We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alyssa Hartley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alyssa below.

Alright, Alyssa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

Something I’ve witnessed in not only my industry, but business in general, is that it’s common for businesses to put down one another in order to make themselves the best. Putting down other businesses to get that one job with a client may work in the short term, but in the long term it may hinder growth. In fact, putting down other businesses in your field may even lead to a decline in profit. I’ve learned that collaborating with similar businesses has been one of the best things for me, as it has taught me new things in my field of work. I’ve also grown a list of photographers and videographers that can assist me with projects when I need help, and in turn these same people have given me referrals when they aren’t available for the job. Playing nice can get you far in your industry!

Alyssa, 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 got started with my passion for photography and video all the way back in elementary school. I’m the oldest of four girls, so my sisters and I would create little skits together while I filmed them with my mom’s camcorder. Also, whenever we went on vacation to visit family or friends, I would use my mom’s camcorder and point-and-shoot camera to get videos and photos of our trips. Eventually I got my own little blue point-and-shoot camera, maybe my mom got tired of me “borrowing” her cameras haha! I took that camera everywhere: my basketball games, when I would hangout with friends, everywhere. Once I got my first job in high school, I saved enough money to get my own DSLR starter kit camera, and more photos and videos were created. It led to sister photoshoots, funny (or cringy, you decide) youtube videos with my best friend, and senior photos. I didn’t realize it at the time, but this hobby would lead to small jobs here and there, and then eventually become my career.

I like to express to people that I’m a visual composer, not just a photographer or videographer. But, what does that even mean? I view photography and videography as an art form, almost like composing music. I grew up playing piano, from second grade to my senior year in high school. Music had a massive impact on me, and I see commonalities between music composition and photography and video. Both require creativity, adventurous thinking, and storytelling. My passion is to create masterpieces that tell stories visually, thus, I call myself a visual composer. As a visual composer, I provide quality media to companies, small businesses, and individuals to showcase authentic moments in compelling visual stories. This could be sharing the story of a local small-town business, a mastermind group that chases the exceptional life, or a romantic destination wedding. My cameras and I are here to serve you and tell your story!

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The best way I’ve grown my clientele is being sincere. Just like connecting with anyone, being genuine wins people over more than being fake and rigid. Instead of the standard cold emails, meet with someone in person and chat. Make eye contact, smile, ask about their interests. To me, nothing seems more stand off-ish than when someone initially introduces themself and they immediately hand over their business card. Making genuine connections develops conversions. Also, use those genuine connections to stand out from the crowd. Instead of just a boring email trying to gain a future client, write them a handwritten letter, add a coffee gift card, and tell them how you admire their work and would like to treat them to coffee sometime. Just like you attract more flies with honey than vinegar, you gain more clientele through genuine connections.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding thing I’ve found through my photography and video is when it touches someone’s soul and leaves a lasting impact. I’ve done so many different types of photo and video shoots, but it means the world to me learning that the family photo I took for someone is now a staple photo to remember all the brothers, sisters, parents, cousins, etc. The photos I took at a wedding will be saved in family albums for generations to show kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. When my art is being used to remember a moment in time for a particular family, and will be used for generations – that’s the most rewarding thing for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://crossletphotovideo.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/crossletphotovideo
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crossletphotovideo
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@crossletphotographyandvide1955

Image Credits

Photos taken by Crosslet Photography & Videography