Meet Alejandra Vidal of Ale Vidal in Central Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alejandra Vidal.

Alejandra, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My path to video and visual storytelling started when I was young… I went to a performing arts in high school for theater and was incredibly passionate about directing and playwriting. And though, a lot of my high school experience shaped me as a director, I resonated so much more with video and decided to pursue film in college. While working on a documentary after I graduated, I began experimenting with DSLR’s. I soon realized that these photography cameras gave me the accessibility to capture video in ways, I never could before on set (imagine: huge, bulky cameras that sat on your shoulder). A couple of years later, I started my business in photography and once I became very experienced with my gear – I began incorporating video in my work and projects. The way that people responded to these short films, made me realize I was on to something different. A mentor of mine highlighted the fact that (at the time and even still) there were not many female videographers. My work is very intuitive, emotional and has always had a feminine element to it that truly translates in video. Her affirmation propelled me to specialize and focus my business on video storytelling.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I don’t believe a creative’s road is ever smooth. In fact, I believe we have to be willing to take risks and fail in order to experience true growth. A more recent struggle I can recall is, when I first became a mom about a year and a half ago. I was already mentally prepared by everyone’s “warnings” about time becoming precious and limited, so it wasn’t really that. I was, in fact, so focused on the preparation, that I began to take less risks and became too strategic with everything. Half-way into this new journey of being a working mom, I realized that I was not loving these calculated approaches. I was forcing a path that I thought, I had to create for myself and my business, instead of listening to my gut. My husband reminded me that, I create my best work from that intuitive place. I decided to make time for a personal project I had been dreaming about (my Intuition Series http://www.ale-vidal.com/intuition-fawn-deviney), and allowed this new experience to guide my path… by doing something new, I had to take risks which allowed me to rediscover and reaffirm my unique voice.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Ale Vidal – what should we know?
I help brands create an emotional connection with their audience through storytelling. There is so much value, not only as a business, but as artists and individuals to feel truly understood and known. Telling stories reveals a perspective that says a lot about who we are and how we see the world. It is a freedom of expression that unites us as humans. And in that, we have this beautiful ability to make people feel, connect, and respond. To say — hey, me too. I see you. I hear you. I specialize in storytelling that is intended for these very human connections. My style is intimate, raw, feminine and emotive. Essentially, I combine a documentary style of storytelling (a story that is true) with conceptual and narrative imagery. When an artist, a brand, a composer, a chef, a florist – a person – has a message to tell that requires the context of our senses – that is video for me. I can’t think of a more powerful way for someone to fully understand and to truly experience one’s vision than through a story in motion. I believe that is what I am most known for.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Yes, I have certainly had many mentors and supporters in my path. The greatest is my husband, Jose Vidal. I can’t imagine not having a safe space of encouragement, faith and support at home during times when I fail to summon it for myself. He is without a doubt, my biggest cheerleader.

When I was first becoming established, Promise Tangeman served as a creative mentor for me and was the very first person to have clearly said: take the jump – leave photography behind and go all in with video. That was so bold of her to say and sometimes we are scared to speak that boldly into other people’s lives. I’m grateful that she did because it was those words that gave me clarity and confidence to take the leap.

My studio manager, Brooke Martinez who was with me for 3 years was an integral part of my support system when I was establishing my brand. She has reaffirmed how essential it is to surround yourself with people that value what you do and what an impact you can have on someone when you enrich each other’s lives beyond a transaction. I’m excited to continue forming these empowering friendships with other women on my team.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.ale-vidal.com
• Email: hello@ale-vidal.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alevidal
• Other: https://vimeo.com/imaginale

Image Credit:
Nicole of Hey Dear

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