Life and Work with Allison Dike

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

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always loved taking photos. I was always the family member with a camera in their hand when we were on family vacations.

When I set off for college, I had chosen graphic design as my major, but I continued to take multiple photography classes. I learned how to shoot film and develop photos in a dark room. This really took my love for photography to the next level. My senior year, I had a class where we spent the entire semester focused on one photography project. The project I took on was macro photography in nature. Throughout the semester my project morphed into focusing on color, texture and composition of my photos and using what I could find outside and using the light to make dramatic, dynamic, interesting, but a bit abstract photos.

After college, I continued doing photography as a hobby, I loved taking photos while I adventured with my husband. In 2017 I moved to Denver with my husband and that is when my passion and drive for photography really started to flourish.

I now have endless access to gorgeous scenery. My husband and I have started hiking, camping, and backpacking WAY MORE than we had previously had the chance to. I carry my camera with me everywhere! It didn’t take long before I started incorporating my dog and husband into almost all my photos. Including a human element really just made the photos so much better. As you might have guessed that quickly turned into my passion for photographing people instead of just our adventures.

Starting out in photography you have to photograph your family, friends, and really anyone who will jump in front of your camera and experiment, so I’ve photographed a wide range of subjects and locations. However, my absolute favorite are couples! Couples in love with each other and the outdoors makes my heart sing. My husband frequently catches me smiling like a maniac as I edit because it’s just that fulfilling to see them having so much fun and in love in their photos.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’d say the road as been fairly smooth, but also very long. I have been fortunate enough so far not to come upon any HUGE setbacks (KNOCK ON WOOD).

However, this really has been such a slow process, and I’d definitely say I’m still on this long road. I photographed my first wedding in June of 2017. This was really my first breakthrough into the professional side of photography for me. A close friend I had gone through multiple photography classes with was getting married and wanted to give me my big break. I can’t thank her enough for that as it could have taken years of producing solid portraits before a stranger would have trusted me with their big day.

I think one of the biggest setbacks for me was moving to Kansas City after graduating college. I felt like I had lost my passion for photography. I had almost two years, where I did not pick up my camera. I didn’t stop photographing completely; I still pulled out my camera for the occasional mini-vacation, but on all other accounts I simply was no longer inspired. Nothing seemed new or fun or interesting to photograph at the time, but I wish I would have still done it because it would have been more practice, more time behind the camera, and experience that I could draw from now. I follow Brendan Leonard (Semi Rad) for general adventure/creative inspiration and in his book “Make it Till You Make it” he writes, “Most of it is not inspired. Most of it will feel like work. For every sentence that comes into your head as if placed there by a lightning bolt from the gods of prose, you will have to write 100 others that feel as inspired as shoveling snow out of your driveway so you can drive to work on a Monday morning.” I love this quote, and I frequently have to remind myself of it. He may be talking about writing, but it directly correlates to photography and any other creative passion.

Now, after being in Denver for almost three years, my passion for photography is back and in full force. For the last years, I have been driving forward into my photography business. But now my biggest hurtle is time. I have still have a full-time job as a graphic designer. It is a constant battle between work, photography, and personal time. I’ve decided this is something I love and something I want in my life, but it can definitely be a balancing act. I’m not sure I have much advice for this. I’m honestly still trying to figure it out myself. I can feel lost at times, wondering why I would take on a second profession, why I would choose something that the busy season is also during the same time of year that is best for all my favorite personal hobbies of hiking, camping, and backpacking. I may feel lost and confused at times, but all I know is I’m still driving forward. That I’ve got that gut feeling that it’ll be worth it someday when I can control my own schedule and do work that is totally fulfilling.

One more side note: Another thing I have struggled with is feeling like a fraud, questioning why someone would pay me to take their photos. However, I’ve joined a ton of Facebook groups dedicated to photography and other creative outlets and this has really been a blessing. Yes some Facebook groups can be toxic, but the right ones have totally shown me that even the best of my peers can have the same thoughts and processes. Local groups are also amazing for being able to collaborate and meet others who are doing exactly what I’m doing. When I finally let my guard down and started reaching out to fellow peers is when I’ve grown the most!

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Allison Dike Photography – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am a photographer based in the Denver Metro, however I love traveling into the mountains and into the desert surrounding Moab, Utah. I specialize in couples, engagements, and weddings. I absolutely love to photograph couples in love in beautiful, outdoor locations. I specialize in showing off the true colors of my clients. My editing style is vibrant and true to color and my process evokes true candid, “colorful” moments from my clients. I’m all about making my clients comfortable in front of the camera so that their true selves come through!

Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
I mentioned before that I always had my camera in my hand on family vacations. I also always loved to draw, paint, and sew. My parents let me do all the “creative” things my little girl self wanted to do. As I grew up, getting good grades was always important, and when it was time for me to pick a major and go to college, I had tons of pressure from friends and extended family to be an engineer or something in the STEM field because I was “smart”. However, my parents always said I should do what I want to do and didn’t question me even for a minute when I chose something in the creative category.

Pricing:

• Engagement Session starting at $200
• Wedding Packages starting at $1100
• Custom Elopement Packages starting at $800

Contact Info:

• Website: allisondike.com
• Email: allisondike.ad@gmail.com
• Instagram: @allisondike.photography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allisondikephotography/

Image Credit:
All photos taken by me Allison Dike Photography

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.