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

Alyssa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful projects I work on are the ones where my clients come back and tell me how the photos made their memories come to life. It’s one thing to capture a moment, but it’s another to know that those moments, those small details and emotions, are forever preserved in a way that genuinely moves someone. Hearing from clients who say that the photos brought them right back to how they felt on their wedding day or at their child’s first birthday—that’s the heart of why I do this.

There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing the images I’ve taken help people relive their happiest days, whether it’s a wedding, a milestone, or a simple moment of joy with loved ones. It’s more than just a job to me—it’s being entrusted with someone’s most treasured memories, and being able to deliver that emotional connection is what makes it all worthwhile.

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.

My name is Alyssa Badami, and I am a photographer based in St. Louis, Missouri. My journey into photography was a gradual one, but it’s become my absolute passion. I’ve always loved capturing moments, even as a child with a simple point-and-shoot camera. However, it wasn’t until after I had my daughter that I started photographing friends and family, and that’s when I realized the joy and fulfillment it gave me. That’s when I decided to pursue photography full-time.

The core of what I do is all about capturing authentic, intimate moments. My two favorite types of photography are wedding photography and first birthday cake smashes. While I specialize in these, I also offer a variety of other photography sessions. My photography style is warm, detailed, and deeply personal. I aim to capture genuine emotions and small, unnoticed moments that truly tell the story of a day. I’m not just snapping photos—I’m preserving memories that people will treasure for a lifetime.

I provide a range of services to fit my clients’ needs, from my Essentials and Deluxe portrait sessions to comprehensive wedding packages. My wedding packages range from six to ten hours of coverage, all of which include a second shooter for extra angles and a complimentary engagement session for the eight- and ten-hour packages. I also offer a micro-wedding and elopement package, because I believe every love story, no matter the size of the celebration, deserves to be documented beautifully.

The problems I solve for my clients often revolve around making sure their special moments are captured in a way that reflects who they are. Wedding days, in particular, are hectic, and I know how much pressure couples feel to remember every little thing. My goal is to take that stress away, ensuring they can look back on their photos and feel all the love, joy, and emotion of the day. I don’t believe in limiting the number of photos I deliver either—every beautiful moment I capture is shared, so clients get a full, authentic reflection of their day.

What sets me apart is my dedication to creating a personalized experience for each client. I focus on understanding their unique vision and preferences, ensuring that every session reflects their individual style and story. I can craft images that truly resonate with who they are and what they want to remember.

What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. I’ve had the honor of photographing some of the most important days of their lives, and being able to deliver images that bring their memories to life is the greatest reward. For anyone considering working with me, the most important thing to know is that I’m passionate about what I do, and I pour my heart into every session. My goal is to not only meet my clients’ expectations but to exceed them—making sure their memories are beautifully captured and cherished forever.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

Yes, my side hustle has the potential to become my full-time career, but I realized over the summer that I wasn’t ready to let go of my role as a high school counselor, even though that was my plan. I found a new position in an amazing district and building that allows me to fulfill my passion for counseling while also working weekends as a photographer.

Initially, photography was a hobby that I pursued alongside my full-time job in education. After having my daughter, I began photographing friends and family, and the joy it brought me led me to consider it more seriously. I started by upgrading my equipment and taking workshops to improve my skills, gradually building a professional portfolio.

A key milestone in my journey was when I began to see a steady flow of clients and received positive feedback, which validated my decision to build a professional presence. I started receiving more bookings and built a strong client base. The success of my early projects convinced me that photography could become a full-time career. However, during the summer, I came to realize that I still deeply valued my role as a high school counselor.

So, I decided to pursue a new counseling position in a fantastic district that aligns with my professional goals and personal satisfaction. This new role allows me to continue my work as a high school counselor while dedicating weekends to my photography business. Balancing both passions has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to excel in both fields.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a photographer is the ability to capture and preserve moments that hold deep personal significance for my clients. I absolutely love seeing the smile on a one-year-old’s face when they taste their first bite of cake during a cake smash session, and the emotional moments during a wedding ceremony when the bride walks down the aisle and everyone stands. Seeing the joy and emotion in my clients’ reactions when they view their photos is incredibly fulfilling. It’s not just about creating beautiful images; it’s about making memories come to life and being a part of moments that people will cherish for years to come. The trust my clients place in me and the impact of these special moments on their lives are what make my job so meaningful and gratifying.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://alyssabadamiphotography.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://alyssabadamiphotography.mypixieset.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/bhuSR3X81rwGzREW/?mibextid=JRoKGi