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

Allison, appreciate you joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later?

I shot my first solo wedding in 2012 and knew immediately that I loved it—deeply. But back then, I didn’t believe “photographer” was a real job. Not in the stable, responsible, adult-sounding way I thought I needed. So, like many people chasing security, I chose a different path: I became a dental assistant. I spent eight years bouncing between offices and doctors—working hard, learning a lot—but always feeling like I’d left an opportunity on the table at that very first wedding.

The truth is, I was scared. Scared I wouldn’t make money. Scared no one would book me. Scared to admit what I actually wanted: to be the boss. To build something of my own. To spend my life doing work that lights me up. And, honestly, to take really lovely photos for people.

I officially started Allie Atkisson Imaging in 2017 while still working full-time. Then, in March 2020, I made the leap—and two weeks later, the world shut down. Timing, right?

Looking back, I wish I had trusted myself sooner. I wish I’d shown myself the same kindness and confidence I now give to others. Staying in a job just because it felt “safe” meant suppressing a part of myself in exchange for a paycheck—and that tradeoff cost me more than I realized. Burnout is real, and it takes a long time to climb out of it.

If I could do it again, I’d jump sooner. I’d jump faster. I’d jump with both feet and a camera bag. And I tell anyone debating whether to go after the thing that makes them feel lighter: Do it. Ferociously. Don’t wait until you feel like you’ve “earned” the right to want more.

You already have.

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

I’m Allie Atkisson—the owner and lead photographer of Allie Atkisson Imaging, based in both Little Rock, Arkansas and St. Louis, Missouri. I specialize in wedding and commercial photography, and I’m someone who finds inspiration in a good fantasy novel and a trip to the mountains. Give me a crisp fall morning over a fresh snowfall any day—but honestly, I’d be thrilled with either.

My ideal day could just as easily include a boutique hotel or a tent by the Buffalo River. My comfort shows are The Office and Bob’s Burgers, and I firmly believe New Girl might be the funniest thing ever written. I didn’t always know what I wanted to do for a living, but I did know this much early on: I wasn’t built for micromanagement. I was excellent at following instructions—but deeply unsatisfied by it. That gets old, fast. It gets repetitive. It gets soul-sucking.

I launched Allie Atkisson Imaging in 2017 while still working full-time in another career. Then, in March 2020—just before the world start to fold in on itself—I took the leap and went all in. And I haven’t looked back since.

Today, I offer wedding coverage, elopements (yes, I travel!), engagement sessions, bridals, and boudoir, plus a full commercial side of my business: branding, food, corporate events, and product photography.

My editing style is warm, earthy, and timeless—rooted in tones that feel like home. But more than aesthetics, what I believe truly sets my work apart is the way I see people. I’ve been told I have a calming presence—that I make people feel safe, seen, and at ease in front of the camera. That’s the highest compliment I could ever receive and one of the most humbling moments each time someone says it.

I work closely with each client to create space where they feel fully held—whether they’re two people madly in love or a new business just starting to tell its story. I don’t over-direct or overpose. I guide gently, observe deeply, and let real life lead the way. Everyone always thinks they are so awkward in front of the camera and guess what? Pretty much every person is at one time or another in their life; my self included. I won’t leave you hanging. I’ll teach you what to do so you can feel confidently YOU.

Open, clear, and honest communication is the cornerstone of everything I do. From the first email to the final gallery delivery, my clients know they have my full attention and care. I don’t do anything halfway—especially not when it comes to the business I have built brick by brick.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve cultivated. The fact that clients invite me into their lives again and again is something I don’t take lightly. It’s an honor I have no real words for. And for weddings and large events, I’m lucky to share that space with my favorite second shooter—my husband Tommy—who brings great energy, talent, and reliability to every single job. We work seamlessly together to ensure nothing goes unnoticed, and every meaningful moment is documented with care.

If you take one thing away from this, I hope it’s this: I care. Deeply. About the light, the experience, the emotion, the details. I believe your photos should feel like an echo of your real life—not a performance.

So if you’re looking for someone who will show up with their whole heart, who will hold your story with reverence, and who will create work that feels like the warmest memory—you’re in the right place.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

As you’ve probably gathered by now, I built this business while working full-time in the dental field. One year out from quitting, I made myself a deal:

“If I can make in photography what I make at this job—I’ll quit.”

And then…I did it. In just nine months, I matched my annual dental assistant salary.

I was terrified to leave, but once I hit that goal, it was like something ignited. I felt on fire—in the best way. It was all I could do not to think about photography every second of the day.

I’ve wrestled with burnout across different jobs (and even in entrepreneurship), but this path is right for me because now I have the space to ebb and flow. To heal and create. That wasn’t possible when I was burning the candle at both ends with two jobs.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Honestly? Word of mouth and Instagram.
People know to expect Mood Boost Monday in my stories each week—it’s a thing now. I keep my blog fresh, and I post reels as often as I can stand it (because let’s be real, social media is no walk in the park). But I try to keep it light and fun.
Clients come to me because they trust that what they see online is exactly who they’ll meet in real life—and that matters more than any algorithm ever will.

Contact Info:

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

Image Credits

All taken by me