We are so excited to welcome the fabulously talented Ali Lauren to the Blog! Take a moment to learn more about her beautiful wedding photography, and be sure to visit her website Ali Lauren Photography. Thank you so much Ali for taking the time to share your work with us today!
Where did your inspiration for photography begin?
When I was young I sang for a competitive, travelling choir and I was fortunate enough to join them on many trips over the years. Because I was young and without a job to save spending money, my favorite souvenirs to bring home were my photographs. At the time I was working with an automatic point and shoot camera (barely one step up from a disposable), and while I didn’t have a very strong grasp of photography at that point in my life, I worked hard to document my trips in a manner that would preserve those adventures and memories.
How would you describe your photography style?
I was 18 years old when I started to get serious about photography and began to learn on a 1984 Pentax ME Super which was gifted to me. After I developed my first roll of film I fell in love with the medium. Even though I’m shooting primarily digital today, I feel my style emulates the look and feel of film.
Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?
I enrolled in a few beginner photography classes where I learned to shoot in manual and with film. Since then, I’ve made it a point to shoot every single day, and attend workshops and photography conventions whenever possible.
What brand/model camera do you shoot, and what is your favorite lens?
My digital gear is all Nikon and I’m currently shooting with a Nikon Df on one hip and a D750 on the other. All of my film gear is Pentax and my favorite film camera is definitely the Asahi Pentax 67. And, while I don’t use it as often as I wish I did, the Nikkor 85mm tilt-shift is my favorite lens, but you can’t go wrong with a nifty fifty!
Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?
Sit and observe. Go on solo photo walks and take note of how the light is hitting the trees, grass, pavement etc. Watch for surfaces which act as natural reflects and those that suck up the light. The more time you spend simply observing light, the more quickly you’ll become better acquainted with one another.
What is your favorite subject to photograph?
I have a soft spot for red hair and freckles!
What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?
Over the years, the most important thing I learned is the power of ‘word of mouth’. Nearly all of my business stems from word of mouth referrals from past clients. I genuinely love and appreciate each and every client who comes my way and I do my best to ensure they all know it.
If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?
Business! I know, this is the last thing a ‘creative’ wants to talk about, but it’s so important. The business side of things is something I struggle with, and from what I’ve heard, I’m not the only one. Everything from taxes and insurance to marketing and SEO can be overwhelming, but to build a successful business it’s imperative to learn these things (or hire it out). Over the last few years I’ve made it a point to learn all-things business related and continue to read as many articles and books as I can get my hands on!
What do you love most about being photographer?
I love that photography has allowed me to create a career unique to me and my strengths and weaknesses. I’m able to express myself creatively every single day and it’s wonderful.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hand-in-hand with my husband, exploring the world, taking photos and writing stories about our adventures. At least that’s where I’ll be in five years!
About the Artist: I am an animal-loving, travel-addicted, tea-drinking, novel-reading, nerd. I am wife to one of the most amazing and supportive men you will ever meet and proud mother to a handful of beautiful (but often smelly) fur-babies. My savings are spent on vintage books, over-priced Starbucks drinks, Martha Stewart magazines, and the best chocolate I can get my hands on. I love Edgar Allan Poe and Angela Lansbury a bit more than I should probably admit to and often turn to their work for comfort and inspiration.
What a wonderful spotlight on one of the most talented, kind, caring people I know. I NEVER tire of her talented photography and beautiful smile.