Amanda Cannon— an SMC student, Spartanburg native, and passionate photographer— flew to Brooklyn, New York this fall to display and sell her art. She participated in the Other Art Fair presented by Saatchi Art, a traveling show with a goal to put emerging artists in front of patrons who have a passion for up and coming talent. We sat down with her to talk about her experience.

Q: What are you studying at SMC?

A: I’m getting my Associates in Arts with a focus in history. I’ll graduate in May 2019.

Q: When did you first become interested in photography?

A: I first became interested in photography when I was 13. I had a little point-and-shoot Cannon that I’d use to take pictures of my family. It was just a hobby really, then I realized that I could turn photography into a profession.

Q: What do you like taking pictures of?  

A: I love taking documentary style photos of people in their natural habitats. I don’t want the photos to look contrived. I get inspiration from the people in my life. I see my friends facing challenges and overcoming them. I want to capture them in those moments.

Q: How did you find out about the Other Art Fair?

A: It popped up on my Instagram suggestions. The name, the Other Art Fair, caught my eye and made me curious to find out more about it.

Q: Were you nervous about going?

A: Yes, I was really nervous but also really excited. I hadn’t ever done anything like this before. When I got there, I had a big blank wall to fill up and everyone around me had giant boxes of their work. I, on the other hand, had brought everything with me in my carry on.

Q: How did this experience affect how you feel about your photography?

A: It gave me more confidence about my work. I didn’t think that I’d be participating in something like this at such a young age, and I really enjoyed being surrounded by people who are so passionate about their art.

Q: Who at SMC helped you get this experience?

A: I couldn’t have gone to this art fair without President Cochran. I talked to him as soon as I was accepted. He was so encouraging and helped me get the funding to go. Also, Dr. Keisler was probably my biggest motivator. As I mentioned, I was really nervous about going, but he gave so much assurance and basically pushed me out the door, telling me that if I didn’t go, I’d be missing a big opportunity.  

Q: Do you have any more fairs or shows coming up?

A: Yes! I’m participating in Spartanburg’s Art Walk on December 20^th. My photos will be on display and for sale with other local photographers at Carroll Foster’s studio, Hot Eye Photography.

Q: What do you plan to do with photography after you graduate?

A: My plan after graduation is to continue photography as my career and use my history degree from SMC to target clients like National Geographic, Animal Planet, Travel

Channel, and similar companies.

To see Amanda’s work, visit her Instagram profile.