Meet Trailblazer Allison Easterling

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

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started my photography business just about ten years ago with no clue as to what I was doing. I loved taking photos, I loved people, and with that, I set off on my journey. There were several friends and families who believed in me right from the start, and I ‘m so thankful to have had their support in those early years. I worked for free. A LOT. There were many hours spent pouring over internet tutorials learning how to work my camera, learning how to pose and interact with people, just learning. I strived to build a strong portfolio however I could, and eventually started charging for sessions.

It wasn’t until a few years in that I re-discovered my love for weddings (I was a wedding planner years before) and started building a wedding portfolio. That’s taken me on a journey I never would have imagined, but love so very deeply.

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’m not sure if there is any entrepreneur who claims a smooth journey. In the beginning, you’re out there wondering if anyone will buy what your selling. Ten years later, you wonder if you’re keeping up with the current trends, staying fresh enough with your work to stay in the game. It’s such a strange thing to build a company based on yourself, your work, who you are and how you see the world. You find yourself in odd places of rejection from some people, but also a beautiful place of acceptance from others. Social media has made us our own worst enemies with the comparison game. Do we have as many likes as that other photographer? Why wasn’t I asked to do that shoot? It can be maddening at times.

One of my greatest pieces of advice is to stay true to yourself. If that edit isn’t you, don’t do it because of the trend. It’s okay to say no. If you know a job isn’t the right fit, don’t take it. By being yourself you will find your people, and once you do it’s such a beautiful thing.

We’d love to hear more about Allison Easterling Photography.
I specialize in wedding engagement photography. I also photograph families in the Fall season.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built over the years… those brides that I worked with years ago are now coming back for family sessions. I can’t tell you how sacred of a thing it is for me to start at the beginning with a couple at their engagement session, their wedding, then years later stand in their home photographing them with their beautiful newborn. Grateful doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel.

It feels strange every time I say this, but it’s true. What sets my business apart from others is myself. It’s what sets the next photographer apart from others too, there is no one that sees the world quite like myself or the next individual. So, when I sit down and meet with a couple, I’m showing them me… my heart, my work, the way I see the world. Our hearts all beat a little differently, and our eyes all see the world differently too. That’s the risk, but that’s also the beauty.

So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well-positioned for?
There are a lot of challenges, but there are just as many opportunities. We’re positioned for anything we want to do, really. I’m not sure there’s ever been a time that was more full of opportunities for women than there is now. That’s not to say that these opportunities won’t come with their challenges, with side stares from people, comments from naysayers, etc. But if we can get past those things and again, find our people, we’ve got a world full of opportunity in front of us.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.allisoneasterling.com
• Email: allison@allisoneasterling.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisoneasterlingphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllisonEasterlingPhotography/

Image Credit:
Allison Easterling, Jessica Foster

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