Local Artist Preview . Amy Nieto

Today we welcome local photographer, Amy Nieto... Amy, thank you so much for joining us!  We are so happy to have you!

Tell me a little about you, where you live, where you're from?

I am a 27 year old photographer born and raised in tropical Puerto Rico that somehow ended up in rainy Portland (4000 miles away!). I love photographing people and their wonderful events for a living, and for passion. I currently live in SE Hawthorne in a cute little studio with an old-timey black telephone that I find extremely amusing. I also love cupcakes. 

What first made you want to become an artist and how did you decide to become a photographer?

Even though I've been crafting and making little things all my life, I was mostly a science girl in school. It wasn't until Summer '98 (Junior year high school) when I decided my calling in life was to become a filmmaker. Fast forward a few years later in college and I realize I wasn't doing that well in my film department so I switch to photography, added about 50 more years to my schooling and here I am. Of course, I went through that post-college period where I had no idea what to do with my degree. But one day a fellow photographer called Hilary Helton asked me to photograph her family and, although I was scared to photograph people, I did it and was HOOKED. Three weeks later I relocated to Portland (I lived in Vegas at the time) and began the business. So here I am. :)

What inspires your work?

People. Wanting to learn more about them, where they come from, how they met, what they like to do on Sunday afternoons, their plans for the future.

What is your favorite item that you make?

I love photographing kids the most, they DO say the darndest things, let me tell ya. I had no idea I even liked kids this much!

What are the best and worst things about owning your own business?

Of course the best thing about owning a business is the ability to meet and connect with so many great individuals, while doing what you love... but I'm gonna admit a VERY close second is to be able to work in your PJs at home. COME ON! Worst thing? umm, I dunno, taxes? ;)

What do you like to do when you are not working on your craft?

Go on photo adventures with friends, having a beer with said friends. When I realize I've socialized too much then I'll stay in and attempt to do something with the BOXES UPON BOXES of fabrics I have in the closet. Then easily get distracted with either the internet, or TV, or the boyfriend. 

What do you think is the most unique thing about Portland?

I've never lived in a place where the community is so interlaced and strong. Since moving here a year and a half ago, I have lived in three different neighborhoods (Woodlawn, Mt. Tabor and Hawthorne/Buckman). Each one a different color, but weaved together they make one fantastic fabric of awesomeness.

Besides Portland, what is your favorite city and why?

Yeah, New York City. Why? The American Museum of Natural History. That place is absolutely wonderful. I want to live in those awesome dioramas they have.

What is your favorite season in Portland?

Summer, hands down. EVERYBODY is outside, almost in disbelief that the Winter is finally over, and I find that SO wonderful. This is actually the first time I've ever witnessed a real change of seasons. Spring and Autumn are pretty cool, too (peonies! dahlias! maple leaves!). Winter... well... I'm a Caribbean girl, my skin cannot take temperatures below 75.  totalwimp.  :)

Amy has a wonderful blog and a beautiful website, so if you would like to see more of her work, check out the links below-

website//www.amynieto.com

blog//www.starmagnolia.com/theblog/

interview by Amy Olson.

photos courtesy of the artist