We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alexis Scavo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alexis below.

Alright, Alexis thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

Prior to starting See Spot Studio, I spent a decade teaching in various educational settings—including a gifted and talented public school, a Title I low-income public school, and a private school—I have witnessed firsthand what I believe is a critical gap in how we prepare students for life and careers. The lack of hands-on vocational programs and mentorship opportunities means that many students miss out on discovering practical skills and passions that could lead to fulfilling careers. These programs can be transformative, yet without them, we’re not adequately preparing students for life beyond the classroom.

My own experiences highlight the importance of mentorship. In high school, I was diagnosed with auditory dyslexia. At that time, there wasn’t much understanding or support for different learning styles, so I had to push through, feeling the anxiety and emotional strain of working two or three times as hard as my peers, often without knowing how to learn effectively. During my senior year, I discovered my love for photography and graphic design—fields where, for the first time, I felt naturally skilled. I won a few regional awards and worked at a local photography store, but without mentorship, I struggled to gain confidence and direction. Even though I majored in visual arts in college, I lacked a mentor who could guide me in transforming my passion into a sustainable career.

It wasn’t until the COVID pandemic that I revisited my interest in photography and found the time to research techniques and reconnect with the field. I reached out to Keegan O’Neil, the photographer behind Floofy Studios, on Instagram. She was open, supportive, and generous with her knowledge. I joined her course, which included a six-month business program, and the mentorship, grace, and positivity she provided was life-changing. Now, 1.5 years later, I am running my business full-time, working as Keegan’s New York City associate, and preparing to expand to Washington D.C. and Philadelphia in the coming year.

To me, this is the transformative power of mentorship. Imagine if more students had access to such guidance in school, paired with vocational programs that allowed them to explore their talents early. If we want to prepare students for a fulfilling life and career, we need an education system that offers opportunities and access to practical skills, apprenticeships, and mentorships. Success comes in many forms, and students should feel empowered to follow paths that align with their unique strengths and interests—and understand how to make a living doing it.

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’m a pet photographer with a special focus on dogs, though all animals are welcome in my studio! Recently, I had the chance to photograph a bunny and a Sphynx cat—though not at the same time! I run private, leash-free sessions that offer personalized, shoots to capture the unique personality of each pet. I work hard to make sure that both pet and their human/s feel comfortable, have fun, and leave with lasting memories.

One thing I’m especially proud of is the positivity I bring to my work. I’m always learning and growing, and every challenge or “hiccup” is an opportunity to refine my craft and become a better business owner. It isn’t always easy, but I try to see these moments as chances to deepen my understanding and better serve my clients.

The name of my studio, See Spot Studio, actually came from my time teaching 7th-grade English. I used to encourage my students to dig deeper in their writing, I’d say, “Don’t just tell me he ran—tell me he galloped or raced like a bolt of lightning.” I wanted them to use figurative and descriptive language that brought emotion and energy to their writing. In the same way, my photos aim to visually capture an emotion and tell a story.

Through See Spot Studio, I hope to create not just beautiful photos but memories that clients can cherish forever. I’m grateful to be doing work that celebrates the joy pets bring into our lives, and I look forward to helping even more people capture those moments with their furry friends.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

To begin my business, I needed to invest in photography equipment and create a portfolio to get things started. I used my savings to buy only the essentials and borrowed some money from family members to make it possible. I spent hours researching affordable lighting options that were comparable to the high-quality, more expensive ones. While those initial lights served me well, I eventually realized that upgrading to professional-grade lights was necessary to achieve the quality I wanted. I traded in my old lights and took the leap, financing the “expensive ones.” Looking back, I wish I’d made that choice sooner, as I ended up spending more in the long run. But that upgrade marked a turning point for me and the quality of my work.

I live in Brooklyn, NY, near a park with access to so many dogs, I started asking neighbors with cute dogs if I could take their photos for free to build my portfolio. Everyone was kind and supportive, and I even made some great new friends in the neighborhood! A woman in my building was also generous enough to rent her studio space to me for just $10 an hour, which made a huge difference. She believed in supporting women and small business owners, and her affordable rates allowed me to quickly grow my portfolio.

All of these experiences taught me that it never hurts to ask. Building my business was truly a community effort, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support I received along the way.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

To be completely honest, my goal and mission are rooted in achieving my own independence and flexibility. Life is short, and I want to work hard, be creative, live comfortably and have the freedom to set my own schedule.

Another core goal of mine is to capture the love shared between people and their pets in a way that lasts forever. I remember how much I wanted a dog and how I prepared for her more than anything else in my life. To have a beautiful photo of her means the world to me, as pets are with us for only a short time. Being able to create those kinds of memories for others is deeply meaningful to me. Through my work, I hope to give pet famlies something they can hold on to, a reminder of the love and joy that their pets bring into their lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.seespotstudio.com
• Instagram: SeeSpotStudio
• Other: Google Reviews:

  https://g.page/r/CcJJRFd1A7d3EAI/review

Image Credits

None – They are mine