Today we’d like to introduce you to AMY Chmara.
Hi AMY, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I graduated from the Corcoran College of Art + Design in 2012 with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art Photography. While I was in school, I discovered my love for wedding photography and knew it was the path I wanted to pursue.
In 2014, I founded Paperbird Photography, and I’ve been documenting love stories ever since. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of photographing more than 300 weddings, and one of the greatest joys of this work has been continuing to tell my couples’ stories long after the wedding day through engagement sessions, growing families, and new milestones. It’s an incredible privilege to document so many chapters of their lives.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. For years, I felt like everything had to be perfect for me to do my best work. I thought I needed to look my best, have the perfect playlist, just the right amount of caffeine, and somehow silence the imposter syndrome that lingered despite having a degree in photography and years of experience.
Over time, I realized that isn’t how mastery works. When you put in enough hours, your instincts take over. The camera becomes second nature, and you learn to trust yourself even on the days when you don’t feel like your best self.
Life doesn’t stop because you have a wedding to photograph. Sometimes your back hurts. Sometimes you’re grieving the loss of someone you love. Sometimes you question whether you know what you’re doing, even after photographing hundreds of weddings. But you show up anyway.
Ironically, those are often the days I create my strongest work. When I stop trying to be perfect and simply focus on the people in front of me, the photographs become more honest, more emotional, and more meaningful. That lesson has shaped not only my career, but also the way I approach life.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What sets me apart is the experience I create. I’m not the life of the party, and I’m not there to make the day about the photography. I’m there to be your steady presence. I’ll help everything feel calm and safe so you can focus on what matters most: your relationships. The photographs should feel secondary in the moment, but never look it.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Most people are surprised to learn that I’m an avid rare plant collector. Caring for, styling, and photographing my plants has become my creative outlet outside of weddings. It’s a personal project that gives me a chance to slow down, create just for myself, and brings a little joy to the long days spent in my office editing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.paperbirdphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amypaperbird/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paperbirdphotography
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@amypaperbird
