Hey everyone! Alicia here. Thanks so much for stopping by and actually being interested in learning more about ME. I will give you the “short story” of how I ended up as a wedding photographer, as well as where I hope to take this business, and then we will get to the fun stuff.
I never planned on being a wedding photographer. Surprised? I’m not. I was raised by amazing parents who were very welcoming to others and always opened our home to the less fortunate. From the time I was a kid I have seen my parents give their lives to help others, and that same desire and passion was in me from a young age. When I
was 15, I went on my first missions relief trip to Guatemala and from then on my life changed. Drastically. I could no longer continue just living life as I knew it- comfortable, clean, clothed. I realized there was a world of people out there who were broken, hungry, diseased, and in need of help….or more appropriately, hope. When I was 18, fresh out of high school (homeschool!), I left home and moved to Florida to attend a leadership training program that had a strong focus on missions work. I stayed there for 3 years and served in the projects of the inner city as well as staying involved with global missions organizations. After 3 years, I received an invitation to go to Copenhagen, Denmark to be on staff and eventually direct a similar leadership training program. During my time in Europe, I led teams to all parts of the world- Africa, Asia, Central America, and elsewhere in Europe- to do relief work. I was responsible for a program that was training the future leaders of Europe and the world, and I wanted those students to have their eyes opened to the world around them.
Let’s take a step backward now to talk about how photography came into the picture. (no pun intended!)
When I was about 12 years old, I started taking an interest in photography and began taking pictures of my brother and sister (they hated me for it). When I was 16, I got my first film SLR and I fell in love! Still, though, it was only a hobby. I took pictures on all the missions trips I went on, and loved having the privilege of documenting the things I experienced on all corners of the earth through the lens of my little Canon Digital Rebel. Coincidentally, the year that I moved to Europe, a friend of mine asked me if I would shoot her wedding, as their budget was low. I was surprised how much I enjoyed it, and how great the photos came out! Soon after, I started receiving more inquiries both in America and in Europe. So while I was working my full-time job of directing the leadership program, I started a wedding photography business on the
side as a “fun” thing. In the summer of 2009, business had really picked up, and I had a decision to make. I felt as though my time in Denmark was coming to an end, so I decided to move back home and pursue photography full-time, and I am so glad I did! I love my job! After spending 4 years photographing weddings in Europe, I am ready to bring something fresh to the US and I hope and pray that I will be able to someday integrate two things I love- photography and missions work- into one.
Want to hear more about my travels and background? Drop me a note- I would love to meet you for coffee, for a photo shoot, or just for a good adventure!
Much love,
Alicia
4 comments