Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alexandra Robyn. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alexandra, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.
Absolutely! After over 150 weddings, you really learn what matters on a wedding day.
So many photographers focus on the “must-have” photos, that you can really lose focus on what matters. The day will pass you by in such a blur, that you need someone who can help ground you. Someone who can help the moments last a little longer.
That is why I prioritize Experience over everything else.
Alexandra, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I became a photographer kind of by accident. A family friend needed Senior Photos, and I was happy to help out. This senior’s mom loved the photos so much, she couldn’t help but show them off to everyone. And a bride-to-be decided that she wanted me to be her photographer based on those photos.
after my first wedding, I realized what an amazing opportunity to be with people on their best day ever and to get to be part of that surreal joy.
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
For me, I jumped right in. I told myself that to be successful, I needed to give it 6 months of my full attention. And at that point, I’d either have a thriving full-time business, or I’d have a solid part-time business.
Needless to say, my risk paid off.
I mentor other photographers and this is a question that weighs heavily on most entrepreneurs. My advice is always, always this:
start by evaluating how much you have saved to start your business. For the whole year, budgeting between $5,000 – $10,000 to launch your business is a great start. Even just allocating $500/mo to save for your business will help. This might help you to decide how long to stay at your current job while you are getting yourself started.
Then, create yourself a routine + schedule for the week that works around you. For it to work, it has to be conducive to your daily life. For me, every day I spend the first hour of my day answering emails. I edit Mondays and that whole day is blocked for editing. I find you can really dive in, keep focused, and accomplish so much more. Tuesdays, I keep for print orders + album designs in the morning and the afternoons/evenings for photo sessions. Wednesday is a personal day for me since I work so many weekends. Thursday is all my digital work, including: Social Media, Website Updates + SEO, Blogging, Publication submissions and outreach like collaborating with you! Fridays are my financial check in day for the mornings + editing in the afternoons.
You may find that weekly, you have a total of 6 hours a week you can spare. So, prioritizing becomes crucial. It’s scary, but I promise it is so worth being able to design your dream life.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Looking back at the past year specifically, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible opportunities and growth that I’ve experienced.
When I first started my journey as a wedding photographer in 2018, I never could have imagined how far I would come. I am so thankful to all of my wonderful couples who have entrusted me with capturing their special moments, my amazing vendor friends who have supported me along the way, and to my family for standing by me as I pursue my dreams.
Something that has really helped me grow is investing in vendor relationships. Establishing significant relationships with fellow industry vendors goes way beyond networking; it’s a joint endeavor aimed at mutual growth and prosperity for the industry as a whole.
By joining forces and championing one another, we uplift the industry, uncover new opportunities, and form lasting partnerships that benefit all parties. Through collaboration and support, we can achieve greater success and cultivate a thriving, dynamic community that enriches us all.
I had the distinct pleasure of being nominated as 2023’s Best Wedding Photographer by MN Bride Magazine and absolutely could not have achieved this nomination without the help of all my industry friends.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alexandrarobyn.com
- Instagram: @alexandrarobynphoto
- Facebook: @alexandrarobynphoto
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alespecht/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzbXqHEUK7SBafWhGUemuzg
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/alexandra-robyn-photo-design-lakeville-3
Image Credits
Alexandra Robyn Photo + Design