Meet Amy Gerhardt | Fine Art photographer and digital composite artist

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

Hi Amy, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“You teach people how to treat you by what you tolerate.”

In essence, it highlights the idea that boundaries and self-respect are crucial in any relationship. If you don’t establish and enforce healthy boundaries, people may take advantage of you or engage in behavior that is not in your best interest.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am most proud of my style of portraiture. When you are starting out sometimes it can be difficult to find your creative voice. I was able to hone my skills as a photographer by investing in different workshops and taking away from each one something that would strengthen my own style. I’m not sure there’s a right way to do what I do but now I have a way to do what I do that feels unique to me and sets me apart from many other studio photographers in my area.

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.
I would definitely visit historic downtown Charleston and share the beauty of this place we refer to as the Holy City.

There’s so much charm here and the people are amazing.

It’s hard to say where I would take them to eat, Charleston is known for its food culture.

I would take them to breakfast at Toast! in Charleston on meeting Street. Then we would go for a stroll through the historic market to look at all the local artisans, take in the beauty of nature at Hampton Park followed by lunch at the Rutledge cab company which is a great local restaurant right across the street from my studio. Of course the afternoon would have to be dedicated to self-care so I would have to book a massage appointment with Angela Howell at The Winchester Spa in Summerville. Closing out the evening is best done at the beach! Take your pic there, Isle of palms, folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island…. The South Carolina coast is a beautiful place to experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Leroy Mazyck Is the former owner of Pixel studios in Charleston South Carolina and the very first mentor I ever had. When I was a new photographer searching for advice and needing help on the most fundamental things he was one of the only seasoned professionals who responded to my requests for help and went above and beyond to make sure that I had a good understanding of any issue I presented him with. I had the distinct pleasure of photographing him recently and it was one of my most treasured moments. Being able to honor someone who was so kind to me when I was a new photographer. Everyone needs compassion and help in their journey and he was there for me during mine.

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