Exploring Life & Business with Allison Hocker of Allison Marie Media

Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Hocker.

Hi Allison, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up showing livestock competitively which came with creating many memories over the eight years my sister and I showed. I always enjoyed capturing stories and memories and was always a creative kid growing up. As I was getting ready to graduate from high school I wasn’t positive where I saw myself in five years, but I knew I wanted to be involved in agriculture and the livestock industry.

My photography journey started to take off as I learned from some of the best in the industry working as an intern at multiple state and national shows. I discovered that I loved being behind the camera in a show ring as much as I loved being the one in front of the camera. After I shot my first solo county fair – the county I grew up in, Larimer County, I was blessed to be able to capture the memories the families created at livestock shows.

I also found my passion for shooting weddings at this time when I second shot my first wedding. Similarly to documenting livestock shows, I am passionate about capturing and preserving those fleeting moments and emotions from important days in someone’s life. Capturing those memories is about connecting with people, understanding their emotions and anticipating those laughs, tears, or stolen glances that make each day unique. I believe every love story deserves to be told raw and authentically, showcasing the couple as their true selves.

Weddings are the ultimate culmination of love stories, capturing the beauty of western weddings and their unique stories is something I hold close to my heart. My roots run deep in agriculture, and being able to document these love stories within the very industry that shaped me feels like coming full circle. It’s more than just photography for me—it’s about honoring the traditions, values, and connections that define the western way of life. I feel truly blessed to weave my passion for storytelling with the world that raised me, preserving these moments for couples to cherish forever.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey hasn’t always been easy. When I first picked up a camera, I didn’t have a clue where to start. During my very first internship, I didn’t even realize my lens wasn’t compatible with my camera body. Starting something new can be terrifying, but what I’ve learned is that there are always people quietly rooting for you, even when you don’t see it.

Building a business from the ground up, especially at a young age, came with its own set of challenges. Convincing people to trust you as a skilled photographer when you’re just 18 years old is no small feat. Self-doubt often felt like my biggest obstacle, and it took me almost two years to truly feel confident in my work.

But growth takes time—after all, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Every misstep and every struggle has shaped me into the photographer I am today. Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m deeply grateful for the support, trust, and opportunities that have allowed me to do what I love.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
As a western wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing the raw beauty, authenticity, and timeless romance of couples celebrating their love in places that mean the most to them. My work is known for blending the charm of western heritage with modern storytelling, creating images that feel natural and personal.

What sets me apart is my ability to connect with couples on a genuine level, ensuring every moment—from the smallest details to the grandest gestures—is documented. The perfectionist in me means that I am definitely detail-orientated and creative when it comes to capturing your memories.

I am most proud of my commitment to preserving memories that stand the test of time. My brand is built on trust, creativity, and a passion for delivering galleries that document the moments and emotions, big and small that make your wedding day so special. I want readers to know that with me as their photographer, they’re not just hiring someone with a camera; they’re choosing someone that cares about them as a couple, documenting their timeless memories, and will provide images that evoke the emotion from their special day every time they look at them.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My twin sister, Sydney is always the first to like my posts promoting my business, is always willing to model when I need content, and went and learned how to shoot a camera to help shoot my first county fair with me. Megan, with Flying M Photography who I consider my mentor is a peach of a person to be around and a wealth of knowledge. And Cambree with Cambree’s Captures who inspired me to shoot weddings.

I owe so much of my journey to the incredible people who have supported and inspired me along the way. My parents have always been my biggest cheerleaders, wearing my brand proudly to livestock shows, believing in me every step of the way and encouraging me to pursue my dreams. My twin sister, Sydney, who is always the first to like my posts, willing to step in as a model when I have a project I need help with, and even learned how to use a camera to help me shoot my first county fair.

Megan, with Flying M Photography, has been a true mentor and an incredible influence on my work. She’s not only a wealth of knowledge but also one of the kindest and most inspiring people I’ve had the privilege to learn from. Her guidance has helped shape my skills and confidence.

And I can’t forget Cambree, with Cambree’s Captures, whose passion for wedding photography inspired me to step into this beautiful niche. Her work and enthusiasm for capturing love stories ignited my love for capturing weddings.

Each of these people has played a vital role in my journey, and I’m endlessly grateful for their encouragement, knowledge, and inspiration. I’m thankful for the people who both publicly and silently cheer me on.

Pricing:

• Weddings start at $1,600
• Elopements start at $800
• Engagements start at $300
• Seniors start at $250

Contact Info:

• Website: www.allisonmariemedia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisonmarie.media?igsh=Zmd3OXNjNWY3ejNx&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19qJ2xR7jJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr