We were lucky to catch up with Alyson Aliano Greg Cohen recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alyson & Greg, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?
In 2018, as I juggled my role as an adjunct photography instructor at a college and working in commercial photography, my colleague Greg Cohen, found himself on the hunt for summer camps for his son. Amidst my own activities, Greg, who was conducting photography workshops from his studio, brainstormed a unique concept – a summer camp focused on photography for kids: Atwater Photo Camp. This idea sparked when he noticed the absence of such offerings in the area.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
After earning a BFA in photography from The School of Visual Arts, I delved into the realm of commercial photography, initially working for established photographers. Through this experience, I not only gained a comprehensive understanding of the industry but also started taking on photography assignments for clients.
Being actively involved in the field of photography brings me immense pride, especially as I have the opportunity to share this passion with children. Pursuing this dream has always been a source of fulfillment and joy for me.
I love working with Greg because not only is he a kind man and talented photographer, he is great with kids. His sense of humor is beyond compare and really resonates with our campers.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
Greg and I crossed paths while photographing children for a colleague of mine from New York. It was quite serendipitous, and our connection was immediate, in part because we share a sense of humor. We admire each other’s photography and as we continue to work together, our mutual respect continues to deepen. Connection, humor and respect are things we value and they remain an integral part of the business we’ve built and the way we run it.
What do you think sets you apart from others? What are you most proud of and what are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work/ etc. Please provide as much detail as you feel relevant as this is one of the core questions where the reader will get to know about you and your brand/organization/etc.
What sets Atwater Photo Camp apart is that while we teach the tools and skills of photography, we are primarily focused on how we see. That’s by far the most important part of our camp and being a photographer. It’s not just how to make a pretty picture, it’s exploring who we are and how we relate to the world around us; APC is about information, but it’s also about connection. In other words, you’ll walk away knowing how to create a dynamic image, but you’ll also walk away with new friends and a better understanding of yourself.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
Above all else, it’s important that we choose the right people: we bring in talented photographers, cool people we know and trust. These artists are all about their craft, got some serious experience, a lot of energy and can vibe with kids. They get the whole deal of working with children and know how to sprinkle in fun and play into everything we’re up to.
The main prerequisite is that everyone on the team understands and believes in our mission: to empower kids through photography, liberate their creative vision and inspire them to view the world through their own unique lens. Commitment to this belief unites us, and that unity is empowering.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://atwaterphotoworkshops.com/photo-camp/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atwaterphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APWseeforyourself
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atwater-photo-camp/about/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@atwaterphotoworkshops1588/featured
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/atwater-photo-workshops-and-camp-los-angeles
Image Credits
Alyson Aliano and Greg Cohen