We recently connected with Alicia Lowry and have shared our conversation below.

Alicia, appreciate you joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

At the core of my photography practice is a deep commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of each client. This isn’t just about taking photos; it’s about uncovering the underlying stories and motivations that bring clients to seek out photography services. By digging deeply into these stories, we create images that do more than capture moments—they empower and transform.

In brand photography, for example, it’s crucial to explore and articulate the entrepreneur’s passion and the purpose behind their business. This ensures that the resulting images not only represent their brand but also attract their ideal clients, fostering meaningful connections that help their business thrive.

Family sessions are similarly profound, focusing on capturing legacies and cherished moments. Whether it’s documenting the rapid growth of children or the invaluable presence of older family members, these photos preserve irreplaceable memories that families will treasure forever.

Our empowerment sessions are particularly transformative. They combine photography with elements of coaching, offering women a chance to reflect on their strengths and see themselves in a new light. These sessions produce more than photos—they provide a source of strength and affirmation that clients can return to time and again.

By prioritizing the needs and stories of my clients, my practice transcends traditional photography. It’s about using photography’s power to enhance lives, celebrating each client’s journey, and capturing the essence of their stories through the lens.

Alicia, 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?

I’m deeply passionate about everything I do, and I bring this energy to both my personal life as a proud single momma to four amazing kids and my professional life in photography. Grounded in my faith in Jesus and driven by a commitment to personal growth and uplifting others, I found my calling in photography—a tool I use to empower and capture the deep, authentic experiences of life.

From my early days with a camera in hand, through the times I spent in front of the lens, I’ve learned and know first hand the power of photography. It’s more than a career; it’s a way to make a positive impact, transforming perspectives and empowering others to live their best life and capture it while doing so. I’ve been blessed to apply my skills in so many different settings from New York Fashion Week to creating meaningful branding photos for musicians, realtors, hairstylists and pediatricians. I also use this gift God has given me to give back and capture moments for my church and community.

What sets me apart is my ability to truly see the people I photograph—to capture not just images, but their stories, their essence. My empowerment sessions are crafted to help women rediscover and celebrate their identity, making them feel seen and valued. In family sessions, I capture genuine emotions and connections, preserving those precious moments that families cherish forever.

I am most proud of how my photography has become a conduit for positive change. It’s a platform to impact lives and showcase stories of resilience and hope. For anyone getting to know my work, you should know that when you choose to work with me, you’re not just hiring a photographer—you’re partnering with someone who is dedicated to bringing your vision to life, ensuring each photograph reflects your who you truly are.

I love what I do, and I’m grateful every day for the opportunities this business provides me with. My goal is to continue growing, serving, and inspiring through my photography, making every session a testament to the beauty and strength of the human spirit. Whether capturing the hustle behind the scenes, helping a woman feel proud and seen, or preserving a family’s happiest moments, I’m here to make more than just great photos—I’m here to make a difference.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Oh, there are so many resources that have influenced my entrepreneurial journey! One book that stands out significantly is Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller. His approach to clarifying your message so that customers will listen has profoundly shaped how I communicate my brand’s value and engage with my audience. His concept of leveraging storytelling to make brands more accessible and impactful has refined my marketing strategies and client communications, ensuring they are clear, compelling, and centered around the client’s needs.

I also draw a lot of inspiration from podcasts, particularly from Jenna Kutcher’s podcast. Her insights into the creative industry, coupled with personal anecdotes about entrepreneurship, provide not only a source of inspiration but practical advice that I find invaluable. Her discussions are a regular source of motivation and have given me numerous actionable ideas that I’ve integrated into my business.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One pivotal lesson I’ve had to unlearn in my journey as a photographer is the notion that I need to follow the crowd to find success. Early in my career, I spent a lot of time and resources on mentorships and courses, which are invaluable, but I found myself trying to mirror others’ paths too closely. It took time to realize that while it’s beneficial to learn from many perspectives, it’s equally important to make a path that’s uniquely mine.

In an industry as saturated as photography, simply blending in doesn’t lead to distinction or fulfillment. I learned that embracing my individuality—how I see the world through my lens, how I connect with my subjects, and how I express these interactions visually—is what truly sets me apart. This realization has not only shaped my approach to photography but also how I engage with my clients, offering them a distinctive experience that’s crafted around their stories and needs, not just a one-size-fits-all service.

Embracing my uniqueness has been liberating and has allowed me to serve my clients in more meaningful and personalized ways. It’s a lesson in authenticity and creativity that I hope inspires others in my field to trust in their own voice and vision.

I would also say that you have to be okay with failing forward, you will not succeed without failure.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.brandedassuredimage.com www.assured-image.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/assuredimage_lish/ https://www.instagram.com/brandedassuredimage/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/assuredimagephoto/