Meet Alex Hedley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Hedley. 

Hi Alex, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It all started when I would take my mom’s first digital camera and set up the makeshift tripod and take ‘selfies’ for hours when I was as young as 13 or 14. Then I begged my parents for a flip phone, capturing every single moment I could and editing them in the phone settings. Making dramatic captions and everything all over the photo. At this age, I was also superrr addicted to video games, and I was also really into drawing (still am!) This is where the designer side of me started. 

I’ve always been shy and introverted, scared to leave my comfort zone for years. I moved a few times when I was younger, including a big move to Maryland from New Jersey during high school, so I typically had to mold to my surroundings so I didn’t stick out too much. I had no idea who I was or what I wanted. Seaside Heights, New Jersey is a totally different world compared to Cecil County, Maryland. 

I’ve been interested in photography since I could remember but was way too scared to take photos of others, so I stuck to my mom’s flowers, random objects in the house, and myself. Once moving to Baltimore to go to Towson University, I finally felt included. For my 18th birthday, I got my first official camera! From there, I started to branch out and take photos while I was traveling in college. Of friends, scenery, and posting it on Facebook. Not the best photos, but it was a big step for me because I named the album “Photography.” By this time, I have been asked by friends or friends-of-friends to design their website for them (I literally charged only $50! and that was a lot for me!) And I never thought anything of it. It was just mere fun! 

From there, I started asking friends if they could pose for me, or if I could take their couple photos, and taking product photos of random candles, shoes, and other items and sending it the business or client for free. I was even reaching out to friends starting new businesses or new jobs if they needed websites. I was FINALLY reaching out. But I wasn’t pushing as hard as I could. I was still intimidated by my camera, coding, and the business side of things. Once COVID-19 hit, my full-time job went to extreme part-time, and I realized what I needed to do – start my own business, FINALLY. I always knew I wanted to work for myself, and that was the time to take that jump (I’m sure a bunch of people felt that way, too!) So ever since, I have been working my butt off to learn and expand on the business side as well as design & photo. I have plenty more to go, but I don’t regret a second and am so excited to keep growing in this chapter. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There has definitely been a lot of struggles. Finances, client trouble, and stress for sure! It is a scary, scary road! Especially when society is constantly down your throat, convincing you that a 9-5 is the only way to go. At some points, even still to this day, I think “maybe I should get one? It’s secure and there’s benefits and I won’t have to stress about money?!” But honestly, I was put on this earth to create a flourishing business. I know this is what I was meant to do, and that I am strong enough to do it. I always remind myself at the end of the day what truly makes me happy. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Baltimore-based (but willing to travel) Photographer and Website Designer. I specialize in women who want to build a business, including health coaches, fitness professionals, and other creatives. With photos, I am different from others because I like to be more creative with poses and go the more editorial, posed route for photoshoots. I’m not your typical family portrait girl. Women that need to feel confidence and badass? I got you! From boudoir to fitness, anything that makes you feel comfortable in the skin you’re in. As well as from the business aspect… since most of my clients are women who are building businesses, it’s important to help them build a website that not only fits their branding but makes them look professional and makes them feel super confident in their skill! 

At the end of the day, nothing is more amazing than helping other women finally feel like they can be their own boss, too. It’s a rough route to take & definitely not made for everyone! 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
In terms of the “fitness professional” part I mentioned earlier, (I photograph a lot of personal trainers!) I am also a Certified Personal Trainer! I teach group fitness while also leading clients one-on-one in my spare time. I have always been very into fitness since I was 14, and have been a trainer for more than 4 years. Photography has allowed me to be creative with that half of my life, while also helping women feel confident! Nothing is more BA than having professional photos of you weightlifting/working out! I feel like being a fitness professional and a creative combined definitely sets me apart from others, too. 

Pricing:

• Photography ranges from $250 – $400
• Website Design & Development ranges from $1,000 – $3,500
• Branding Packages begin at $250

Contact Info:

• Email: alexhedleydesign@gmail.com
• Website: alexhedleyphotography.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/alexhedleyphotography
• Facebook: Facebook.com/alexhedleyphotography

Image Credits
Alex Hedley Photography