Every fall, AMLI throws a social media contest for the residents living at its communities around the country. Last fall, we held an Instagram and Facebook photo contest called My AMLI View, which sought the brightest, best, and most creative shots residents could muster from in and around their AMLI communities. Some residents chose to snap photos from their balconies, others looked to their building’s unique design for inspiration, and still some chose to focus on the natural areas and neighborhood surrounding their AMLI community. A select few even decided to capture a scene straight from their very own living rooms.
The point of it all was to get residents’ creative energies flowing and foster pride in the local neighborhoods and communities in which they live. Each AMLI community champions a feel of its own that blends the character of its surroundings with the style of the day. Apartments in Dallas will be different from apartments in Atlanta, and apartments in Seattle are in a class of their own. And those local particularities were put on full display by AMLI residents living in the nine regional areas where AMLI has apartment communities.
A cohort of AMLI judges narrowed down a pool of hundreds of photo submissions to an impressive group of finalists consisting of three photos from each of AMLI’s nine regions. Residents and the public at-large then voted for their favorite of the bunch and a week later winners emerged. The photo with the most votes won the grand prize, and nine runners-up with the most votes in their regions won prizes as well.
This month’s photo of the month is brought to you courtesy of Shannon, a resident of AMLI Ponce Park in Atlanta’s historic Fourth Ward. Shannon was Atlanta’s regional winner for the My AMLI View contest and won a Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 camera with film for her efforts. We caught up with Shannon for a brief interview about her photo, her process, and her inspiration. Find that interview below.
1. What kind of camera(s) do you use?
Well, here’s the deal, I own a Canon point and shoot, a Polaroid camera and an iPhone. These days I shoot most of my pictures on my iPhone 7 Plus until I save up enough money to buy one of those awesome Canon 6D cameras or a Canon DLSR.
2. Do you use any special equipment?
Honestly, no. I just look for cool angles and sunlight.
3. What types of things do you like to take photos of?
People inspire me the most. I love getting a good candid picture of someone experiencing pure joy. They make the best shots.
4. What was the inspiration for your My AMLI View photo?
Well, when I saw the flyer about the contest it said something like “take a picture of where you live,” and I tried to think about it a bit. I walk past the AMLI Ponce Park sign all the time—walking my dog, walking back from a BeltLine stroll with friends, walking out to grab my Uber Eats meal, and so much more. When I moved here, I loved seeing that sign when I pulled in from work each day. I just thought to myself, “I get to live here!” Such a cool spot.
5. Are there any Instagram accounts or photo blogs you love to follow?
I do follow a couple of local photographers on Instagram. I like to see what new techniques they are using in their sessions with clients or what they are taking pictures of when they are just wandering around the city.
6. Do you have any tips for aspiring photographers out there?
Take pictures of what you love. Take pictures that are inspiring and pictures that could inspire others.
7. What’s the best part about living at your AMLI community?
Living beside the BeltLine, Ponce City Market, The Forum and Anthropologie.
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View All Posts by Nick Kotecki