We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alison Stevenson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alison, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I developed my first roll of film as a teenager and knew instantly I’d found what I was meant to do. But the world around me said otherwise. Parents, guidance counselors and just about every adult in my life told me that making a career out of photography was impossible. “It’s too much of a risk” they’d say as they encouraged me to shift my career goals elsewhere. And so I did.

Years down the road I was working in a small office for a terrible boss. The 9-5 dream that all of the adults in my life had encouraged me to follow just wasn’t what it was cracked up to be. I was drained and exhausted. Overworked and under appreciated. And then one rainy Friday, it hit me. Why was I working so hard for someone else’s dream, when I could be working this hard for my own? With hands shaking, I finally took that risk and submitted my two weeks notice.

The weeks and months that followed were difficult. I’d kept my passion for photography in my back pocket as a hobby for all these years but now it was time to give it my all. I dove headfirst into learning how to run a business. I built a website. I made a business plan. I bought insurance. I thought of incredible ideas and then failed at them gloriously. But I kept going. I practiced with my camera and then practiced more. I had friends, my husband and even my dog model for me while I learned the ins and outs of my camera and gear. And slowly at first, people started reaching out to me to take their photos. And my portfolio grew, and with it so did my confidence.

It’s been almost seven years since I submitted my two weeks notice on that rainy Friday. Since then, my photography has taken me all over the world. It has allowed me to connect with some of the most incredible people and create a life for myself that I am so very proud of. I genuinely feel that I have found what I was meant to do. But in truth, I think I knew that all those years ago in that high school photography class. That’s the thing about intuition. It will tell you what you’re meant for, you have to be still enough to listen to it. To take the risk, despite what the world around you says.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a fine art wedding photographer serving couples through out Europe, California and in my hometown of Indianapolis. I was first drawn to photography because it allowed me to hide behind the camera but still express myself creatively. But over time I realized that what I surprisingly loved most about photography was how it allowed me to genuinely connect with the people I was photographing. I look forward to getting to know each couple I work with and finding ways to tell their love story in a way that is true to them. Because of this, I am able to help couples feel comfortable and relaxed while having their pictures taken while still getting those dreamy and romantic wedding images. I like to think of my work as effortlessly editorial.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

A positive attitude and always doing the right thing! Showing up with a good attitude and a willingness to serve has opened many doors for me and connected me with so many great people that I still work with regularly! Negative people will always spread rumors and be cruel in competitive industries, but if you keep your head up and do what is right, success will find you.

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

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert is a wonderful book that encourages the reader to tap into their creative power and follow their dreams. It’s a great read and so very inspiring!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.alisonmaephotography.com
• Instagram: @alisonmaephotography
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/AlisonMaePhotography
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/alisonmaephotography/
• Other: Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@alisonmaephotography

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Alison Mae Photography