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

Alyssa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

My mission: to make everybody feel beautiful.

Society constructs this unrealistic image of life. We compare ourselves to what everyone and everything around us say is “normal” but the question is, What is normal? Who set the standard for normal? Why are we required to check certain boxes and stay within certain limits? This is where I come in. I say screw the box. Be you. Whatever that may be! We are all so different in so many ways. I want to be able capture the true you. Present it to the world. Show them we do not care for societal standards and will do things our own way. Whether this be on your wedding day, your senior photos, your couple/engagement photos, or just taking photos for the hell of it. You should be able to express yourself in your own unique way. I will always strive to create a judgment free environment. I am willing to help you every step of the way. Breaking free of societal chains is scary but so worth it!

Alyssa, 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 name is Alyssa Foster and I am a creative photographer out of Farmington, NM. I have been a photographer for almost three years. I got serious about photography right after Zak, my first child was born. Time was passing by so fast and with it, Zak was growing/changing every day. Others had warned me that this would happen, but seeing it unfold the way it did made me realize that I wanted…, no, I needed to capture every precious moment with my children. I got an inexpensive camera and started taking pictures of everything, and then it happened. I began to receive a lot of positive feedback on my photographs, and then, one day someone asked me if I could take some pictures of their family. I was hooked. I had a great time getting to know them and I felt honored to be able to provide those frozen moments in time for all to enjoy for years to come.

When I first started out with my photography business, I struggled. I had a hard time figuring out how I wanted to edit my photos, how I wanted to brand myself, and the direction I wanted to take with my business. I would study other local photographers and found myself trying to imitate their style. I struggles for almost a year trying to find where I fit in, or better yet, how I wanted my work defined. Once I quit worrying about what everyone else was doing and went in my own direction, finding my own niche, I was filled with a drive that fueled my passion, and after that, my business started to grow.
My passion was contagious. My clients could feel my passion during our sessions, and I believe that is what has contributed to my success. People are booking sessions with me because they love the energy and creativity, I offer in each of my personalized photo shoots. March 2022, I started a color series in between scheduled photo shoots, and the success/doors it has opened has convinced me that I have only scratched the surface as to the growth/earning potential my new business has in store for me and my family. I have finally figured out what Alyssa Foster Photography is about and what I have to offer my clients.

Success for me is not how much money I make, or how many sessions I get a month. Success is having happy clients. If I exceed my client’s expectations and their experience with me has left a lasting, positive experience, then the session was a success. It makes me feel as though I accomplished something important.Noticing that my client’s new profile picture was taken at one of my sessions, the loving comments that friends and family share when my clients post their session photos, repeat clients….that is success.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Photography was never in the plan. I was always planning to go the safe route. Everything was secure. I graduated from college, got married, started working, became a teacher while working on my master’s degree. Everything was planned out and safe. Then one day, everything changed. I fell in love with photography and, even though it was never my intent, I had a little side business. It has been long hours and a lot of work, but it makes me happy. I remember someone telling me once that if I could find something that I love to do, and figure out a way I could earn money doing it, I would never have to work a day in my life…

It was never easy. Deciding to learn my camera was difficult. Being turned down time after time after officially starting photography was difficult. All I wanted to do was practice my craft, but not everyone was ok with giving a newbie a chance. Booking weddings was difficult. I decided to not give up AND instead be patient. I rebranded as a “maternity & newborn” photographer and gained all my shooting experience. The weddings came in soon after. I was able to shadow/second shoot with a local photographer, gaining the experience and portfolio that I needed to book my own weddings.

I am glad I never gave up. I am glad I kept pushing. I would not be where I am now had I decided to quit.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My passion & my honesty. It is contagious. My clients can feel my passion during our sessions, and I believe that is what has contributed to my success in my market. I am an open book. I try to connect with my clients on a deeper level. This is more than just a photoshoot for me. It is my life. It is what has helped me through my personal issues. I believe people are booking sessions with me because they love the energy and creativity I offer in each of my personalized photo sessions.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/alyssafosterphotography