We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alexandria Linton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alexandria below.
Alexandria, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
Not to sound cliche but I picked up a camera one day & dove into the craft head first. I knew absolutely nothing about a high quality/complex camera or an editing software, in fact somedays I feel like I’ve hardly scratched the surface. I do not have an elaborate story to tell or a master plan to give you. PRACTICE, get out there and do it. When I started photo it was purely out of enjoyment. I don’t think I charged a dollar for a photoshoot for months. I just genuinely enjoyed taking photos and wanted to be great at it so I would offer free photoshoots every chance I got to play around with my camera settings and editing. I remember so vividly my first like 25 photoshoots my camera was on “auto” settings and I did all my editing on my cell phone. I had no idea how to use a preset or what the heck an ISO or aperture was. I look back on those old photoshoots and am stunned by how far a little education and practice will go.
When people ask me about photography or if I have any tips for them I always say “jump in & do it”. You’ll mess up, have a shoot in bad lighting, have a screaming baby at a family shoot, or have trouble finding locations and it will all feel uncomfortable. BUT that is how we learn. You want to feel confident in your craft? gain experience. Take pictures in tough lighting, try out the location you are unsure of, reach out to people who inspire you for advice, use your community!
It wasn’t until my first wedding in direct sunlight at an extremely dark lit barn where I felt like “wow I do not feel good about these photos, they are either too bright or too dark”. I went home the next day and texted me friends ” I need someone to model for me tomorrow after work because I have to play around with these camera settings ASAP”.
The reality of photography is just this. You will look back on your photos a year from now and pick them apart. You will think about 5 different things you could have done different. and this is not a bad thing to think. You are learning and will continue to learn new settings hacks, or editing tricks, or great location spots. Your photography journey is not meant to ever stop growing. The possibilities are truly endless, but you have to get out there and start!
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.
I started my photography journey about 3 year ago &. made it an official business this year 2023! I provide portrait photography and wedding services. Anything from family, maternity, engagement to boudior. What started out as a hobby grew into a magical career that I am so grateful for. It is extremely fulfilling watching my creative ideas come to life! The hours are weird, the work/life boundaries are tough, the imposter syndrome is exhausting, but I would not give it up for anything!
My brand is all about building an experience. Relationships are so important to me. I want the experience of a photoshoot with me to be natural, comfortable, personable and fun in its rawest form. I want my clients to walk away glad they chose me to be apart of their special life moments.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A tough lesson to swallow is that you are NOT everyones cup a tea, and you simply cannot please every client you work with. My editing is unique and my vision sometimes is out of the box. After a few unsatisfied clients over the years, whom are looking for a photography style that I do not deliver, I have made it my mission to attract and work with people that enjoy my style of art. Not that it happens often but it is discouraging for someone to not favor your work or work with you a second time around. Photographers strive off of our extremely happy clients after sending a final gallery. It took me the last 3 years to realize that pleasing everyone is not possible. I have an amazing clientele that chooses me over and over again, along with aspiring photographers that compliment my work and want to learn from me. Those good things cannot be over shined by a single unsatisfied client. Put em on your blacklist and keep on shining!
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
let me preface this by saying a good camera does not equal a good photo. Skill takes practice but I do wish I would have invested in my gear & software sooner. I always looked at it as a crazy expense without thinking about the benefits. If my gear improves, most likely so will my art by increase the diversity in my photos. This then will positively effect my bookings! It is all one big domino effect. Update when you feel confident in your craft & ready to learn more!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alexsimmsphoto.com
- Instagram: @Alexsimmsphoto
- Facebook: Alex Simms Photo
Image Credits
by alexsimmsphoto