Meet Alyssa Hall of Alyssa Ryan Photography in Tempe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Hall.

Alyssa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I remember getting a Nikon camera for my 11th birthday and never put it down! I was always interested in being creative whether through drawing, computers, or music but my personality was very shy. I didn’t know how to communicate or express this. I figured out that I could express how I felt and who I was by being behind a camera. This was key into breaking out of my shell!

By high school I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do as far as a career (who does?) so I went to community college and took more art classes because that was what I had become passionate about. I took everything from painting & life drawing to art history and a mixed media class. At that point, I knew I had to do something in a creative field. This whole time I kept taking pictures of nature, animals, architecture, and abstract ideas but never people. That was too intimidating at the time. Very slowly I started taking my friend’s portraits and would eventually bug them enough to let me keep practicing!

I graduated community college and got accepted to Cal. State University Long Beach and said, “Well, I know art and photography, let’s keep going with that!” I decided to get my Bachelor of Fine Art in Photography and I proudly graduated with that degree in 2013.

Then I photographed my first wedding with my very best friend in college and I. Was. Hooked. It was a beautiful thing to be a part of I remember thinking, “This is what I want to do with my life.” My passion for photography has led me to meet some amazing people, hear some beautiful love stories and even travel!

Now I live in Arizona with my husband of almost 5 years and very involved in the creative community Arizona offers. I photograph about 7-10 weddings a year while working full time for Shutterfly as well!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Turning a passion into a business has not been a smooth road but it hasn’t been a bumpy one either! I feel like I work hard to learn the business and see what others are doing to make my next move. I love learning and finding more information about how to help myself grow.

The biggest struggle I’ve found is definitely the comparison game! There are so many images everywhere and tons of great photographers on social media that you only see amazing images all of the time. It’s easy to feel like you aren’t good enough when you compare but what I’ve learned through my community and myself is that I am still kind of new to the photo game here. I can’t compare my beginning to someone else’s middle. It’s all a learning process.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Alyssa Ryan Photography – what should we know?
I believe that your soul knows when it’s onto something good and that’s why I’m so passionate about creating art with you in mind.

I specialize in wedding + portrait photography. As far as portraits, I photograph professional head shots, engagement sessions, maternity sessions or an idea you might to want to try out. You want a photo session with you and your bike? Let’s do it! Love coffee and ice cream? We’re going to both of those places to take pictures. I love being able to connect with my clients and really get to know them.

I chose to specialize in Weddings because it really is an honor to be a part of a couples’ big day. The photos are what will stand the test of time. Those are what you have to look back on and remember in twenty, thirty years. I love being able to give that to people.

I have always been obsessed with seeing the beauty in the ordinary…the overlooked moments that no one else sees. There isn’t anything in this world that doesn’t amaze me and I love being able to try to capture that with my camera.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My husband and my family have always been my biggest supporters! I am so thankful they want to see me thrive in my passion and help me along the way.

The Arizona creative community is also a huge cheerleader. There’s a hashtag on social media, #communityovercompetition and Arizona really delivers on that. People are friendly and happy to help. It’s very encouraging! I have so many great creative friends since moving here.

And of course, the clients that trust me to tell their love story deserve credit! It can be a pretty big jump to decide on one person to photograph your wedding. Trust me, I know! I’ve been there too. That’s why it’s so important to find that connection when deciding. I love being able to keep myself open and honest with my clients to really give them everything I have.

Pricing:

• My weddings start at $1300
• My portrait sessions start at $250

Contact Info:

• Website: www.alyssaryanphotography.com
• Email: alyssaryanphotography@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssaryanphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alyssaryanphotography

Image Credit:
All photos were taken by Alyssa Ryan Hall. My personal photo was taken by Rachel Baker Photo.

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