My name is Amanda, and my partner is Jeremy, we met around 16 years ago and have both grown up and lived in the east our whole lives. We have 2 funny and active children, Abby and Arlo. Jeremy works in the building industry and nearly 2 years ago I left my corporate career to start a photography business (www.amandaninaphotography.com, @amandaninaphotography), I haven’t looked back. When I am not looking after my littlies or sleeping, I am working – I absolutely love what I do and feel so lucky that my passion is now my career. I am a family, newborn and maternity photographer with a focus on motherhood and my style is warm, earthy, intimate and authentic.
Now that life is getting back to normal after the last 2 years, I would love to take the family to Iceland or Scotland for a holiday. Somewhere rugged, full of adventure and with epic landscapes. I will bring my camera, of course!
Where and how long have you lived in Sydney’s east?
I have lived in the Eastern Suburbs my whole life (35 years). From Clovelly, to Randwick and now Chifley. We were looking for a house with a decent backyard which we finally got. I love the community feel of Chifley, our neighbours are all families with kids which is great!
Three words that describe what it’s like to live in the eastern suburbs?
Fun, convenient and expensive. I almost didn’t include that last one, haha, but it’s true. I guess it’s the price we pay for the first 2 reasons.
How many children?
I have 2 kids, Abby (4) and Arlo (2). They’ve just hit a really lovely age combination where they like to play with each other more, they’re always keeping me on my toes.
Favourite Park:
I grew up living next to Centennial Park and use it a lot for my shoots also, so it will always be one of my favourites. Our local park here is Barwon Park, it is walking distance from our home so perfect for an afternoon stretch of the legs. I actually had to Google it’s name as its known as the ‘footy park’ in our house, as we love to bring the footy down for a kick around with our kids.
Favourite Beach:
Ohhh such a tough one! I love Maroubra beach, especially the south end – the rockpools and beautiful greenery makes me feel like I’ve visited a beautiful South Coast hidden gem. I also spent a lot of time at Bronte, Clovelly and Coogee growing up.
Favourite kid friendly cafe:
I must say, we café less with 2 kids but do love the odd Pool Café (Maroubra) or 5th Earl (Rosebery) breakfast. There aren’t play areas in either but the delicious food is worth it.
Favourite Coffee Spot:
Juice Box café. Mondays are hard for 2 reasons – 1) It’s not the weekend anymore, and 2) Juice Box isn’t open. My favourite coffee! Iced long blacks in summer and strong oat caps in winter.
Favourite date night place:
We love food and escape rooms (if you haven’t tried one, you need to…so much fun!). A fun escape room in the city followed by a dinner and cocktails at Riley Street Garage sounds like perfection.
Where in the east have you yet to explore and would like to?
Ohh, great question! I feel like I’ve seen a lot of the east in the last 35 years but I would love to spend some more time exploring the Kamay Bay national park at La Perouse. We love spending time outdoors and it is stunning there, it feels very untouched still.
What would you like to see improve in the eastern suburbs?
More live music venues! Especially kid friendly venues. I would love to start introducing my kids to live music.
Favourite Local Shop:
Voluptuary Ceramics! Run by my talented friend Emma, her studio is in Botany and her insta handle is @ voluptuary_ceramics. Seriously, check out her ceramics! All of my favourite mugs and tumblers have been made by Emma.
Favourite wet weather location:
Honestly, these days, we would probably opt to stay home in wet weather and play in the undercover portion of our garden for fresh air. Or chuck on some gumboots and splash in puddles around the neighbourhood!
Favourite Local family Weekend Activity?
We love to meet up with our friends at the local parks, Centennial, the playgrounds at Malabar and Maroubra. Maybe have a lovely picnic in the sunshine.
Work or SAHM?
I think that all mums work, whether it’s at home or in a ‘workplace’. I started my business, Amanda Nina Photography (www.amandaninaphotography.com, @amandaninaphotograpy), just after my 2nd child was born and haven’t looked back. My previous careers were in science and finance industries, but photography has always been my passion and my dream job. After the hurdles of covid and lockdowns, I reassessed what was important to me and chased it. From ‘seeing how it goes’ in early 2021, I am now booked a few month in advance, meeting the most wonderful people, chasing sunsets and cuddling newborns as my job. I am working harder than I ever have before but I am so obsessed with what I do, I cannot get enough.
Motherly advice?
Be kind to yourself, it’s the best example you can set for your little ones. Parent yourself the same way you would like to parent your children. Cliché but so true. Take time to appreciate and reflect on the little things, I feel like I have blinked and my newborns are now big kids!
Business links:
www.instagram.com/amandaninaphotography
