Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Bennett.
Hi Ali, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started my business in the summer of 2020.
I was in an interesting phase of my life where I was new to the city, far from family, and with very few friends due to the pandemic/social distancing. It felt like a risk to start a business with everything that was going on, but I made the jump and bought my first real camera.
I quickly dove into courses, joined photographer communities, and began working to build my resume. By the end of 2020, I was feeling established and thoroughly enjoying the influx of clients. Fast forward to today, and I am proud of the progress I’ve made.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being a full-time parent during a pandemic is difficult, to say the least. I know there are so many parents who have been faced with the logistical challenge of childcare and working from home.
For me, I struggled to find balance working and being a mom. I felt a lot of guilt that I was falling short as a parent while at the same time feeling the pressures of being a female business owner. As someone who struggles with anxiety and depression, at times these pressures felt all-consuming. I am really grateful I turned to therapy and continue to see a therapist today.
Being a parent has shaped my business in a lot of ways. I love working with families and capturing the real emotion (which sometimes means tears/tantrums). I think it is really a beautiful thing to have memories preserved through photography and do my best to capture clients’ relationships and personalities.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in engagement and family photography. If there is one thing I try to accomplish with every shoot, it is to make my clients feel comfortable in front of the camera.
I know how stressful it can be as a parent, trying to get everyone dressed and cooperate with photos. I also know how it feels to drag my husband (then fiance who hates getting his pictures taken) to a shoot and feel awkward about posing/kissing, etc.
I do my best to build relationships with my clients and understand their needs so that I can help them feel confident and at ease during our shoot. This results in photos that are natural and relaxed!
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Believe in yourself and trust in the process.
Starting out, I was always comparing myself to other photographers and felt the need to compete with their successes.
I think what made a huge difference in my career was reaching out to the photographers in my area and learning from them.
Contact Info:
- Email: photography.alibennett@gmail.com
- Website: alibennettphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alibennettphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alibennettphoto/
- Other: https://g.page/ali-bennett-photography?share
Image Credits
Headshot photographed by Allie LaRue
