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

Aleah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later?

I have had a passion for photography ever since I can remember. My grandmother ignited my passion by constantly capturing all of our best moments at family functions. When she passed away, we were so blessed to have all those memories she captured printed for generations to come. At the age of 18, my father gifted me my first canon camera for Christmas. I can honestly say, I had no idea how to use it. Over the years, I practiced on nature, animals, and eventually people. More and more friends asked for sessions from me and I thought, “wow, maybe I could make this a business.” Between moving out and college, I was forced to take on a regular job, serving. I got trapped in serving for years and years, because I knew it would pay my bills and it eventually became way too easy. I still took on wedding and family shoots on the side but never poured my heart and soul into my real dream, photography. In March of 2020, COVID-19 struck. The restaurant where I was serving was shut down like most restaurants and I was furloughed from my job. At this point, I knew I had the time to redirect and plan how to launch my company, as an actual company and not just a hobby. I spent my last little bit of savings paying for an awesome web/brand designer in May of 2020 and launched my business, The Wandering Storyteller, shortly after. Without the world shutting down, I don’t think I would’ve ever had the push to follow my dreams. I would have been stuck in the never ending cycle of the restaurant industry because “it paid the bills.” I wish that I would’ve found the courage or determination to start before the pandemic hit, but I am grateful that I have the opportunity now to show the world what I have to offer! While, I am still very new to the industry, I strive to learn new skills and constantly upgrade the services that I offer to clients.

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

Being a photographer in the saturated market of Orlando, I am forced to set myself apart from other photographers. One of unique services that I offer is not only being my clients photographer, styler, and hype woman but also their personal travel guide. As The Wandering Storyteller, I make it my priority to find my clients the best location to fit their style and limitations(if kids or older adults are included.) The added bonus is I travel all over the US, as well! I have shot weddings all the way up the east coast and in Bermuda. In the coming years, my goal is to also shoot weddings/elopements in the beautiful west coast as well! Another skill that sets me apart is the ability to capture candids. Yes, I will pose your family for photos, but some of the best photos you can’t pose for. These are the photos of your husband whispering sweet nothings into your ear or your kids laughing uncontrollably because the youngest said “Poop.” I am mostly proud of just being uniquely myself. I have mixed my love for photography, travel, and a vintage flare all into one career and I wouldn’t change it for the world!

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

The most effective strategy to grow my business clientele has been providing clients with the best possible experience. In turn, those clients refer their friends and family. Word of mouth has been the only advertising that my company has needed.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a photographer is that I have the chance to capture my clients through my lens. I have the chance to capture their genuine emotions, watching them get married, have babies, and seeing those babies grow through the years!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thewanderingstoryteller.net
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/thewandering.storyteller
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWanderingStory

Image Credits
Aleah Torres, The Wandering Storyteller