Daily Inspiration: Meet Alysa Chapman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alysa Chapman.

Hi Alysa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
For as long as I can remember, I have been drawn to photography and capturing those moments to remember. When I was in college, the narrative was to just get a degree. It didn’t really matter; just have a degree and you never have to worry about a job. I didn’t have the guidance, resources or even the internet at that time to see what opportunities were available. I graduated college with a degree in communications, but it didn’t take me long to realize I had no idea what I was doing. Shortly after graduation, I got married and life began. Still searching for my “calling,” I worked in education in different capacities in the classroom and coaching.

When my children were born, I was able to stay home with them full-time. During that time, I continued to work with a school in my community, volunteering with the athletic department. As our kids reached school age, I went back into the workforce full-time as a teacher’s aide in special education departments. As my children were growing, I was constantly taking pictures and videos. I also started editing some of these videos and even began shooting and editing a few weddings for friends. However, it really wasn’t until when my husband’s job took us to Missouri that my career in media took flight.

I began doing administrative work in foreign media for a major global non-profit. I was immediately intrigued with the technical and creative work and sought out opportunities to learn from colleagues. I have gradually taken on more and more responsibility over the years as my skills have grown. I now manage a digital media database of over 30,000 assets, create and edit short videos for social media, manage websites, YouTube pages, Podcasts and coordinate foreign media production.

During this time, I have developed my skills as a photographer and videographer. When drones started becoming more popular, I became fascinated with getting pictures from a different perspective. I love flying around and capturing photos from different angles and perspectives. The views we do not normally see or would ever see in our everyday lives. Over the past five years, I’ve had a number of real estate jobs, both commercial and residential, that have enabled me to work on my skills as a photographer and a licensed drone pilot. It is my goal to eventually be able to work full-time in this role as I develop my business in the Phoenix area.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The short answer is no and honestly; it is still a little bumpy now as I continue to find my way and grow this dream I have. One of the biggest challenges for me has been working full-time, having a family while starting this business and networking. You need time to educate yourself, take pictures or video in order to master this craft, and edit those. With starting any type of business comes mistakes too. I’ve made plenty of those along the way, but they have helped me grow and get to where I am today.

There are other challenges, too, with changing technology and maintaining a presence on social media. As a licensed drone pilot, there aren’t many women and being in a male-dominated field has challenges in itself. When asked what I do, a lot of people have assumed it is my husband who is the drone pilot and I just help him.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I take aerial photos and video for residential and commercial real estate. I specialize in helping realtors, businesses and communities get the pictures and video to help them capture the unique essence of their home, organization or city. Overall, I am proud of the work I do and always go above and beyond to help get my clients what they need to succeed.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I fell in love with Phoenix and Arizona after my first visit 11 years ago. I enjoy the weather, yes, even the heat. I have had too many winters in my life; I can handle the heat better than the cold. I also have family and friends in the area. Even though I do not live there yet, I visit frequently. We have sold our house and are preparing and counting down the days until our move to the Chandler area. The joke in our family is I will have the car ready to head west at our daughter’s graduation next June. Honestly, this probably isn’t too far off from the truth!

With this in mind, I continue to market myself in the area in preparation for this move. I am open and readily available as opportunities arise. I also love a variety of things to do in the area and being an outdoor person myself, I enjoy nature and cannot wait to explore more once I am a full-time resident. And let’s not forget how the sunsets paint an amazing picture almost every night. What is not to love?

If there is anything to dislike, I would have to say the traffic around Phoenix and the way people drive! It is just crazy, but I know this is bad in many places.

Contact Info:

• Email: achapman@skyviewdigitalmedia.com
• Website: https://skyviewdigitalmedia.com
• Instagram: @skyviewdigitalmedia
• Facebook: @skyviewdigitalmedia

Image Credits
Photo credit Alysa Chapman Photo credit Paul D’Andrea Photography for 2 professional pictures