We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Allison Thomas. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Allison below.
Allison, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
How did you learn children’s photography?
I’m a proud mom of three amazing kiddos who have completely transformed my life for the better. When they were born, I couldn’t take my eyes off them, soaking in every little expression and emotion they displayed. They were so precious, and I knew I had to capture their journey as they grew up.
That’s when I got my first camera, a Canon Rebel, and embarked on a self-taught photography adventure. I took a lifestyle approach, simply following my kids around and documenting their everyday moments. Let me tell you, photographing little ones who never stay still is no easy task, but those candid shots turned out to be absolute gems. Plus, it was a fantastic way to learn various techniques along the way. I discovered how to freeze action in sharp detail and how to capture those fleeting micro-expressions that make life so beautiful. Oh, and let’s not forget the skill of working with children!
My own little munchkins are bursting with ideas and energy, and they inspired me with countless photoshoot ideas. I learned how to set up adorable sessions that still allowed the kids to be themselves and have fun.
Looking back, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? Which skills do you think were the most essential?
The real magic happened when I stopped obsessing over the technical stuff like dials, apertures, and shutter speeds. The most incredible photographs come from the heart and the eyes of the beholder. It was when I embraced this realization that I captured some truly emotional shots. I also discovered that the camera offers endless opportunities to experiment with unique perspectives. Simply changing the angle of a shot can completely transform its outcome. And above all, I learned that photography is all about going with the flow and having a blast.
Oh, and let’s not forget about editing! It’s crucial to get familiar with the software and learn how it works. Once I taught myself how to batch edit, my editing speed skyrocketed.
What obstacles did you face when trying to learn more?
I was fortunate to be a stay-at-home mom while I was teaching myself photography. That gave me a lot of time to learn while taking care of my little ones. However, being a parent to three small children meant that my photography aspirations had to take a backseat for a while.
But you know what? When your heart is set on photography, there’s no obstacle big enough to stop you. Sure, having the right gear is nice, but it’s not everything. Some of the most creative people can create stunning photos using just a smartphone. The camera is just a tool to express the artist’s perspective. So, if you have that burning desire to become a photographer, there’s no obstacle that can hold you back.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
As a teenager, I had a strong desire to become a doctor. Helping others was of utmost importance to me. After obtaining my bachelor’s degree in integrative physiology, I pursued my education to become a radiologic technologist.
Being a military spouse, my family and I have experienced frequent relocations. During our time in England, I took on the role of a stay-at-home mother. It was during this period that my passion for photography blossomed. Motherhood opened up a whole new perspective for me, igniting a deep sense of artistry and emotion.
I started my photography journey by capturing everyday moments in people’s lives. As my skills grew, I sought out more challenging opportunities and began honing my editing techniques. Fine art photography captured my heart, and I haven’t looked back since. I also became fascinated with action, levitation, and creative poses, finally equipped with the tools to bring my imaginative ideas to life. Fine art editing became my sanctuary, a form of meditation.
My photography services offer clients a combination of fine art and natural edits. Most of my clients prefer to have both. Fine art photographs beautifully adorn large walls, while natural edits preserve memories, perfect for albums.
I’ve found that my clients appreciate having a proof gallery to select their preferred images. When they choose this option, I provide them with the best images and allow them to customize the editing style for each one. This approach not only boosts my sales but also ensures that the clients are delighted with the final outcome.
I assist my clients in executing their own creative ideas. Inside my studio, I have an array of props and fun items, and together, we bring their visions to life during the photo sessions. I like to offer them plenty of options to choose from. For instance, during a toddler session, I capture numerous images with different sets and toys. Sometimes, the most remarkable images are born spontaneously.
Furthermore, I strongly believe that collaboration yields powerful results. I encourage my clients to actively participate in the creative process because everyone has a spark of creativity and an inner child. Photography becomes a tool to breathe life into their ideas as well.
One aspect of my work that fills me with pride is the opportunity to serve children with unique developmental and medical needs. I’ve had the privilege of hosting magical sessions where each child experiences their dream photoshoot. Bringing joy and making these children feel special is incredibly rewarding. They are deserving of every bit of happiness. Drawing from my own experiences as a parent of a child with special needs and rare genetic disorder, I’ve learned how to work with children of all abilities and physical limitations.
My clients hold a special place in my heart. Watching them and their families grow over time is truly amazing. Being a part of their journey is an honor. My hope is that through my photography, I provide them with cherished snapshots of their families that will be treasured for years to come.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
During my initial venture in the photography industry, I organized a series of Santa mini sessions, capturing the precious moments of approximately 30 families with Santa Claus. The resulting photographs garnered positive feedback from my clients, who not only expressed their satisfaction but also commenced recommending my services to their acquaintances and loved ones. Acquiring clients proved to be a relatively effortless endeavor, and as my client base expanded, a consistent pattern emerged. During my subsequent Santa session, I successfully documented the joyous memories of around 75 families, eventually reaching a point where I had to limit further bookings. Remarkably, within a span of one year and with minimal marketing efforts, my professional trajectory was significantly established.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Due to my husband’s military commitments, my family undergoes frequent relocations, necessitating a career that can be easily carried along. For this reason, photography is a wonderful choice of career for me. At times, though, it can be challenging to establish my comapny again in unfamiliar territories.
In August 2021, my family relocated to Montgomery, Alabama, for a brief one-year assignment. Given the temporary nature of our stay, I made a decision not to reestablish my business with the intention of relocating again soon. Instead, I focused my efforts on photographing children’s couture dresses for designers while also dedicating my time to volunteering for children with special needs. This particular period marked a significant phase of personal development and transformation, for which I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity.
Contact Info:
- Website: allisonathomasphotography.com
- Instagram: @allisonathomasphotography
- Facebook: @allisonathomasphotography
Image Credits
Allison A. Thomas Photography