We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Aliyah Waller a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Aliyah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Any thoughts about whether to ask friends and family to support your business. What’s okay in your view?

Since launching my photography business in April 2024, I have been enthusiastic about seeking support from my family and friends. I recognized that leveraging my personal network would be an effective way to gain initial exposure and reach a broader audience. Their willingness to share my work among their own circles was instrumental in helping to establish my brand in the early stages. Additionally, I offered free sessions to friends and family to gain valuable practice in the field before formally launching my paid services. This not only allowed me to refine my skills but also provided an opportunity for my network to experience my work firsthand, further promoting my business through their personal recommendations.

I believe that engagement, feedback, and sharing my journey with friends and family is entirely appropriate. I find it beneficial to involve them by seeking their opinions on my work and inviting them to events such as exhibitions or launch parties. Their insights are incredibly valuable to my growth as a photographer. Additionally, by informally sharing updates about my business on social media, I can keep them informed and engaged without placing any pressure on them to make purchases. While seeking support from friends and family can be beneficial, there are certain boundaries that should be respected to maintain healthy relationships. I believe it is inappropriate to pressure them to share my content or to ask for financial investments, such as loans. Placing undue pressure on them to purchase services can create discomfort and strain our relationships. Furthermore, seeking substantial financial support for equipment or projects can complicate personal dynamics, and I prefer to maintain clear boundaries in those areas.

I draw the line by maintaining a clear and respectful communication in my requests for support. Transparency is essential; I always specify the type of assistance I’m seeking, whether it be promotional, moral, or constructive feedback. Additionally, I respect the boundaries of friends and family if they express disinterest or an inability to contribute, recognizing that not everyone is in a position to help.

When I was first starting my business, one of my closest friends, Anna, graciously allowed me to conduct my inaugural photoshoot with her and her motorcycle. We spent a couple of hours exploring downtown Madison, WI, where she encouraged me to experiment with various lighting conditions. During the shoot, several passersby noticed my work and asked if I could take their pictures as well. This experience not only provided me with valuable exposure to photographing diverse subjects on the spot, but it also served as an excellent opportunity to promote my budding business.

This memorable day solidified my belief in the importance of support from friends and family. It demonstrated how their willingness to engage with my work can lead to unexpected opportunities, reinforcing my positive view of seeking support from my personal network.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Aliyah, and I am a photographer based in Madison, WI, as well as a veterinary assistant in the field of veterinary medicine. My journey into photography began as a creative hobby in my childhood and has since evolved into a full-fledged business. This dual passion allows me to blend my love for art with my commitment to animal care, enriching both aspects of my life.

I specialize in couple photography, family portraits, newborn and maternity sessions, as well as animal photography. My services are tailored to meet the diverse needs of my clients. Whether I’m capturing life’s special moments like engagements and milestones, creating compelling images for personal branding, or delivering visually stunning content for businesses, my goal is to provide high-quality photographs that resonate with viewers and fulfill my clients’ visions.

One of the primary problems I solve for my clients is the challenge of capturing authentic moments and conveying emotions through photography. I understand that every client has a unique story to tell, and I work closely with them to ensure that their individual narratives are reflected in the images we create together.

What sets me apart from others in the industry is my commitment to building genuine connections with my clients. I believe that understanding their needs and preferences is crucial to delivering results that exceed expectations. Additionally, my approach is characterized by a blend of creativity and professionalism, ensuring a seamless experience from the initial consultation to the final delivery of images.

I am most proud of the relationships I’ve built within my community and the positive impact my work has on my clients. Seeing their joy and satisfaction when they receive their photographs is incredibly rewarding.

For potential clients, and followers, I want you to know that my brand is built on authenticity, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling through photography. I invite you to explore my work, and I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate and create something beautiful together.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe that my reputation within the photography business was significantly enhanced by conducting photoshoots with people I knew. By working with family members, high school friends, and acquaintances I’ve made along the way, I was able to showcase my work in a familiar and supportive environment. Their willingness to share my images not only provided valuable exposure but also gave my business the push it needed to reach a broader audience, introducing my services to those who had not yet heard of me.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been leveraging word-of-mouth referrals and building strong relationships within my community. By providing exceptional service and creating memorable experiences for my clients, I encourage them to share their positive experiences with friends and family.

In addition to this, I have actively expanded my business to the surrounding areas of Madison, WI, as well as my hometown of Fond du Lac, WI. This expansion has allowed me to reach a broader audience and connect with new clients who may not have heard of my work otherwise.

Maintaining an active presence on social media has also been key, where I showcase my photography and engage with potential clients. This platform allows me to share not only my images but also the stories behind them, helping to connect with my audience on a more personal level.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.willowrosephotographyy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowrose.photographyy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558619453964&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits

Aliyah – Willow Rose Photography