Connect
To Top

Life and Work with Alexa Johnson

Avatar photo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexa Johnson.

Alexa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My photography journey started when I was a little girl. I found an old film camera of my dad’s in the garage and used it for a school art project. I wandered around the woods taking pictures of all the pretty things I saw – flowers, horses, trees, sunsets…and every single image turned out blurry. 100% unrecognizable. But that obviously didn’t deter me because I’ve been wandering around with a camera in hand ever since.

That really began my love for photography. I started out doing only nature and landscapes and it was completely for my own joy. I never even shared my photos with anyone! I had thousands of pictures that I kept entirely to myself. But I got a little confidence boost in 2015 and shared them around, entered them in a few contests, put them on social media and much to my surprise, people actually liked them.

In 2017, someone liked my work enough to ask me to take senior photos. That was way beyond my comfort zone, but I decided to go for it and I haven’t looked back since. I still carry my camera everywhere and have thousands of photos just for my own pleasure, but my passion for photography has really transitioned.

I’ve found a way to take something I love to do and genuinely impact people. Not everyone looks at photography as some noble profession, but I think it’s so important. I’m preserving people’s memories and special life moments that they can look back on decades from now. Being a part of their story – whether it’s their proposal and engagement or their family photos as the kiddos grow up or marketing photos that evolve as their business does – is a really special thing.

Has it been a smooth road?
If I had to give a piece of advice to someone starting their journey – no matter what industry they’re in – it’s this: there is a place for you. No one else brings your unique talents, experiences, and perspective, so no matter how “over saturated” a profession may feel, there is always room for what you have to offer the world.

When I first got into photography, I really struggled with feeling that there was no room for me in an industry that’s already full of super talented people. I’ve fallen into the trap of comparison over and over again and wondered why I even bother when there’s a lot of work out there that’s better than mine. That negative thinking was definitely a roadblock in my personal and professional growth. It wasn’t until I let go of comparison that I was truly able to see the value I bring to the industry. I’ve learned that my communication, client experience, marketing, editing style, EVERYTHING is completely unique to me and I’ve learned that my ideal clients find me when I have the confidence to be authentically and unapologetically myself.

Being a business owner (heck, just being human!) isn’t ever a smooth road, but that’s what makes it exciting! We’ve each been given a unique path that shapes our skills, character, and motivations. You have to embrace every step of the journey as a stepping stone to where you’re going and who you’re becoming as an individual and an entrepreneur.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Broken Antler Photography – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
When I first started out, I was primarily focused on nature and landscape photography, but that’s evolved over time. I do still like capturing all the pretty things around me, but I really fell in love with being a part of people’s lives and capturing special moments and memories for them.

Now I call myself a “lifetime” photographer. I kind of do it all – families, seniors, engagements, weddings, special events, headshots, marketing. Any business coach will tell you that you need to find your niche, your specialty that you’re really good at. Being a do-it-all photographer definitely doesn’t match that advice, but I’ve found that my “niche”, my greatest offering as a business owner, is how I can authentically capture the lives and milestones of my clients.

I recently asked my social media followers what words come to mind when they see my work. Their answers pretty much brought me to tears! Real, compassionate, natural, bold, emotional, inspiring, passionate – those were all adjectives that my clients and followers used. That just blew me away because I realized when I looked at those responses that they weren’t just looking at my photographs, they were looking at the soul and heart that I put into every single image.

That’s what I’m most proud of as a business owner; I’ve found a way to capture authentic emotion in every image and I’m able to use that skill to make a genuine impact in people’s lives. I get to photograph memories that they can look back on decades from now and remember as if it were yesterday. The fact that they look at my pictures and feel something real and powerful…that’s something I’m really proud of.

Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
Absolutely! I was involved in so many things as kid and I think it was all those diverse experiences that allowed me to truly find what my passions and skills are. I never allowed myself to be boxed into being just one thing. I played sports, participated in 4H, rode horses, was a Girl Scout, had a job, played instruments…I look back on that now and see that not one experience was a waste of time. Being involved in so many different organizations taught me a whole bunch of skills – from communication to business to time management to resilience when things just don’t go my way. Those experience allowed me to recognize where I really shine.

I’ve known from a young age that I thrive on independence, visible results, creative thinking, leadership, planning, and variety. Knowing those characteristics of myself has allowed me to leverage my strong points and be successful by understanding where I thrive.

Now I’ve carried those skills over into being a business owner.

Pricing:

  • Weddings average $2500
  • Portrait sessions average $250

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Gina Spinelli Photography (personal image)

Suggest a story: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Related Items

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in