Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyse Green.
Hi Alyse, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have always been interested in taking pictures as a hobby because I enjoy sharing memories with my friends and family. Creating meaningful moments for others is a highly rewarding experience that has allowed me to practice what I love while meeting new people and their communities.
I started pursuing photography as a part-time ‘jobby’ in Chicago and acquired most of my clients through my full-time profession as a special education teacher. I love working with children and their families and found passion in capturing the emotions of my students.
When we transitioned back to Austin at the end of 2018, I lost much of my established network. I started taking advantage of social channels and reached out to old friends and mentors to help rebuild my client base. It was a very slow process, but word of mouth is a very powerful thing. As such, genuine relationships are extra important to me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Did something happen in 2020? The pandemic definitely threw a wrench in my ability to excel in family photography. Like many, I spent a lot of time at home practicing my craft, snapping and editing photos of my husband, dog, and those close to me. Dedicating this time to training and development gave me more self-confidence to effectively create and deliver. I inserted myself back into the photography game through the ‘Front Porch Project’, taking photos of families in the comfort of their homes for a small (or large) donation to the Central Austin Food Bank. During a time where many were struggling, front porch photos allowed me to make the best of a challenging situation; interact with humans, capture smiles, build a network, and give back to the Austin community.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My Instagram feed is diverse as I dabble in a bit of everything, but most often I photograph families (including pets), couples, and small weddings. I specialize in creating an enjoyable and meaningful photography experience for clients of all walks of life. I have a deep appreciation for the journeys and the love stories that lead my clients to me. My goal is to capture moments that keep their narrative living and breathing forever. My past experience as a school teacher has provided me with the ability to quickly make personal connections and develop genuine relationships with everyone that I work with. I am my own worst critic, but this attention to detail ensures that my final product is well beyond satisfactory.
I am most proud of my little family; Kyle (My husband), Ava (my baby girl), Myles (our silver lab), and the community that we have established through the new and repeat customers who I now call my close friends.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I practice by the mantra that ‘You will never learn that which you think you already know.’ That said, I keep an open mind to new ideas and learning opportunities. I am always researching and learning from other photographers. Comparing my work to the work of others only makes me better, allowing me improve upon my blind spots, and at the same time create my own brand. My best advice for those starting out is not to hesitate to take on opportunities that come your way, you will only develop outside of your comfort zone, this will set you apart from the majority of artists and photographers who aren’t willing to get uncomfortable. Also, gear is important but you do not need the most expensive gear and all the gadgets to be a great photographer. If you have a good “eye”, and know your camera, you are well on your way to becoming a great photographer… I am still learning every day.
Contact Info:
- Email: alysecgreen@gmail.com
- Website: www.alysegreenphotography.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/agreen_photo
Image Credits:
@Mandrew360
