Today we’d like to introduce you to Allyson Lewis.
Hi Allyson, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have loved photography for a while. It all started when my older sister got to loving it and Iook up to her so me being me I knew I had to love it too. Once I had a camera in my hand, I felt unstoppable. I started out with a small Nikon which was my grandpa’s old camera. I had used that a lot for nature and animals. I didn’t really know the ropes of everything so I just started taking what I thought was beautiful. Then for Christmas, I got a canon rebel t3 and loved it! That’s where I started taking pictures of people. I practiced on family members, neighbors, and eventually, everyone started seeing the potential I had. I started to get clients and realized this is something I could make full-time and do for the rest of my life. From there I made accounts for my photography and tried to get my name out there. It definitely wasn’t easy. I failed many times with my accounts and didn’t keep up with them as much.
Until a few months ago I met an amazing photographer and she helped guide me in the right direction of learning the ropes and what equipment I needed and teaching me all about her camera. So I recently upgraded to a Canon Eos R, best camera ever! After upgrading I felt even more unstoppable the quality was better, I had known more on lighting and positioning and everything. I started to get clients like crazy, I did mini sessions this Christmas, I have done weddings, family photos, newborns, birthday parties of all ages, headshots., and more. There’s still so much to learn but I wouldn’t be where I am today without motivation and support from my family and friends. Every picture I take I feel like it just gets better and better
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I feel like with editing it was been the hardest to get down. It took me hours of videos to get lightroom down and then figuring out presets was super hard too. I feel like photography is something that came to me. I feel like I have always had an eye for it and just exploring it and taking it steps further is where I found it a bit hard. I’m still in the process of making my photography business a business and getting an LLC. Also how to make a booking and taking payments easier. Not to mention all the subscriptions you have to keep up with. It’s all worth it tho when you get behind a camera and you see their smile and then the results and most feel so much more confident!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I currently am a nanny and I have been for a few years with the same family. It’s been such a blessing finding an amazing family and being able to bond with those kids! I also recently started real estate school and I’m hoping to finish soon and take the state exam and become a real estate agent. My main two focuses are real estate and photography. I started loving real estate when I seen my boss doing it. It seems like it could be fun and interesting and the thought of selling houses sounds amazing! I have accomplished a lot but what I’m most proud of doing is being where I am today in photography. I would have never been where I am today if I didn’t stay motivated and not let what others say get to me. I never seen myself getting so far and there’s so much more to go and I can’t wait to see where I’m headed!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My main networking has been instagram and Facebook. Keeping it updated and posting on it and getting clients and posting all help! As far as mentors go I met a photographer named Katelyn Lusk and she’s been a huge help in guiding me in the right direction and showing me the ropes so I like to think of her as my closest mentor.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: al_photography.15
- Facebook: Allyson Lewis Photography
