Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Lynn.
Hi Alicia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
It started when I was a kid. I received my first little fuji film camera for my birthday and I would ride my bike to the nearest drug store several miles away to get the film developed. I later joined the Army at the young age of 17 and wanted to be a journalist since I was always keeping journals, and I even attempted to write a book when I was around ten years old. The Army told me I had to hold a driver’s license to become a journalist and I did not have one yet. I ended up going into satellite communications which later landed me a job as a contractor overseas in Iraq working as a counter electronic warfare installer.
The GM I was working under asked me if I was interested in technical writing since I was currently enrolled in college courses for a business degree online. I learned how to write manuals on counter electronic warfare, which included taking detailed photographs of every install. Somehow I started to enjoy photography again and throughout my emails with a cousin of mine who was also a photographer back home in Florida, I revealed I was ready to finally come over after being away for six years. I also wanted to go to school for photography and she mentioned the Daytona State Southeast center photographic studies. I went on to receive my BA in photographic sciences and in those years, I stumbled upon many forms of photography. I wasn’t quite sure at the beginning where I was headed but thanks to those who allowed me to intern and mentor under them in wedding photography, that’s where I ended up. Along the way, though, I also enjoyed working in body painting photography and creating fine art portraiture to showcase in art exhibits and I enjoyed curating art shows at various establishments in the Central FL area. Eventually, I needed to make a more reliable source of income in a more stable field so where I am today is a good place. I will never forget any of my roots from where I started and to where I am now. Today I have met so many different walks of life, from families on vacations, weddings and more.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think the hardest challenge has been having children, but at the same time, it has been the biggest encouragement to push harder. It has certainly not been a smooth road getting started because there’s certain suffering in the beginning. I knew before I started photography that I wanted to have my own business, I did not want to work under anyone. I had a hard time accepting that was my fate. Of course, for years leading up to being a full-time photographer, I had to do whatever I could to get to this point. I was serving tables at night, interning, and working for several photographers. Once I had my first child, that’s when I made the leap. I remember fostering my nephew at the same time and still working nights while we were renovating our home. I think I went through that time in autopilot. I would sit on the floor in the bathroom while the kids were in the bath and I would google articles on SEO for photographers; I would call the authors and ask them if I could get any free advice from them possible. I think that is where it really helped. I think that drive will never leave me today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a wedding, event, and lifestyle photography based out of Ormond Beach FL. I am known for my moody feels and the dark artistic features of my work, such as nighttime portraits, creative imagery, and unique style. I would say something that sets me apart from other photographers is the fact that I can go above and beyond with creativity. The thing that I am most proud of when it comes to my brand is how I really try to stick out from the crowd. I really want my viewers and clients to notice the fact that I am really paying attention to what they’re doing and who they are. I am known for going above and beyond for something that nobody has ever seen. Today I’m offer wedding photography, event portraiture and lifestyle photography. I also recently started offering videography which has also been a very intense field to get into. I now have people who work with me for me, learning my style and Associates shooting for me today.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I would say I had a very vivid imagination and I preferred to be alone in my room playing with my Barbie dolls. I have three sisters and one brother but I grew up with one sister and one brother. My Stepfather was a pastor so I had to grow up in a religious lifestyle. Since my parents had a ministry children’s ministry, they would ask us to be a part of it and help them. One of the things that I remember doing for my parents was writing plays and I was a puppeteer too. I also spent a lot of time looking after the small children in and our church and teaching them about the Bible. I grew up rather quickly trying to make money had a young age of ten years old. I would go around the neighborhood and hand out fliers made by Xerox. They were copies of the rugrats from a coloring book for my babysitting flier. I had a few families that I would babysit for and eventually, I would work during the summers for my grandfather in his restaurant. I guess you can say I had the mentality to make money at a young age. Even when I was in the military, I was still trying to make extra money side hustling from tattooing to selling my drawings.
Pricing:
- Elopement photo or video starts at $2000
- My popular package is $3500 for 8 hour coverage
- My highest package is $7500 for video, photo and more for all day coverage
Contact Info:
- Email: Alicia@alicialynnphotos.com
- Website: https://alicialynnphotos.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alicialynnphotos/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alicialynnphotography
