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

Hi Alison, thanks for joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Being a creative literally is the only thing that makes sense to me. I’ve been this way since I can remember, Always viewing a “regular job” as a means to make ends meet until the next incredible project. The last time I thought about what it would be like to have a “regular job” was not too long ago. The writers strike from last spring/summer caused a huge desert of work within my field and it still hasn’t bounced back just yet. I was thinking to myself, “would I be happier if I had a 9-5? If the strikes had been just another news story and not something impacting my daily life, would I be more fulfilled? Would I stress less? Would I be satisfied with making money for a corporation for the benefit of always having employment stability?” I’m laughing now even thinking about it as I write. It goes against every fiber of my being. Being creative is a way of life, not a job. It’s not something you can just turn on and off, it certainly isn’t something you can feel resentment towards when it’s not making you consistent income. But it is satisfying. It is an expression of the self, and the journey we take throughout our lives. So no, I would not be happier with a “regular job.”

Alison, 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 actually started capturing moving images before I ever captured still images. I studied film & television production in college and thought, telling stories is where I want to be spending my time. I didn’t have an idea of what/how/who/when etc. I just knew I wanted to use this medium to tell stories that I would want to hear and see. I also pursued a degree in sound design to help give life to these moving images. To really FEEL the stories, to hear them as they should be, to immerse the audience.

Photography was always something I used as a stepping stone to film by way of storyboards, mood boards and ideas as well as location scouting. It wasn’t until 2012 when I moved to NYC from LA that I began to see photography as something that could be it’s own path for me specifically. My partner at the time needed headshots for her professional work and I thought, that’ll take me 15 minutes tops. Once we got to the office though, a simple stand and smile seemed so flat, so bland and gave no credit to this incredible person. I realized that the one photo needed to tell a story, all in one frame.

So here I am, may years later helping people tell their story through one frame. That’s what I do, I tell authentic stories through photography. I love working within my LGBTQIA+ community specifically raising those voices that might otherwise not have a space. I’ve always had a talent of making people feel at ease and welcome in any situation and I believe that’s what sets me apart from others. You can be a very talented photographer, have the latest gear, be a master in post, all of that. But if you’re not CONNECTING with your subject, if you’re not LISTENING and HELPING them to bring out the story they want, you’re not doing anyone any favors. It’s not about me as a photographer, it’s about understanding the person in front of the camera, knowing what they want to communicate through the session and helping them do it, with no ego attached. And I love it. People fascinate me. I love hearing about the details of how people get to where they are and why the want go forward. It’s inspiring and I feel extremely grateful to be trusted with a part of that journey.

That’s the main thing I want people to know about the work that I do, I genuinely love helping. I love being a small part of their story and I am so proud to be able to give them something that expresses their authentic self.

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

Austin Kleon, one of my favorite writers on being an artist, has these 3 incredible books that are guideposts for when I need reassurance or motivation on being a creative. When I’m stuck in the weeds of any part of the business I always go back to these and they remind me about the important parts of the journey. He constantly uplifts other creatives and artists for inspiration as well through his weekly newsletter/blogs and I honestly have the outlook I do today on being an artist from reading his works. Here are the titles, go check them out!

“Steal Like An Artist”
“Keep Going”
“Show Your Work”

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to never let anyone feel unheard because of who they are. Every being on this planet has a voice, a story and a dream and I think the more we share these voices, stories and dreams the more we will see that we ALL share common threads. Even if these threads seem different or look different through creative expression, they still connect us. As human beings we are hard wired to love a good story, we want to connect and hear from each other, and I hope I can make a small impact on telling those stories.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alisongregoryphotography.com
• Instagram: @alisongregoryphotography