in the Columbus area, specializing in a refined, yet relaxed experience that allows my clients to feel confident, at ease, and fully present.

I’m known for my calm presence and gentle guidance, especially on wedding days where that sense of ease truly matters. I step in when needed, while still allowing moments to unfold naturally, so my clients never feel stiff or unsure.

What I’m most proud of is the experience I’ve created. Every detail is intentional, from the planning process to the final gallery, so my clients feel taken care of at every stage.

What sets me apart is the way I approach people. I don’t just focus on the couple, but on the relationships surrounding them. By building that connection and trust, I’m able to capture images that feel effortless, meaningful, and timeless.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is people and the relationships that shape their lives.

That starts with my own family. My kids and my husband are the center of everything I do, and they’ve really shaped how I view time, connection, and what actually matters at the end of the day.

That perspective naturally carries into my work. I don’t just see a wedding or a session as something to document. I see it as a collection of moments between people who mean everything to each other. The quiet interactions, the in-between moments, the way families come together, those are the things that hold the most value.

That’s why I approach my work the way I do. I want my clients to feel present, taken care of, and able to fully experience their day, knowing those moments are being captured with intention.

Because in the end, the images become more than just photos. They become a way to hold onto the people and connections that matter most.

Pricing:

• Senior sessions – $600
• Weddings start at $3,800

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amandalaurencollective.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandalaurencollective
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandalaurencollective
• Other: https://senior.amandalaurencollective.com/