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

Hi Amund, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I had been dabbling in photography as a hobby since I was a teenager, doing random photoshoots with friends and family, and occasionally shooting a friend’s wedding. After undergoing cervical fusion surgery (C4-C7), I found myself at a major crossroads in life. I started reflecting on whether my long career in IT and tech work had contributed to my pain and health issues. It got me thinking about the choices I had made, especially when I was younger. Like many, I had always doubted my abilities as a photographer, but with so much time on my hands during recovery, I decided to dive back into learning. Then my main lens broke, and my camera body was aging, so I sold them off and invested in a new camera and lenses. This new gear reignited the artist within me. Countless hours of YouTube tutorials later, I discovered a learning community focused on helping photographers turn their passion into full-time careers. Through this community, I honed my skills, started my photography business, and now it’s beginning to take off.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been immersed in computers since a young age, starting with the family Commodore 64. My interest in technology quickly grew into a career while I was still in high school. By the mid-90s, I had tested out of school and was working at a local computer shop, repairing computers and setting up networks. Now, with over 30 years of experience, I’ve built a comprehensive skill set across the tech world. Burnout is common in the IT industry due to its stressful nature, and I’ve certainly experienced it. However, my tech background has been a huge asset in my journey into professional photography, particularly when it comes to post-production and data management. These refined technical skills enable me to deliver top-quality images to clients quickly and efficiently.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in my hometown of Grass Valley, a small town in northern California rich with gold mining history. It’s a place full of beautiful spots that offer a glimpse into the past. A perfect day starts with a visit to Empire Mine, a large historic mining site with a museum and a vintage mansion. After that, we’d head to downtown Grass Valley for lunch at one of the many great local restaurants. The recently remodeled main street is now closed to cars, making it a peaceful place for a relaxed stroll and some window shopping. The next day would be spent swimming and hiking at one of the nearby rivers or lakes, enjoying the sunshine and stunning scenery. On the final day, we’d visit Nevada City, just a few miles away. Once the temporary capital of California, it’s filled with historic buildings now housing unique shops, bars, and eateries. We’d finish the day with dinner, reflecting on the wonderful experiences we’ve shared.

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?
Without a doubt, Steve Carty has been a game-changer for me. As the creator of The Carty Method and leader of the professional accelerator community, his approach to mindset and life transformation really struck a chord. I first discovered him on YouTube, and his no-nonsense advice immediately drew me in. I started by participating in his live photo reviews, where he gives unfiltered critiques from the perspective of a photographer with 30 years of experience. That immediate feedback helped me shed the negative mindsets that were holding me back. I eventually joined his six-month training program, designed to help photographers transition from a 9-5 job to a full-time photography career. It’s been an incredible journey, and I feel like I’m just getting started.

Website: https://www.amundphoto.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amundphoto

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amund-thompson-07048130/

Twitter: @amundphoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amundphoto

Other: https://amundphoto.substack.com/
https://kavyar.com/amundphoto

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.