We recently connected with Alaric Thompson II and have shared our conversation below.

Alaric, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

I hope my legacy is rooted in purpose and people. I want to be remembered as someone who led with faith, loved his family deeply, and used his God-given gifts to elevate others. Through my work with Alaric’s View and the stories I tell—whether through a single image or a full magazine spread—I want people to feel seen, valued, and inspired to walk confidently in their own calling.

My prayer is that long after I’m gone, my children—and anyone touched by my work—will understand that success isn’t just about accolades or income, but about impact. I want my life to point others back to the truth that when you trust God with your gifts, He can do more with them than you ever imagined. That’s the legacy I’m chasing.

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

My name is Alaric Thompson II, and I’m the founder of Alaric’s View, an editorial lifestyle photography brand based in Atlanta, Georgia. My journey into photography started during a trip to New York City in 2022. I bought a camera, not to start a business, but to challenge myself creatively. What I didn’t know then was that God was planting the seed for a purpose I hadn’t fully seen yet.

What began as curiosity quickly turned into a calling. I started capturing people, moments, and stories—not just for how they looked, but for what they meant. That’s where Alaric’s View comes in: it’s not just a business, it’s a perspective. Through editorial portraits, lifestyle storytelling, product imagery, and custom magazine layouts, I help clients show up boldly and beautifully in their stories.

I serve clients who are tired of cookie-cutter photography. Whether it’s a family photoshoot, a brand looking to elevate their visual identity, or an individual who wants to feel like the cover star of their own life—I bring intentionality, direction, and emotion to every frame. What sets me apart is the way I blend artistic storytelling with editorial polish. I treat every client like the main character, and I structure each shoot to highlight who they truly are, not just how they look.

One of the things I’m most proud of is launching this business full-time while raising a young family and trusting God every step of the way. I stepped away from a stable career in law enforcement to pursue this dream—and while it hasn’t been easy, it’s been incredibly fulfilling.

If there’s one thing I want potential clients or fans to know, it’s this: You don’t have to be a model or a brand to have a story worth capturing. If you believe your story matters, I’ll help you show the world why.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

Now this might sound a little different from the usual founder story, but truthfully—I didn’t meet my cofounder at a networking mixer or on LinkedIn. I met Him in prayer. My business partner is God. And let me tell you, He’s been the creative director, strategist, accountant, and silent investor behind Alaric’s View since day one.

When I first picked up a camera, it wasn’t with the intention of starting a business. It was just me, a little curiosity, and a trip to New York City. But what I thought was a random creative spark turned out to be divine setup. Every step forward—the vision, the growth, even the setbacks—felt less like coincidence and more like guidance. I kept praying, and God kept opening doors. And I’m talking doors I didn’t even know were there.

I joke that I do the work, but He runs the books. When I’ve doubted my own skill, He’s reminded me of the purpose. When I’ve been unsure how to price my services or who I’m really called to serve, He’s whispered, “Trust Me.” There were moments when I had no clue how the next opportunity would come, and somehow—miraculously—it did. Not because I was the most connected, but because I was connected to Him.

And if we’re being honest, He’s the best kind of business partner. He doesn’t argue, doesn’t take half the revenue, and His creative input is always on point. I just have to stay in tune and make sure I’m not trying to run the whole show myself.

So no, I don’t have a cofounder in the traditional sense. But everything about Alaric’s View—the name, the vision, the way it makes people feel—comes from something bigger than me. I truly believe I’m just stewarding the gift. God is the source, I’m just the hands and feet with a camera.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

One of the most impactful books I’ve read as an entrepreneur is $100M Offers by Alex Hormozi. That book completely reframed how I think about pricing, value, and the problems I solve for clients. It taught me that business isn’t just about having talent—it’s about creating irresistible value, understanding pain points, and communicating solutions clearly. It gave me the confidence to treat my photography services not just as art, but as transformation.

But beyond business strategy, my foundation comes from my faith. The Bible is my go-to for leadership, mindset, and endurance. Verses like Colossians 3:23—“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men”—remind me that I’m not just building a brand, I’m stewarding a calling. That’s where Your Purpose is Calling by Dharius Daniels really hit home for me too. It affirmed that my creativity isn’t random; it’s a tool God can use to impact others when I stay aligned with purpose.

Another major influence has been Melody Alisa’s YouTube channel. Watching her navigate faith, identity, and purpose with such transparency helped me see how important it is to bring my full self—beliefs and all—into my work. Her journey reminded me that authenticity is magnetic and that there’s space for faith in entrepreneurship without watering anything down.

Lastly, I’m inspired by creators and entrepreneurs who openly share the behind-the-scenes—both the wins and the struggles. Seeing other faith-led creatives and business owners build from scratch gives me fuel on the days when the vision feels heavy but holy.

So whether it’s strategy from Hormozi, spiritual insight from Daniels, daily encouragement from Scripture, or inspiration from Melody Alisa, I try to stay rooted in resources that keep me sharp, surrendered, and steadily moving forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alaricsview.com
• Instagram: @alaricsview
• Facebook: AlaricsView
• Linkedin: AlaricsView

Image Credits

God & I