A LITTLE ABOUT US
Amanda
I grew up in the Tidewater area and have lived in Charlottesville for the last 10+ years after attending UVA. Photography became a passion during college and I honed my craft as a wedding photographer for many years. I love hiking and spend a lot of my free time creating my own cocktails and planning events for friends at my home in Madison County. My dream is to someday write and photograph a book about craft drinks.
Gailan
I grew up in Virginia Beach but found my way to Charlottesville in 2020 and now I call it home. I spend most of my time as a homebody hanging out with my cats and partner. I have always been interested in photography and have been drawn to beautiful things In life, which is what molded me to be interested in doing hair and makeup. My favorite part about being a member of this team is helping women to see their natural beauty. Watching someone’s confidence instantly grow is the most gratifying part of this work.
What is Sûr de Soi?
When brainstorming names for our studio, we knew we wanted to create a brand that captured our vision of an inclusive, empowering, and comfortable space to create stunning images for our clients to enjoy. The French phrase translates to self-assured and confident; those words encapsulate exactly how we want you to feel when you are in our studio.
About Your Team
Amanda and Gailan have over a decade combined of photography experience. Amanda enjoyed a career as full-time wedding and portrait photographers in Central Virginia. Gailan has professional photography experience capturing homes for real estate and taught herself hair and makeup skills. When they met at their current job at a property management company in Charlottesville they decided to combine creative forces to open a studio unique to the needs of the Central Virginia area.
About the Studio
Sûr de Soi Studio is located in Charlottesville, VA and includes two separate rooms for a variety of background options. The boudoir suite includes a bed, chandelier, mirrors, multiple chairs, and much more to furnish this beautiful bedroom fit for a queen. The traditional photography suite includes a variety of backgrounds, including large paper backdrops in multiple color options, a 3D design wall, and a flower wall. Studio lighting is located throughout, and the boudoir suite is blanketed in natural sunlight from the large, antique windows.
