Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Martin.
Hi Alyssa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
A small town girl living her dreams out in the city.
Photography started for me around 2010. I was living in the Texas Panhandle (where I’m from) a year out of high school and loved being able to express myself through photographing and editing. It wasn’t until 2017 after my first son was born that I really dove into the business aspect of photography. This precious new life inspired me to be my own boss — to really capture people and who they love. I dove in fast and hard. This business – Alyssa Martin Photography – really started its bloom in Midland, Texas. After a great year there, my husband Pierce graduated culinary school and was offered his dream job working for his dream chef – Kristen Kish. It was an easy decision for us to move to Austin. Not only could he bloom here, but I could too! If you know anything about me then you know I LOVE color. For me, that’s what Austin is. The color, the lights, the alive-ness of it all.
While working with families is my most done type of session, I genuinely love photographing all the things. Maternity, newborn, WEDDINGS, events… you name it and I’m there.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The struggles… oh how there have been struggles. Stresses. Sleepless nights. Worry.
My first big struggle while opening my business was finances. With a newborn baby starting out to moving to another new city (Austin from Midland), I had no idea if I would be successful and be able to help support our family. Then you get into the deeper parts of owning a business (taxes, expenses, etc.). Hard work is essential. Three years into living in Austin and I still push daily to be the best business owner I can be.
My more personal struggles, some of which made me better at photographing, were my losses. In July of 2019, I lost my Mother to her battle with alcohol abuse. This came a short five weeks after our second son was born. Going through a touch of PPD w/ the grief of losing her both killed me inside and motivated me all at once.
My most recent struggle has been with a motorcycle accident my husband had. He sustained a brain injury amongst other things and we have been fighting for his life for the last almost two months. It goes without saying my business had to be put on hold for a few weeks while he got more stable. Working with a broken heart & raising two little boys has been no easy task. I have recently started back on photo sessions and I again feel that deep need to connect with people and truly document their lives/loves despite my own hurt.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in photographing families, weddings, events, maternity + newborns, first birthday — you name it. I know some probably think photographers should have their “niche” in what they like best, but that’s just not me. I love documenting everything. Watching families grow + capturing it all along the way is truly such a blessing to me.
With all of that being said, I would say I’m probably most known for photographing families. <3
What sets me apart? Editing wise, I think my love of color. The deep contrasted color tones. As a professional? My love/connection for children and being able to communicate, relate and evoke emotion.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Two quickly come to mind. I’m sure I’ve got better stories but these two came to me first.
1. Leaving Wonderland in Amarillo and craving/sucking down a watered-down coke as we would walk back to the car.
2. Falling asleep in the car and my Mom rubbing my head and playing with my hair.
Pricing:
- Family sessions start at $250+tax
- Weddings start at $1500+tax
- Newborn sessions start at $450+tax
Contact Info:
- Email: Info@alyssamartinphotography.net
- Website: www.alyssamartinphotography.net
- Instagram: Instagram.com/alyssamartin.photography
- Facebook: Facebook.com/alyssamartinphotography
Image Credits
Alyssa Martin Photography
