Today, we’d like to introduce you to Alice Tran.
Hi Alice, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I have been a photographer for all my friends and family for as long as I can remember. I was the photographer/videographer for our college’s social media team during college. However, because of my career in nursing, I never thought I could pursue having a business in photography.
It wasn’t until Covid happened, also around the same time that I finished my Master’s in Nursing, that I thought to myself: “Maybe I should give this photography gig a try.” In June 2021, I filed for an LLC for my business, Alice Tran Photography. And the rest is history.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Starting this business was a daunting and intimidating experience, especially when I lacked prior knowledge of running a company and didn’t have a network of contacts in the industry. Initially, it felt like I was a fish trying to learn how to swim. However, I remember reminding myself that any entrepreneur must have faced similar challenges and uncertainties, so it is important that I keep trying!
It was a bit hard to find new clients initially, but about 4 -5 months in, I began to know more photographers in the community and get more referrals. I am always thankful for those people, the ones that are supportive of my business in the beginning. One of them taught me “community over competition”; that lesson is what I will take with me for the rest of my business journey.
The abundance mindset allows you to not operate from a place of scarcity, where success is viewed as a finite resource to be hoarded, but rather embracing and recognizing that there is enough success to go around.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a family and wedding photographer based in Washington, D.C., and own a photography business called Alice Tran Photography.
I started experimenting with photography back in when I was in high school. Still, I didn’t do it professionally until college as a photographer/videographer in the Social Media Department. In 2019, I took a big break to pursue my nursing career. Good news is: I am finally done with my degrees, so at the time, I figured it was time to get back to this lifelong passion of mine. So, in June of 2021, I filed for an LLC to launch my business; the rest is history.
To me, it has been a privilege to be able to connect with everyone that I had a chance to photograph. My goal is to capture those raw, honest, and authentic emotions so that twenty years from now, my clients can look back on these photos and remember exactly how that moment felt.
To create authentic and emotion-evoking images, as a photographer, I am sometimes like “a fly on the wall.” I won’t overly pose or direct my clients to achieve a certain image, but rather, I allow time and space for them to take in the moment and let their story unfold naturally. I call it the “in-between moments.” My job is to embrace and capture candid moments to tell their story in the most authentic and honest way possible.
Outside of this, I work full-time as a family and psychiatric nurse practitioner & I pride myself on being an avid mental health advocate. I also love spending time with my family and friends, cooking, trying different cuisines, hiking, and traveling.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
When I started this business, I felt alone initially because I didnt know anyone in the industry, however, as time went on, I got to know more and more people. Francesca was one of the first few photographers that I met through Facebook.
She also started the business around the same time as I did. We connected instantly, and we are still great friends to this day. I still hear whenever I have questions or need some advice.
Pricing:
- Wedding photography starts at $4000
- Small weddings and elopements start at $1800
- Family Portraits start at $600
- Couple and Engagement start at $600
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alicetranphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alicetranphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alicetranphotography
- Google Business Page: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TeHYjAjbMhRX5VPz8
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Alicetranphotography
Image Credits
Alice Tran Photography
