Introducing Alison, the owner of Alison Marie Photography. Based in Southwick, MA, Alison has been running her successful photography business for nearly 16 years, serving clients all over New England.
Alison’s passion for photography started with her love for documenting trips and adventures. Her professional journey began when she saw her husband’s stepbrother’s cheesy wedding photos and felt she could offer a better service. Starting with photos for friends and a wedding shoot, her business quickly grew from there.
Alison Marie Photography specializes in weddings, boudoir, and high school senior portraits. With a great eye for detail and a commitment to quality (and she’s tons of fun to work with!), Alison ensures that each photo tells a unique story.
I’m excited for you to learn more about Alison and what she has to offer!
What’s your favorite part of being a business owner? I think the people I get to meet, that I wouldn’t have otherwise met! I meet SO many amazing women!!
What’s the one thing you wish you’d known before diving into entrepreneurship? How much work it actually is – businesswise. It’s not just going out and taking pretty photos. Not only do you have to hone your photography craft (and every genre of photography takes a different skill set), but you also have to learn the business side – marketing, customer service, editing, blogging, accounting, etc.
What’s one tool, app, or strategy that’s been a game-changer for your business? My client management system – 17 hats! I’ve had it for years now and I don’t know how I’d run my business without it!
How do you maintain a work-life balance while running a small business and what strategies or practices have helped you navigate the demands of entrepreneurship? I try maintain regular business hours for office work. I answer emails & leads from 8am to 4pm. I don’t typically do any sort of office work after dinner time or on the weekends because of my family. And my photography sessions are by appointment only, so I know how much I can take on during any given week. I also try to not do business through text or social media messages. I try to filter everything in to my email or website, so that when I sit down at my desk, I’m tackling tasks that way.
What were you doing before you started business? And/or what else are you doing now (school/work etc.) I was a full-time graphic designer for a vitamin company. I am a full-time photographer now.
What do you do for fun in your down time? Hike and/or travel
What’s your dream vacation? Driving across country to see as many different states and national parks as possible! And take lots and lots of photos!
Coffee or Tea? Coffee!
Favorite place you’ve traveled to? Why? Utah! It’s beautiful and so vastly different from where we live. I’ve visited twice and would love to go back again! The views, red rocks, slots canyons, hiking are all amazing!
Do you have any pets? Two cats – Ollie & Scout
Tell us about your family! Husband & 2 kids – Cailyn almost 12yrs, Cole 8yrs
To learn more about Alison head over to her website now!
To learn more about personal branding photography for your business, let’s connect!
