Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Allyson Wald-Gray. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Allyson, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

In June 2022, I finally made the bold decision to take my photography business full-time, a leap I had been contemplating for years. For four years, I had juggled my passion for photography alongside my corporate job, honing my skills by working with friends and local families, often without charge. Despite dreaming of turning my passion into a profitable venture, it felt like an unattainable goal at the time.

Photography consumed my thoughts every day. While at my corporate job, I would find myself daydreaming about capturing moments through my lens. During lunch breaks and after work, I would dedicate hours to editing photos, fueled not only by the desire to turn it into a part-time job but also by a deep-seated passion that I couldn’t shake off. As my business began to flourish in 2021, I found myself at a crossroads: continue to limit my photography clients while maintaining my corporate career, or take the plunge into part-time work and commit fully to growing my business. After years of contemplation and pondering over “what if” scenarios, I finally took the leap.

Today, I am filled with pride and happiness as an entrepreneur and business owner. I have the privilege of capturing some of life’s most beautiful moments for my clients, growing meaningful relationships along the way. Photography grants me a creative outlet unlike any other, allowing me to express myself artistically and connect with so many remarkable individuals. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with fellow talented photographers in the industry, who I am forever grateful for. The community of photographers in Minneapolis is extraordinary and I have met so many wonderful people along the way.

Being my own boss has granted me the ability to create my own schedule that allows me to live life to the fullest, It’s a journey filled with challenges and uncertainties, but the rewards of pursuing my passion and building a business from the ground up are immeasurable. As I continue on this entrepreneurial path, I am grateful for the opportunity to turn my dreams into reality and create a life filled with purpose and fulfillment.

Allyson, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My photography journey kicked off back in 2012 during my adventures abroad in college. I spent a semester in Australia with nothing but a Canon Rebel T3 and a whole lot of enthusiasm. Little did I know, owning a fancy camera didn’t automatically make me a photographer! It took me the entire six months to figure out the ins and outs of my camera and its settings.

When I got back home, my hobby caught the eye of friends on campus. I started doing sessions for them and even got involved in photographing the campus fashion shows as students had crafted their senior collections. Despite majoring in psychology and pursuing a graduate degree in counseling, I discovered that building connections was my secret weapon. I’ve always believed that the real magic happens when my subjects feel comfortable and themselves in front of my camera. It’s all about capturing those genuine moments.

After years of finding the direction of my business, I’ve found my passion in lifestyle family sessions, intimate weddings, and capturing the unique bond between couples.
Whether it’s a fleeting moment on their wedding day or the anticipation of a newborn’s arrival, the emotions and love that is shared between one another is something I feel incredibly privileged to capture.

When I’m not busy behind the lens, you’ll likely find me exploring a new city, indulging in a cup of tea at my favorite local coffee joint, striking a pose in a yoga class, hitting the trails for a run, or simply soaking up quality time with friends and family.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for my business has been linked to two things: client referrals and vendor referrals. Again, I am going to loop back to relationships… they are crucial for growth and for repeat clients. When you practice community and collaboration over competition, you grow strong relationships within the professional community, and this has been a game-changer for my referral business.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Living in Minnesota as a creative entrepreneur has its ups and downs, especially with the seasonal nature of business here. Most of the action happens during spring, summer, and fall, leaving winters a bit slow. But being creative and an entrepreneur means you gotta be resilient EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. You just have to roll with the punches, step out of your comfort zone, and tackle challenges head on, always remembering your “why”. Every obstacle I face as a business owner is a chance to learn and grow, both in your business and personally. Sometimes, it’s only after I’ve dealt with the tough stuff that I am able to realize why it happened, and that’s when you really start moving forward. It’s all about being adaptable and toughing it out when times don’t go as planned, whether you’re in Minnesota or anywhere else. Resilience is key.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.valeaphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valea.photography/

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Valea Photography