How We Do Boston with Amanda Macchia

Amanda Macchia has always been a storyteller. While studying journalism in college, she followed her curiosity onto tour buses and packed venues, photographing bands across the country. These days, the Somerville-based photographer brings that same eye for detail to her work, creating images that feel as thoughtful and genuine as the people in them. Throughout June, she's popping up at Bow Market for a Pride photo booth, putting her signature warmth and storytelling into portraits that celebrate identity, community and joy. 

How did you get into photography? 

As a '90s kid, I was always telling stories, whether with disposable cameras or my flip phone. My life outside of school was made up of band practice, recording sessions and van tours, so I began to tell stories about it. One weekend, I was on assignment at a music festival when I asked my photographer if I could borrow their camera for a set (I'm 99% sure it was Das Racist). Something literally and figuratively clicked for me. Months later I found myself at Bonnaroo and the images I took changed the way I looked at photography. They remain some of my favorite photos I've ever taken. 

How do you manage to take timeless photos in such a trend-driven industry? 

I'm moment-driven and joy-forward. The most important thing I do is connect with the person or people I'm photographing, and I really believe everything else flows from there. When someone feels seen and at ease, the guard comes down and the moments start to happen naturally. That's where the timeless images live; a glance, a laugh, the squeeze of a hand. 

Can you tell us a little more about SATURATED and where that idea came from? 

I've been wanting to find creative ways to pop up with photography for a while and Bow Market had the perfect activation space for the month we had been dreaming about: Pride month. The concept was a rainbow-themed room, my love letter to Pride. Artist Lindsey Parker took the inspiration and ran with it, and when Quintin Marcus reached out about collaborating, it felt like the stars were aligning. His rug literally matches our color palette, which we built entirely from reclaimed paint. We wanted to be cost-effective and sustainable, using recycled materials and as little new material as possible. 

As an LGBTQIA2S+ owned business, celebrating queer love and queer joy isn't something I do once a year and move on. It's woven into everything we do. SATURATED was designed with intention. I wanted it to be accessible, so we kept the price point low. I wanted it to be a place for conversation, not just content. So much of what gets created for Pride is for the algorithm. We wanted to create something for the people in the room, where you could be safe and celebrated. The very best part is that you leave with literal proof (in this case, a Polaroid) of how amazing you are.

Do you have any other pop-ups or community events like this in the works? 

Yes! I am opening a full-service photo studio on the North Shore at Mills58, a restored mill filled with diverse and creative businesses. The space is 800 square feet with exposed brick, concrete floors, 14-foot ceilings, natural light and everything you'd need in a full-service photo studio. Expect something you'll want to see, be photographed in, or rent for your own creative project. Fall minis are coming up in October, so sign up for our mailing list if you want first access. We're available for hire on location or in studio for everything from weddings to portraits to branding sessions. 

When someone visits Bow Market for SATURATED, what else would you recommend in Union Square? 

From pinball and candle making to custom chainstitching and wine over vinyl, there's something for everyone. There's even a traditional Finnish sauna at Soft Space Wellness. We're right next door to Amantolli, so definitely start there! Just outside Bow Market, some of our favorite spots to eat are Machu Picchu (our go-to is the Chaufa de Pescado), The Neighborhood Restaurant (get the cream of wheat, iykyk), and anything and everything from Vinal Bakery. Juliet is a must, the food and service are impeccable. And cap it off with a cone from Gracie's for dessert, because why not? 

photo: amanda macchia

What’s your favorite season to photograph? 

Late fall, outdoors, always. The weather is perfect, the foliage in Massachusetts is incredible, and the 4-5PM sunset means we wrap up nice and early, which I never complain about. Winter is also deeply underrated. Stark landscapes mean colors really pop and you have the whole location to yourself. 

What are some underrated Boston locations that photograph beautifully? 

I photograph a lot of city hall elopements and the State House is absolutely stunning, especially the back of the building and all the stained glass details inside. Chandler Pond is a hidden gem; it feels like stepping into the suburbs in the middle of Boston proper, with cute little houses dotting a tiny pond surrounded by trees and paths. The canal walk from Kendall Square over to the Charles is another one I love, a really beautiful stretch that feels tucked away. And I will always be a sucker for that Allston sunset on the train tracks. There is truly nothing like it. 

What’s one Boston landmark you’d happily never photograph again? 

Acorn Street is an easy skip. The light is almost always meh, with half the street in sun and half in shadow, which is a nightmare. There's often a random car parked right in the middle of it. The residents (rightfully) cannot stand the tourists and photographers, and for a while there was even a "no professional photography" sign posted at the top of the street. There's always a crowd of people at any given moment. If you're thinking about proposing there, I'm begging you, just don't. We can do better.