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

Alyssa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Entering the creative field was never part of my original plan. Back in 2009, pursuing a creative career wasn’t even on my radar. I loved science and helping others, so after some research, pharmacy school seemed like the logical path. At the time, the options for a “successful” career felt limited to healthcare, law, or business. So, I chose pharmacy, earned my doctorate, and started my career at a local retail pharmacy.

But almost immediately, I knew something was off. Just one year into the job, I found myself thinking, “How am I going to do this for the next 40 years?” That thought alone was overwhelming.

In hindsight, the pull toward creativity was always there. In high school, I was captivated by photography. I’d spend hours photographing friends, family, and nature with my little digital camera. When I started college, I even inquired about minoring in art with a focus on photography. The response? A resounding no. Pharmacy school was too demanding to pair with an art minor, and the two paths were deemed “unrelated.” So, I set photography aside—but it never left me completely. I even entered a college photography contest for fun, though I didn’t win it felt so fun and so creative. The passion was still there.

Fast forward to 2017, two years into my pharmacy career. I decided to dust off my old camera, and that moment changed everything. The love I had for photography came flooding back. I started upgrading my gear, one piece at a time, and eventually launched the Alyssa Flood Photo Instagram page as a creative outlet. What began as a hobby took a transformative turn when a friend—an incredible wedding photographer—asked if I’d ever considered shooting weddings. I said yes without hesitation and spent that summer shadowing her at every opportunity.

By the following year, I had officially launched Alyssa Flood Photography, booking my own weddings and sessions. The transition was gradual but deeply fulfilling. In 2024, I took the leap and went full-time with photography, a decision that solidified my passion as my profession.

Looking back, it’s incredible how the pieces fell into place once I trusted my instincts and embraced creativity. I haven’t looked back since.

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

I’ve always felt drawn to the wedding industry, knowing deep down that it was where I was meant to be. When my husband and I got married in 2016, I discovered just how much I loved planning and designing our wedding. Every aspect of the process—the creativity, the love, the memories—brought me so much joy. It was an unforgettable experience that stayed with me long after our big day.

As I began to explore more creative outlets, photography quickly stood out as my true passion. The idea of combining my love for photography with the vibrant energy of the wedding industry felt like the perfect fit. It wasn’t just about capturing beautiful moments; it was about being part of a couple’s most meaningful day and creating something timeless for them to treasure.

For me, wedding photography is about so much more than the art itself. While honing my craft—staying current with education, investing in top-tier gear, and constantly pushing my creativity—is crucial, the personal connection is equally important. As a photographer, I’m by your side through much of your wedding planning journey and the entire day itself. That’s why I bring a calming, professional presence and thrive in high-pressure environments to ensure I deliver images that exceed expectations.

I take immense pride in the experience I offer my clients. I’m not just here to take photos—I’m here to celebrate with you, support you, and help make your wedding as memorable as possible. Whether it’s sharing your excitement when you find the dress, lending my expertise during the planning process, or simply being a friendly face on your big day, I’m dedicated to telling your story with authenticity and care. My goal is for you to walk away with the photos of your dreams while staying fully immersed in every special moment of your day.

I genuinely love what I do. Being part of one of the most significant days in my clients’ lives is an honor I don’t take lightly. That’s my “why”—it’s what inspires me every single day.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think it’s often challenging for non-creatives to fully grasp how rewarding and successful a career in the arts can be. While society has made significant progress in recognizing creative careers since I first started exploring my own options, there’s still a disconnect—especially among older generations. For some, it’s difficult to understand how “my little business” has not only achieved more success but also provided a greater sense of purpose and well-being than my previous healthcare career ever could have.

What many people don’t realize is just how much goes into running a creative business. There’s a misconception that my schedule is completely flexible, that my job is solely about showing up to weddings and taking photos. In reality, I’m working around the clock. As a business owner, I wear countless hats: accountant, scheduler, receptionist, editor, social media manager, blogger…the list never ends. It’s a constant hustle, but it’s one I truly love.

At the end of the day, I’d take working 24/7 in photography over going back to a 9-to-5 any day. This journey has given me the freedom to follow my passion, build something meaningful, and connect with incredible people along the way—and for that, I’m endlessly grateful.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Find your people in the industry—it’s one of the best pieces of advice I can offer. The phrase community over competition isn’t just a mantra; it’s a way to thrive. Comparing yourself to others in your field is never productive—there are clients for everyone. Instead, focus on building connections with those who truly understand your work, inspire your creativity, and support your business as much as you support theirs.

Finding that kind of community has been one of the most rewarding experiences for me. Being surrounded by like-minded creatives who uplift and encourage you makes all the difference. You can collaborate on projects, share referrals, and celebrate each other’s successes. Plus, it’s a lot more fun when you have industry friends who “get it,” whether you’re working together or just enjoying some downtime.

And let’s be honest—it’s also great to have friends who are free to hang out mid-week in the summertime, just like me!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://alyssafloodphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssafloodphoto/
• Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alyssafloodphoto?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Image Credits

Alyssa Flood Photography