SAMANTHA rAE DIBENEDETTO

HI THERE.

I'M A PHOTOGRAPHER & PRODUCTION MANAGER BASED IN NEW YORK. 

ABOUT ME:

SpottedBySAMCAM started as a hobby. Growing up, I was always the girl with a camera in her hand. Everyone figured it was something I would one day outgrow. My first memory of dabbling in photography dates back to the vintage disposables at sleepaway camp. Do you remember those?! Bringing your camera to the store, and then coming back later (overly excited) to pick up the prints? As I got older, I documented every chapter of my life from behind a lens.

I graduated from the University of Arizona in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. I love children, and growing up I spent most of my summers as a camper or camp counselor. So, leaning into Education felt natural. However, transitioning from college to the real world had some unexpected challenges for me. Challenges people don't speak about out loud enough. It wasn't until I was a few years out of college and working in Media at a Health and Wellness magazine that I had the confidence to share my story. I am grateful I had this opportunity because I now live my life stigma-free.

Since graduating from college I have led Digital Media production in Finance, Fashion, Publishing, and Fine Art.  My experiences in these industries were very different, but all really rewarding. I fell into a production-based role early on and quickly picked up how transferable this could be. And so, I have been continuously developing a skill set in production while incorporating my passion for photography. 

While always working full-time, I freelance on the side and network as much as possible. Having a creative outlet is fun, but it has also led me to pursue continuing my education, appreciate fine art, and help maintain healthy work-life harmony.

My professional achievements can be highlighted through my work for Condé Nast and within the Arts, where I successfully supported and led the re-launch of these websites: SELF, Sotheby's WineSotheby's Museum Network, and Christie’s. At the time of those re-launches, I was simultaneously juggling production for e-catalogs, digital and print magazines, current e-mail campaigns, and editorial calendars.

CURRENTLY:

In my latest role with Phillips, I held the position of Global Web Production Manager. I learned that I not only enjoy managing and directing teams but that I excel at it. I am a resilient people person with a natural problem-solving ability, leading with empathy first. After graduating with my MBA, I returned to the office to learn that my role had been eliminated. I took some time off and then started working as a photographer for Island Photography. Here, I photograph college & high school graduations, and school portraits.

STRENGTHS: Coding, writing, and editorial design. I geek out on re-launching websites, e-commerce, and SEO. I am creative and solution-oriented while maintaining a strong work ethic.

PASSIONS: Photography, volunteering, travel.

EDUCATION: I graduated from American University during the summer of 2023 with a Master’s in Business Administration.


FUN FACTS:

Myers-Briggs: INFJ
Races completed: New York City Marathon & Montauk Lighthouse Triathlon
Favorite Shows: Friends, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Crown, Grace & Frankie
Currently Reading: Claim Your Confidence by Lydia Fenet
Recent Reads: Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb, Lighter by Yung Pueblo
Favorite Books: Matilda + Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Listening To: Billy Joel, This is LANY, Elton John, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Queen
 

Interested in collaborating? Need a photographer for an upcoming event, or help producing a website?!
I'd love to work together, drop me a line. Additionally, I am always open to future volunteer opportunities.
 

xx SpottedBySAMCAM

 

Graphic Designs By Jamie Weiss Designs – Site Designed & Produced by Samantha DiBenedetto 

             Special shout-out to my family for always encouraging me to follow my dreams.