She can turn a nervous smile into a winning shot, make even the most camera-shy person relax and, apparently, crack a few lame jokes along the way. Amorie Pearson has a way of getting people to drop the awkward poses, forget their insecurities and see what she’s been seeing all along.
For Amorie Pearson, the creative behind Amorie Arts Photography, it’s about far more than getting the perfect shot. It’s about connecting with the person on the other side of the lens and making them feel comfortable enough to let their personality shine through.
“I ask them questions, listen to their stories, and compliment them on the little things I notice that make them unique. And of course, I throw in a few corny jokes along the way!
“Before long, those nervous smiles start looking a little more natural, and some clients even start coming up with poses of their own. Who said having your photograph taken had to be awkward or cringeworthy?”
Amorie’s love for all things creative started long before photography became her full-time job. In actual fact, she began on the other side of the camera, after a friend gifted her a photoshoot. She loved the whole experience, from the make-up and hairstyling to putting outfits together, and soon found herself dabbling in part-time modelling.
Then came Photoshop. Whenever photographers gave her the original images from their shoots, she’d spend hours figuring out how to edit them. And she didn’t stop there. She also loved helping people celebrate their weight-loss journeys. She’d ask them to take before photos, then, once they reached their goals, treat them to a little makeover, doing their hair and make-up before capturing their progress on camera.
But here’s the thing. Photography wasn’t originally the career plan.
Amorie was working in the corporate world for consulting engineering companies, and things were going well. Her employer even offered her the opportunity to study part-time to become an engineer, following in the footsteps of her mechanical-engineering dad.
But photography kept calling. After chatting to her dad and spending time in prayer, she began shooting over weekends and editing late into the night after work, slowly building her business. Going full-time, however, was another story.
“I was so scared to take the leap and turn my photography business into a full-time career. And then, as God sometimes works with His wonderful sense of humour, I was retrenched!”
Talk about life making the decision for you. With a retrenchment package behind her, Amorie took the leap and never looked back. Within her first two years as a full-time photographer, she’d already shot three magazine covers. Since then, she’s continued to build an impressive portfolio, with work ranging from cookbook photography to shoots for some of the entertainment industry’s familiar faces, to name just a few.
Not too shabby for someone who taught herself Photoshop! Although her career highlights are special, Amorie particularly loves photographing women, sometimes giving them a mini makeover before the shoot.
“You know that feeling when you look at a photograph and think ‘hang on, is that actually me?’ – that’s the moment I’m after.
“I think I tend to see people a little differently from how they see themselves. We can be so critical of our own appearance, but when I look at someone, I’m not focusing on the things they might see as flaws. I’m looking at everything that makes them unique.”
Between changing beauty standards and picture-perfect social media feeds, it’s easy to fall into the comparison trap. Amorie believes we could all do with being a little kinder to ourselves.
“I believe the more we learn to accept ourselves for who we are, the easier it becomes to recognise our own beauty.”
A recent boudoir shoot with a woman undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer stayed with Amorie. Her client had shared that she no longer felt beautiful.
“I did her make-up, and she had the most beautiful wig that looked so natural. She looked absolutely incredible! What stayed with me most was her strength and the way she carries herself through such a difficult time. I honestly walked away from that experience feeling like she had inspired me more than she could ever imagine.”
Of course, photography isn’t all pretty pictures. There’s admin, finances, marketing, client follow-ups and plenty of behind-the-scenes work.
“Running your own business is definitely not for the faint of heart!” she laughs.
Her corporate years taught her discipline, but running her own business has also taught her to adapt when things don’t go to plan.
“Sometimes you just have to put on Eye of the Tiger, pick yourself up, pivot and keep going.”
We rather like that approach. And judging by her dreams for the future, Amorie isn’t planning on slowing down anytime soon. A fashion editorial in New York is high on her wish list, as is seeing one of her photographs on the cover of an international fashion magazine.
“Vogue, if you’re reading this … I am available!”
Away from work, Amorie enjoys slow mornings, good coffee, delicious food, sunset walks and catching up with loved ones. Her faith remains an important part of her life, helping her navigate the unexpected and trust what lies ahead. And if there’s one thing she’d tell her younger self, it’s not to give so much weight to other people’s opinions, especially the naysayers.
“You are enough, and you always have been, even on the days when you don’t feel like it.”
It’s a lovely reminder from someone who spends her days helping others see themselves in a new light. For Amorie, the real reward is seeing someone walk away feeling a little happier, a little more confident and perhaps even a little more comfortable in their own skin.
These days, almost everyone can point and click. But seeing the beauty in someone they might struggle to see in themselves? That’s where Amorie’s special eye really shines.
Amorie’s tips for picture-perfect photos
Find your light
You can have the latest phone with the fanciest camera, but good lighting makes all the difference. Look for a shady outdoor spot with plenty of daylight or face a window indoors. For that gorgeous, warm glow, try the golden hour just after sunrise or before sunset.
Wipe that lens!
Before snapping away, give your phone’s camera lens a quick wipe. You’d be surprised how often a smudged lens is the culprit behind a disappointing photo!
Find your best angle
The angle can make all the difference to a portrait. Try holding your camera at eye level or slightly above rather than shooting from too low down. Even the smallest adjustment can change the look of your photo.
Ditch the stiff poses
Relax your shoulders, breathe and introduce movement. Shift your weight or take a slow walk rather than standing stiffly in front of the camera. The loveliest expressions happen when you stop worrying about the camera.
And one last thing…
Forget the idea that every photograph has to be perfectly posed. A little movement, an unexpected angle or an unplanned moment can make the most memorable shot.
Her local faves
For a breather
A hike and brekkie at Wolvespruit.
For golden-hour glow
Rosemary Hill.
For an urban photo walk
Hazelwood, with its modern feel and plenty of interesting backdrops.
For a little downtime
Irene Farm or Blu Saffron in Waterkloof.
Her new coffee favourite
Psalm Coffee Shop in Montana Park.
Details: amoriearts.com or follow @amoriearts on Facebook and Instagram.
Text: RIALIEN FURSTENBERG. Image: AMORIE PEARSON.
