IN ACTION
ABOUT ALLI
IN THE BEGINNING...
I started my journey the same as most photographers, obsessing about taking photos and home videos with the family camera. However, In 2013, I joined my high school's Yearbook Organization as a photographer. There, I fell in love with candid photos and capturing the true emotion on people's faces. The next year, I became Editor in Chief and reigned for 2 years, earning 2 Best in State Yearbooks awarded by the South Carolina Scholastic Press Association. I directed everything from photography, to copy writing, to design, and organization.
JUST KEEP GOING
In my third year of high school, I was accepted into the Fine Arts Center in Greenville, South Carolina for the Filmmaking program. The information I learned here is priceless. We learned the history of photography and film, dove into the intricacies of camera settings, learned filmmaking tricks, and played with editing softwares until we were delirious.
WHAT NOW?
When I graduated high school, I went to the University of South Carolina and studied Media Arts and psychology, which took me even deeper into my photography and filmmaking education. I also joined SGTV, which was the university's news, journalism, and film organization. Here, I really enjoyed the creative freedom we were allowed and how collaborative everyone was. As college students, sometimes we had to DIY or make do with what we had and it taught me how to be adaptable in my process. Since, I have been lucky enough to create a business doing what I love.
IT'S ONLY UP FROM HERE
Since I've stretched out on my own, I have been able to capture a plethora of amazing candids that have shown just how beautiful life can be. Through the engagements, weddings, family sessions, birthdays, graduations, and more, I have been truly lucky to be able to give so many people a physical memory of some of the biggest and most cherished moments of their life.
I really wanted to help the people of the Upstate feel this same excitement when it comes to their own small business. Thus, I started creating videos for businesses (such as Alpha Masters Dog Training and Shinko & Associates in Greenville). I'm also able to use my knowledge from designing books and graphics to take headshots to the next level, as well as my psychology knowledge to really expand the business's reach and engagement with their audience.
Since I was 14, I have juggled a handful of service industry jobs and filled a number of positions from server, to bartender, to manager. During this time, all I could dream of was to quit my night job and, instead, make my passion my career.
However, it is because of all of the wonderful people I have met along the way that I am where I am today. To these people, who put their trust in me and helped my business grow into what it is today:
I thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
THE PROCESS
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I BOOK?
Once you press book, I am immediately informed and will send you a confirmation email. From there, we'll discuss ideas, outfits, and locations if necessary. At this time you'll also be able to request any props or other equipment you'd like to be used. Then, I'll give you tips on what to expect and be here to answer any questions along the way.
Although photography requires a lot of on-the-spot creativity and problem solving, I do still like to heavily research our location in order to be prepared for whatever it may offer us. To do this, I use Google Satellite to "walk" the location, or even take a visit in person to scope the surroundings. Then, I'll create an album of inspiration and come up with prompts that suit your personality, ideas, and needs. All you have to do is pick out your outfit and wait! Feel free to send me any inspiration you may find along the way!
While I'm willing to play in the rain, not everyone else is--especially when you just put together your hair and outfit! For outdoor locations, in case of rain or other severe weather, I will find another location in the area that is indoors or sheltered. However, if we get rained out and you'd rather wait for another date, just contact me!
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT TO DO AT OUR PHOTOSHOOT?
During our photoshoot, I will guide you through these poses and prompts that I have come up with the entire way: there's no need to worry about where to put your hands or feet.
For family sessions, if you feel you have a child/teenager who is fussy or just not in the mood (as we all get sometimes), there's no need to worry: my prompts are made to allow
the whole family to have fun.
EDITING & DELIVERY
Because my main focus is to get candid photos, I take anywhere from 1000 to 2500 photos for portraits and at least 4500 photos for events. I'll spend days picking out the best ones and editing them to our theme. Then I will typically sit on them for a day so I can look on them with a fresh mind and make any afterthought corrections. Lastly, I will upload them to the server of your choice (Dropbox, Google Drive, or Google Photos) and send you the link. From there,
you are welcome to download your favorite--or all--of your photos! This process takes about
1-2 weeks.