Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alisha Freeman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Alisha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I’m a visual storyteller at heart, working primarily in photography and film. My background is uniquely multifaceted, I spent years in front of the camera, which gave me a deep appreciation for visual composition and emotion. Eventually, I transitioned behind the lens, where I truly found my voice.

In photography, I specialize in fine art, whimsical setups, and theatrical portraits. My shoots are often blending fantasy, high contrast, and with emotional depth. I’m also heavily involved in film, with experience as a Producer, Director, and Cinematographer, I’ve even written some screenplays, and a children’s book. One of my proudest achievements is ‘Orange, A Shade of Black’, a documentary I Produced about one of the first African-American families in Orange, California. It premiered at The Frida Cinema in January 2025, and is making its way through the festival circuit now.

What sets me apart is the emotional lens I bring to my work. I create from a place of resilience, vulnerability, and purpose. During the height of the pandemic, while also undergoing two major cancer surgeries, I continued to create, finish college degrees, and move forward in healing artistic ways. That drive is core to who I am, I believe storytelling through Art is healing.

I’m also proud of founding the Female Photographers League of SoCal, a place to collaborate, support one another, and elevate female voices in the industry.

Above all, I’m committed to telling stories that might otherwise go unheard, especially those centered on women, marginalized communities, and untold histories.

Alisha, 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’ve been passionate about visual storytelling for as long as I can remember. My journey began in front of the camera as a model for over a decade, but I soon realized my true calling was behind the lens creating the artwork.

I studied Photography and Film at Fullerton College, eventually earning my Art degree in 2020. I also hold degrees in Art & Human Expression and Social Science, and I’m currently completing two certificates at NYU while finishing my BFA in Film at William Woods University. Additionally, I hold a CTE teaching credential in the Entertainment & Arts sector.

As a lifelong theater enthusiast, becoming a SAG-AFTRA member in 2012 was a dream come true. Through SAG, I’ve attended numerous industry events, workshops, AFI events, and I take great pride in being an active SAG voting member—yes, I watch all the nominees!

My work as a Producer, Cinematographer, and Director spans music videos, live theater/events, short films, a Netflix film, and now two documentaries. One of those, ‘Orange, A Shade of Black’, premiered in January at The Frida Cinema, and is now in the festival circuit. It tells the moving story of one of the first African-American families in Orange, CA—a project my Director (Dawn Nguyen Spranger) and I filmed over several years, including through the pandemic.

In 2016, I founded the Female Photographers League of SoCal, a collective now 300 members strong. We host monthly shoots, foster deep creative connections, and support women in the industry.

At my core, I’m a storyteller. Whether through fine art, whimsical photography, or female-centered films, I strive to capture the moments and voices that often go unseen.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I don’t think many people in the arts experience a smooth path, there aren’t many roadmaps in this field. One of the most significant challenges was, of course, the global pandemic, which brought my photography and filmmaking to a standstill for a while. My photography group continued to meet outdoors whenever possible, but it just wasn’t the same.

On a personal level, I was also battling cancer during 2021–2022, undergoing two major surgeries. In times like that, your focus has to shift to survival and healing, but for me, part of healing has always been creating. Those years still linger in my mind, but I also accomplished a lot: I finished multiple degrees and kept moving forward with projects. I don’t know how to stay still.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Network and find a mentor!

1. Find people you vibe and connect with.
Look for photographers, filmmakers, or creatives whose work you admire. Follow them on Instagram, LinkedIn, or wherever they’re active. Reach out and make a real connection, artist to artist.

2. Be a real person, not just a fan.
Comment on their work, share their stuff (with credit), or show up to events they’re involved in. People notice genuine engagement.

3. Start small.
Don’t come in hot asking, “Will you mentor me?” Instead, ask a quick, thoughtful question like, “Hey, how did you get started in documentary work?” That kind of conversation can grow naturally.

4. Look around you.
Mentors aren’t always big-name pros. They could be someone in your network already, a professor, fellow creative, or someone from a group you’re a part of already.

5. Give back, even a little.
Offer to help on a shoot, assist with a project, or just be supportive. It shows you’re serious and respectful of their time.

6. Be chill and consistent.
Relationships take time. Keep in touch, keep showing up, and let things develop naturally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thefilmali.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefilmali

Image Credits

Alisha Freeman, and Love Alban (for main headshot/profile pic)