Amanda Lee Starkey Photography

17/06/2026

I really enjoy showing everyone how a photographer sees and shoots intentionally. Having been a photographer for 32 years now, mentoring and teaching is my passion.

So I’m moving all my educational content to a new location.

Come follow Lens Republic for more, join the community and share your passion for learning and photography.

See you guys over at my new page.

14/06/2026

How I got the shot: Glen Hansard. Glen is a wonderful performer and if you ever get the chance to see him play then definitely go to his show. However he’s very static, so to overcome this, I got very low and shot wide- I wanted to make him small in the frame. This gives a sense of intimacy, making your eye drawn to him.

When performers are not very dynamic with movements I like to stop for a second and think about how I can make the shot more interesting.

Glen Hansard at QPAC Glen Hansard QPAC Shot with Nikon Nikon Australia

10/06/2026

This was one of the first shots I took of Paul Dempsey at The Triffid. It was incredibly hot, there was no aircon and Paul was sweating. Because he wasn’t moving I had to think about how I could make the shot more interesting. The crowd watching him with utter adoration really caught my eye, and the one beam of light added to the atmosphere.

Sometimes as photographers we have to adapt to a situation, thinking on our feet.

My aim with this series isn’t to teach you the how but to teach the WHY.

Paul Dempsey

Shot at The Triffid with Nikon D610

10/06/2026

Portraits for me are something I do really love to capture. Photographing men has always been a bit of a challenge, and I do enjoy challenging myself. This was Jayden’s first time in a studio and he did such a great job. Being able to challenge myself and push my limits is where I find the magic happens. Being stuck in the safe zone really isn’t for me.

Model Jayden

10/06/2026

It’s scary sometimes to ask for payment, so here’s a little script I use when I get asked for freebies.

Thanks so much for the kind words about my photos — I really appreciate it. It was such a great show.

I don’t release images for free, but I’d be happy to license them to you.

My rates are:

• $180 for 4 images
• $500 for the full set

I’d love to see my work used to promote such an iconic band. Let me know which option works best for you and I’ll send over an invoice.

Now you don’t have to charge what I do, it’s completely up to you, but you CAN say NO.

Remember- Exposure, tags and likes don’t pay the bills, and it devalues the industry. Too many creators work for free and too many brands and industries are now expecting it.

10/06/2026

STOP ASKING CREATIVES TO WORK FOR FREE

Learning isn’t free.
Equipment isn’t free.
Software isn’t free.
Time isn’t free.

If apprentices deserve to be paid while they learn, creatives deserve the same respect.

👇 Have you ever been asked to work for “exposure”?

Photographers - We also need to change the narrative. Stop showing up at events, working for free, accepting TFP “ jobs” and not charging for your time.

09/06/2026

GoFundMe has informed me that they will not release any funds from my fundraiser and that all donations will be refunded to donors.

I am disappointed by this outcome, particularly as many people generously chose to support me after my vehicle was broken into and equipment was stolen.

At this stage I am not interested in discussing the matter further. The situation is stressful enough without speculation, rumours or unsolicited opinions.

For those who still wish to help, I have established an alternative donation option which I will share separately.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me

Go to paypal.me/stolengear and type in the amount. Since it’s PayPal, it's easy and secure. Don’t have a PayPal account? No worries.

09/06/2026

How I got the shot: Most photographers will share camera settings on how they got the exposure. My aim is to show you the WHY.

A behind-the-scenes breakdown of how this image was captured.

1. GET CLOSE

Instead of shooting from the back of the room, I moved right to the edge of the stage. The 15-30mm lens allowed me to fill the frame while staying close enough to feel the energy of the performance.

2. GO WIDE

At 15mm, the guitar becomes dominant in the frame. Wide-angle lenses exaggerate perspective, making the instrument appear larger and creating a sense of movement and power.

3. SHOOT LOW

I dropped to a low shooting position. This makes Harts appear larger than life and gives the image a rock-star presence that wouldn’t exist from eye level.

4. WAIT FOR THE ACTION

I watched for a moment of peak energy. The bent knees, flying hair and guitar angle all combine to create a frame that feels alive rather than posed.

5. USE THE STAGE LIGHTING

The coloured stage lights provided separation and atmosphere. Instead of fighting the lighting, I used the blues, reds and magentas to reinforce the live music feel.

WHY IT WORKS

ENERGY

Everything in the frame suggests motion. Hair, posture, expression and guitar position all work together.

PERSPECTIVE

The wide-angle lens exaggerates distance, making the guitar leap toward the viewer.

STORYTELLING

This isn’t just a musician playing guitar. It captures the intensity and personality of a live performance.

COLOUR

The saturated stage lighting creates a vibrant, electric mood that matches the energy of the moment.

IMMERSION

The viewer feels like they’re standing in the photo pit rather than watching from the audience.

⸻

GEAR & SETTINGS

📷 Camera: Nikon D750
🔍 Lens: Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8
⚙️ Focal Length: 15mm
🎯 Aperture: f/2.8



Sometimes the difference between an average concert photo and a great one is simply getting closer, getting lower, and waiting for the moment when everything comes together.

The Raw Edit: Breaking down the decisions behind the image.

08/06/2026

Hi everyone, as you might remember earlier this year my car was broken into and a whole bunch of my stuff was stolen, including my lighting gear and Saber Light .co Lightsabers. Now, if that wasn’t sh*tty enough, the people at GoFund Me won’t release the funds. Apparently I am in breach of some rule, but they refuse to tell me what it is.

So all of you amazing people that donated, your money will be refunded. Unfortunately though, that means I’m still kinda fu**ed.

Thankfully though the guys at Maxxum have stepped in and helped me out with some Firefly lighting which is so generous of them.

I have created a new PayPal Link, if you can re- donate that would be greatly appreciated. Gofund Me can GoF**k Themselves.

Link:

https://paypal.me/stolengear

07/06/2026

Congrats to Sarah for having her first booth at Oz Comic Con! She looked absolutely stunning both days and yesterday she really was a little monster

How I got the shot: Ambient lighting, shot at F1.8, black divider wall. Sarah is fantastic at posing and knows her character well, so she looks amazing.