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

Alright, Alicia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

My photography business started while my husband was gearing up for his military deployment overseas. He advised me to get a hobby to help fill the void of him being gone. I started with photos of our daughter and offered free sessions to anyone that was willing to let me. I did not charge anyone for years as I was still learning the craft and wanted to feel confident in my abilities. We moved to Fargo after his deployment and that is when I started charging for my services. I bought my first “professional camera” in 2014. I worked for little to nothing and learned a lot by doing so. I learned how to interact with kids, what made families comfortable and really learned my camera.
Now its been almost 10 years and I am able to do this full-time to provide for my family.

Alicia, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I absolutely love what I do. I love working with people and developing lifelong relationships. I truly invest 100% into my clients and my business. I love when kids run up to me and give me the biggest hugs because they know I am going to show them a good time. Newborns are my favorite. There is nothing more precious that new life.

I am spunky, sarcastic and have a big heart that is full of love for others.

I live in rural Newfolden and I love providing my clients with one of a kind locations for their sessions. I am married with 2 girls and we have 5 animals. My Golden Retriever Garth is my baby boy.

I love coffee and naps in my free time.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I want to live to be the best version of myself. I love making people smile for a living and showcasing the love within families. I have no interest in competing with others and I love making friends in my industry. Photography is so unique and everyone has a different eye so Its fun supporting my fellow photographers and showing as much love as possible. Community over competition is my outlook.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I have learned that you can not please everyone and that is ok. Everyone has a certain style and its ok to go with what fits you the best.

I have also learned not to work myself to the point of exhaustion. Taking time for self care is very important.

In my free time I love to travel. I have been lucky enough to travel to a few parts of the country for sessions and I would love to do it more.

Contact Info:

• Website: magnerphotos.com
• Instagram: alicia magner photos
• Facebook: Alicia Magner Photography

Image Credits
All photos taken by Alicia Magner Photography.