We recently connected with Allison Goodspeed and have shared our conversation below.

Allison, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

Honestly, I’ve noticed quite a few trends that are making waves right now in wedding photography. Here are a few I’m really excited about:

1. Candid and Documentary-Style Photography:

More and more couples want those real, unscripted moments over the traditional posed shots, and I’m all for it! They’re looking for authenticity, and I love it because that’s where the real magic happens—when people are truly in the moment.

-Opportunities: For me, it’s a chance to really stand out. I get to focus on those emotional, raw moments that tell the unique story of each couple. The less scripted, the better!
-Concerns: If you’re a photographer who’s used to traditional poses, this could be a challenge. It’s a shift in style and workflow, but once you adjust, it’s so rewarding.

2. Film Photography Revival:

Film is having a serious comeback right now. Couples are leaning toward that nostalgic, timeless vibe that film provides. There’s something so romantic about the grain and natural tones.

-Opportunities: I love that offering both digital and film services opens me up to a broader audience. Plus, there’s something so special about delivering those film images—it’s almost like handing over a little piece of art.
-Concerns: Working with film definitely requires more investment in terms of equipment and expertise. And the turnaround can be a bit longer depending on the labs, so managing expectations with clients is key.

3. Intimate Weddings and Elopements:

With the shift toward smaller, more intimate weddings and adventurous elopements, couples are choosing quality over quantity when it comes to photography.

-Opportunities: This trend is amazing for photographers who like to get creative with more personal, unique moments. I can really dive deep into telling the couple’s story in a way that feels more connected.
-Concerns: The downside? These smaller weddings can mean less coverage time, which could result in lower earnings compared to traditional, bigger weddings. But honestly, it’s about the experience more than the time for me.

4. Editorial and Stylized Shoots:

I’ve been seeing a lot of couples wanting their wedding photos to look like they came straight out of a high-fashion magazine. It’s such a fun blend of creative, stylized shots with real emotions.

-Opportunities: This is my time to shine! I love when couples trust me to get creative with angles, lighting, and editorial looks. It’s a great way to elevate my portfolio and appeal to those luxury markets.
-Concerns: The pressure to deliver flawless, high-quality images is definitely there. There’s more time spent on setups, and post-processing can get intense, but it’s totally worth it.

5. Bold Colors and Vibrant Decor:

One trend I’m really loving is the use of bold, vibrant color palettes—think terracotta, mustard yellow, and deep greens. Couples are using these striking colors in everything from florals to table settings.

-Opportunities: Bold colors make for such visually interesting photos! They really pop in my portfolio, and it gives me a chance to play with different tones and contrasts.
-Concerns: Truthfully, none! I’m loving this trend.

These trends are exciting because they give us photographers a chance to push our creativity while staying connected to what couples truly value. It’s all about finding that perfect mix of style, emotion, and storytelling.

Allison, 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’m Allie, an Austin-based wedding photographer with a passion for capturing genuine moments that reflect the true story of my couples’ love. Photography has always been a huge part of my life because I love how an image can freeze time and bring emotion into focus, especially through candid moments. What began as a hobby in 2020 during the pandemic has evolved into a full-time career, and I feel incredibly lucky to witness and capture people’s best days, while also being a part of their joy.

At Allie Goodspeed Photo, I provide wedding photography services that include both classic and modern styles. My focus is on capturing timeless portraits that you’ll want to hang on your walls for years, while also documenting candid, raw, and real emotions throughout the day. I work with couples who want their photos to feel like them—authentic, fun, and full of life. I help them feel comfortable in front of the camera by guiding them through posing and prompts, ensuring that their photos look as natural as possible.

What sets me apart is that I’m not just your wedding photographer—I’m someone who celebrates with you and makes you feel at ease. I’m most proud of the way I’ve built relationships with my clients and become someone they trust to tell their love story. From stunning weddings in Austin to dreamy destination venues like Italy, I help my clients create a visual legacy that truly reflects who they are.

Ultimately, I want people to know that with me, they are not just booking a photographer—they are booking someone who will cheer them on, make them feel comfortable, and capture their day exactly as it feels to them. I’m passionate about creating images that last a lifetime and helping couples relive the best moments of their day through the photos we create together.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a photographer is knowing that I get to capture moments that people will cherish for a lifetime. I believe that my talent is a gift from God, and there’s something incredibly fulfilling about using that gift to document one of the most important days in a couple’s life. I’m often in awe that I get to freeze these moments in time—the laughter, the joy, the tears—and help people relive them over and over.

It’s also the little things—when a bride sees a candid moment she didn’t know was captured, or when a groom lights up seeing how he looked at his partner. Being able to gift those memories through my lens feels like a calling, and I’m deeply grateful that I get to play such a special role in people’s lives. At the end of the day, it’s not just about taking photos; it’s about creating a lasting legacy of love and happiness. That’s what drives me and fills me with purpose every time I pick up my camera.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I think one of the biggest things non-creatives might struggle to understand about the journey of a creative is how deeply personal our work is, and how much heart goes into it. It’s not just about clicking a camera button or creating something that looks pretty. For me, every photograph I take is a blend of my own vision, my experiences, and the emotions of the moment I’m capturing. There’s so much thought and intention behind each image—the angles, the light, the mood—and it’s all done to tell a story that’s uniquely yours.

The creative journey is full of highs and lows, too. There are times when self-doubt creeps in, and you can’t help but compare yourself to others. But I’ve learned that the beauty of creativity is that no one else sees the world exactly like I do, and that’s a strength. I’m always learning, evolving, and refining my craft. What non-creatives might not see is how much behind-the-scenes work happens, how much energy and emotion are poured into it, and how vulnerable it can feel to put your work out there for the world to see.

At the same time, it’s incredibly rewarding. Seeing the joy and gratitude from clients, knowing that I’ve captured moments they’ll cherish forever, makes all the hard work and uncertainty worth it. That’s the part of the journey that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://alliegoodspeedphoto.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allie.goodspeed.photo/

Image Credits

All images were taken and edited by me, Allie Goodspeed Photo