Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Farris.
Hi Alexandra, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Photography came into my life unexpectedly and has felt so surreal ever since. Although I attended photography/ videography camps every summer up in Flat Rock, NC for years, I never expected to become a full-time photographer with incredible opportunities and a deep passion for what I do. I honestly spend about 90% of my waking hours shooting, editing, planning, emailing, etc.
The story behind why I started my photography business is definitely unique, but it reminds me that everything happens for a reason, and although things may seem permanently tragic, life can change in a moment and things can turn around. Basically, all I wanted from my parents for my eighteenth birthday was a trip to Memphis, Tennessee to spend a weekend basking in all of the Elvis glory. They agreed, and two weeks later, we began our journey. Everything was fine until my father’s drinking and yelling started.
Long story short, I ended up sobbing while sitting on the shiny red stools of a Huddle House and while shuffling past Priscilla Presley’s old beauty parlor in the middle of Tupelo. Although the trip was very hard for me, I found a way to escape when things got tough; editing. I found and edited every single picture in my camera roll that brought me joy (I have 50,000 pictures), and started a photo gallery. This process made me so happy, and I found myself constantly taking pictures and adding them to my collection.
After months of iPhone photography, I decided to step it up and invest in a camera; a Nikon D3500. Quite literally, the day after my first shoot, I was hired by an amazing hair stylist in Atlanta who ultimately helped me set up a studio and kickstart my business. Since then, I’ve worked with so many amazing people, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
So far, photography has felt like winning lottery tickets back to back. I’ve worked with amazing people and sororities, and I’m very grateful that I live in a city bursting with opportunities. I’ve put my heart and soul into this, and I am now currently in the process of making photography my full-time job.
I would say there are two challenges that I have faced thus far; Finances and insecurities. Obviously, starting a business as a broke college student is hard, and I have had to work hard for every penny. Although it’s definitely an obstacle, I still find the process very rewarding and I am very driven to provide a good life for myself, my cat, and those around me.
Insecurities are a challenge that most artists (and humans) have to face. It is easy to look at the expensive camera or the amazing editing skills another photographer possesses and wonder why your art doesn’t look like theirs. I constantly have to remind myself that art is unique, creative, and subjective, and that I love my work.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Mostly, I am a creative studio portrait photographer who has also shot events, sorority executives, nightclubs, family parties, boudoirs, nature/ hikes, pets, travel, professional headshots, and fitness models. I am here to try it all, and I have many more ideas on my list; weddings, engagements, school dances, graduations, couples, concerts, etc.
One of my favorite services that I provide is a photoshoot event. Some examples of these shoots include a sorority sisterhood picnic with lots of decorations, great food, fun activities, and unlimited pictures, a trip to The Swan House with all of my models dressed in big ball gowns, followed by a high tea picnic, and many other fun location events.
Another favorite would have to be my sorority executive board shoots. I have had so much fun coming up with creative ideas, and I always stock the girls up with snacks, drinks, goody bags, and an insane amount of props and personalized creations. I plan on traveling through the United States on a “photography tour”, shooting with so many different people, brands, and sororities! Traveling for photography is so amazing, and I am always looking for more opportunities.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I would like to shout out Taylor (@theblondebarr) for investing in me and my business. Not only is he a great hairstylist, but he is also a great mentor who changed my life. Someone who deserves all of the credit in the world for being my rock is my aunt, Christine Kosiba, an exceptionally talented sculptor, an avid supporter of the arts and all sorts of charities, and the most amazing person I have ever known. Thank you for everything.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandradorothyphotography?igsh=MXRxYjRkYTN3bmh0MA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
