Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Waxman
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Although I primarily photograph food and drinks now, it wasn’t always that way…I started off as most photographers do, shooting weddings and high school seniors. But I learned quickly that I found no creative satisfaction photographing those type of events. I would rather photograph a couple’s divorce then their wedding. And as for high school seniors, I identified more with high school drop outs then seniors.
So I soul searched and discovered the art of food photography and my passion for it. The drips, the splashes, the details. It was so satisfying to create those type of images. And 20 years ago, it was before celebrity chefs and stations like the food network were en vogue. I found myself creating images that I was so proud of.
In my 20 + year career, I have been the in-house photographer for a large grocery chain in the NorthEast, the in-house photographer for a National Restaurant chain and have had contracts with well-known brands and luxury hotel chains.
I have been very fortunate to sustain a career I enjoy and am proud of.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing in my life has been easy. However, when times get tough, I tend to look myself in the mirror and motivate myself to keep going and never give up. My wife and children have always supported me and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their love and support.
Recently, I faced some serious health issues and nearly gave up. Anxiety, Depression, blah. blah. blah…and it took a while to get back on track.
I have no secret sauce to overcoming those things, but what worked for me was identifying what my fears were and doing things to get past those things and concentrate on continuing to be a successful food photographer.
Anxiety and depression was holding me back, and one day I had enough of it, looked myself in the mirror, and told myself if you can overcome the anxiety of failure, I can do amazing things in my life.
My biggest fear was public speaking, so what better way to deal with that?
That night, I went to Third Coast Comedy Club’s open mic and performed stand up comedy. I had no material prepared, I looked at it as four minutes of free therapy. I told the crowd in a funny way, my struggles and why i was up on stage. They laughed, they related and I found that it helped. So I went back every Monday night for months. And now when I have doubts, I don’t let that stop me!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Currently, I freelance as a food and drink photographer. I travel to restaurants to photograph their menus, social media content, content for ads, billboards, etc…
What sets me apart?
I’m also a certified food stylist, having trained at the culinary institute of america in nyc, I bring loads of props to shoots, am a lighting and photoshop expert.
I really am a one stop shop.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is family. I have a beautiful wife, Tijen, a daughter, Dilara, her husband, Alec and a son, Tanner, who is in college in Minnesota.
Clients satisfaction comes next.
Pricing:
- $150 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://waxmanphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ig_foodphotographer/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waxmanphotography
