How I Got Here: Australian photographer Amelia J Dowd on making something from scratch every day
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
“There is no better way to grow quickly than by reviewing what you made – thinking about how you might have done better, then doing better.”
Have you ever stalked someone on LinkedIn and wondered how on earth they managed to land that wildly impressive job? While the internet and social media might have us believe that our ideal job is a mere pipe dream, the individuals who have these jobs were, believe it or not, in the same position once, fantasising over someone else’s seemingly unattainable job.
But behind the awe-inspiring titles and the fancy work events lies a heck of a lot of hard work. So what lessons have been learnt and what skills have proved invaluable in getting them from daydreaming about success to actually being at the top of their industry?
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Welcome to How I Got Here, where we talk to women who are killing it in their respective fields about how they landed their awe-inspiring jobs, exploring the peaks and pits, the failures and the wins, and most importantly the knowledge, advice, and practical tips they’ve gleaned along the way.
This week we speak to Amelia J Dowd, a Melbourne-based photographer and artist. Working across portraits, fashion, beauty and advertising photography, Amelia has been fascinated with photography since she was a child. But transitioning from taking casual photos of friends to making your creative passion a full-time job is no easy feat.
At times it’s been unglamorous but ultimately, it’s Amelia’s relaxed, friendly nature and willingness to better her craft that keeps her in the game. “I never looked to ‘climb the ladder’ so much as become a really, really good photographer,” she says. Here’s what she learnt along the way.
What do you do and what’s your official job title?
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I’m a photographer, I make portraits, fashion, beauty and advertising photography, and have just created my first zine and exhibit of personal work.
Take us back to when you were first starting out. Did you study to get into your chosen field, or did you start out with an internship/entry-level role and climb the ladder? Tell us the story.
I didn’t study photography at all – I studied to be an actor. I got into photography as a child, and I didn’t really understand you could be a photographer as a job. I first started by taking photographs of my friends/lovers as a 20-ish-year-old, and it snowballed from there.
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I was really lucky to have a few friends who became my mentors. Thom Kerr really was the first person to let me hang around on a photography set and just watch him work. I never looked to ‘climb the ladder’ so much as become a really, really good photographer.
What do you want people to know about your industry/your role?
Photography isn’t as glamorous as people make it out to be. It’s a craft. You spend a lot of time getting good at it, and then the rest of your life getting better. I’m so lucky to do what I love.
What’s the best part about your role?
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I love the challenge of making something from scratch every day. I love working with a team.
What would surprise people about your role?
I think people would be surprised by how physical the job is – carrying heavy equipment, holding the significant weight of a camera and spending countless hours retouching can take a toll. Watching certain people in the industry get back injuries from the work made me take my body and health much more seriously.
What skills have served you well in your industry?
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Being honest, friendly and genuinely wanting to connect with people creates an environment that fosters trust between the subject and the photographer. Valuing a relaxed atmosphere on set helps keep everyone happy and creative.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be in a role like yours one day?
Don’t try to emulate others – find what you think is missing in the industry and create it.
What about a practical tip?
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Practise every day, then review your work. There is no better way to grow quickly than by reviewing what you made – thinking about how you might have done better, then doing better. [Get] one per cent better every day.
Read the rest of the How I Got Here series here.
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