Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Stewart.
Hi Alyssa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been interested in photography – I took photography classes throughout high school and college, then applied for the photography program in college – but didn’t get in! I ended up majoring in something else but I still pursued photography as a hobby.
Then in 2020, I finally decided to take the leap and start my own business, which is something I’ve always dreamed of doing. And I love it! It’s a great fit for me and I enjoy improving my skills and helping people capture moments they love. I’ve primarily worked through word-of-mouth and client referrals, which has been great. I enjoy working with families (especially families with young kids because I can relate with two young kids of my own), newborns, couples, and anyone else who needs a portrait. I also enjoy macro floral photography and landscape photography.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has certainly not been a smooth ride so far! My biggest challenge has been overcoming self-doubt and fear (all the “what ifs”), because putting my photography out into the world can feel vulnerable – but I think that can happen with any kind of art.
Since I’m self-taught, I’ve learned and am still learning about the technical aspects of photography as I go. Especially early in my business, I felt that I was learning something new about how to use my camera as a result of every session I did. It can be frustrating and sometimes I feel impatient, but learning to master a craft takes time and it’s a worthwhile challenge.
Another challenge has been building a business from the ground up, specifically navigating my way through marketing. Building a business is basically a different thing completely from just doing photography, so it’s been a growing experience.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Evergreen Photography is all about helping clients get from start to finish – so instead of just giving a client digital files and leaving them to figure out what to do with them, I help clients create a finished physical product that they can enjoy.
This finished product can be practically anything: framed prints, albums, Christmas cards, acrylic image blocks, or entire gallery walls. I want to help my clients actually put their images to use in their homes and make them into something they will love and look at, instead of just having digital files sitting on their computer or in a drawer.
I would say I’m most proud of the consistency and feel of my images – they are crisp, focused, colorful, and full of emotion. My biggest goal during a session is to capture genuine feelings, so I don’t focus on posing my subjects any certain way. My clients lead with who they are, and I simply capture that.
I’m also happy to be known for working really well with young kids. We all know that family photos with young kids can be difficult and exhausting, but I take the tension out of the session by playing with the kids, being flexible if we need to take a break, and helping them feel comfortable.
I’d love for your readers to know that I am here to work with you to make your ideas into reality, and to capture the depth and sincerity of who you and your loved ones are.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I think the pandemic has illustrated how connected we are to one another, and how much people need people! We flounder when we’re isolated, and we flourish when we’re connected.
Pricing:
- Mini session (30 minutes): $100
- Standard session (60 minutes): $200
- Extended session (90 minutes): $250
Contact Info:
- Email: alyssa.evergreenphoto@gmail.com
- Website: www.evergreenphotography.co
- Instagram: @alyssa.evergreenphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alyssa.evergreenphoto
Image Credits
Alyssa Stewart
Lindsey Reynolds
