We recently connected with Allison Barr and have shared our conversation below.

Allison, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us a story about a time you failed?

As a young freelancer, owning a business feels like failing over and over again. When starting in the photo industry, I looked up to all these successful women who were financially stable and getting great projects. It took me a long to realize these admirable people were in my shoes once too. Maybe they’re also just figuring it out as they go, even to this day.

I have many stories of not standing up for myself, or failing to set boundaries. The outcome of these instances is always feeling disrespected and taken advantage of. I have recently learned that I need to have set expectations and a contract with every. single. client. Even if if it’s someone I trust.

A very specific recent example that pops into my mind is when I got asked to cover an event with two days notice. The company needed photos within a very quick turnaround time too. The rate was under my usual one, but I needed the money at the time. Since it all felt rushed, I didn’t send a contract or agree upon a proofing process. I over delivered final images, then I was asked to send even more. This stung because my time and skills were already taken advantage of. I ended up asking for a compromise, which we agreed upon. It just taught me to set firmer boundaries in the beginning, to ensure I don’t get put in the same position yet again.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a freelance photographer named Allison Barr based in Portland, Oregon. I brand myself as a “creative photographer”, where I do just about any type of photography. But, my style is pretty fun and unique. So, I draw in a lot of clients who don’t want traditional style wedding photos, headshots, etc. My focus is primarily on uplifting women and queer folks. I have never felt like I quite fit in growing up, and I want to provide a sense of belonging and empowerment through my photography for those who feel the same way. I have an interest in human rights issues, and so I also do a lot of photojournalism for newspapers. This is what I love to do most because it gives others a voice.

When I was 15, I wanted to be a filmmaker. My aunt mailed me an old camera she had so I could start making things. When it arrived, I learned it didn’t actually have a video option, and only took still images. So, I started doing photography. It quickly became a way for me to connect with other people, and exert all the creativity I had boiling inside of me. I always wanted to pursue it seriously, and was able to do so around 2022. I still love it as much as I did at age 15, if not more.

I’m most proud of several stories I’ve gotten to cover for Oregon newspapers. My favorite is the time I spent an afternoon with a halfway house for moms in substance abuse recovery. I also had to visually tell their story anonymously, which was an extremely rewarding challenge. We were able to give struggling moms a voice, as well as documentation of their families to hold onto forever.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

This is so important, especially if your clientele is mostly word of mouth. When I have a photo session with people, I genuinely care about getting to know them. I have walked away from so many shoots with new friends. It feels natural to me, but I do make sure to stay on top of social media and responding to their posts. If you’re busy, I recommend setting aside time in your calendar to respond to emails, texts, comments, etc.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I have around 4.5K organic followers on Instagram, and I must admit it comes from being chronically online and creating the account 10 years ago.

I do social media strategy for clients as well, and I always tell them the most helpful is just being yourself online. Don’t post your every move, but be real. Post your selfies, share your anniversaries, open up about needing help about certain projects from others in your field, etc. I have found clients are more likely to come to you if you’re personable. Especially for something intimate that they might already be nervous about, like getting their photo taken. Don’t think too hard about it. Just share whatever you want. The clients who come to you, will already be a good fit.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://AllisonBarrMedia.com
• Instagram: @alliisonder
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-barr/
• Twitter: @alliisonder
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/allison-barr-photography-portland

Image Credits

Allison Barr