Conversations with Twila Allen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Twila Allen.

Hi Twila, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My fascination and obsession for photography began in high school while taking a black and white film photography class. I was determined after that to pursue photography in some way as a career. I attended Middle TN State University’s photo program and graduated in 2002 with a degree in photography. The photography education was invaluable to me; however, it did not prepare me for running a digital photography business since the whole program was film-based. After college, I worked a variety of photography-related jobs slowly gaining more and more knowledge in photo color correction, retouching, and shooting digitally. Before eventually going out on my own in 2009, I was working for other people, but also shooting personal studio work in my home for myself. When I did finally make the leap to be self-employed, and really pursue photography as my full-time income and full-time passion, that is when, I believe, I really started maturing in photography and finding my voice in my art. Weddings have always been my staple, but all the while I’ve always kept portraits a constant because I gain so much satisfaction from the one-on-one interaction with a person during a portrait session. It’s always been my way to prevent burnout with weddings. Weddings are exciting, fun, stressful, and highly rewarding. Much of my portrait business is directly related to my wedding business. Once couples start their families, they call me back to photograph their first baby, holiday photos, family events, and the list goes on. My client base amazes me and feels like a family at this point. I’ve documented so many people through so many of their life milestones, and that is such a beautiful feeling.

As I grow older, I am realizing that I won’t be shooting weddings forever. Currently, I am undergoing a very slow transition to studio sessions. These studio sessions are very personal and have an intimate vibe, which is why I call it soulful portraiture. It’s like I’ve found a new love all over again shooting these portraits! I am hoping it’s something that becomes just as successful as my wedding work has been through the years and also just as rewarding.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’d say for the most part it’s been smooth, but very slow for me. What I mean by that is my business didn’t just take off, and I was not making lots of money or booking lots of work right out of the gate or even 3-4 years into it. It grew slowly, but steadily, over the last 11 years and I think, looking back, that was for the best. I can certainly remember many times I was frustrated with not booking work or feeling competitive instead of supportive to my fellow photographers, and much of that was my own lack of self-confidence. I see now that I was growing up and learning as I went about how to run a photography business, how to distinguish what I do for income and what I do for passion, and knowing my worth. When I realized I truly needed to stay in my lane, stop comparing myself, and just find my ideal client who loves me and my style is when my business started thriving.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a wedding and portrait photographer. I specialize in documenting meaningful relationships between people at all stages of life and capturing a beautiful honesty in every portrait I take.

I’ve come to learn over the years that my own personality and my own vulnerability play a huge role in my success with clients. My name is on the business, so it’s me they get to know. Positive human connections are crucial to what I do, and I’ve had to force myself out of my own introverted mindset (that comes naturally to me) to truly connect with people just as they are. When you do that you gain trust and access to their vulnerability, which, in turn, provides the kind of portrait every photographer wants to take. I think this is what sets me apart from others.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I actually photograph boudoir sessions as well, but most people don’t know that because I don’t advertise or market it. I really enjoy those shoots and the fact that I don’t do a lot of them helps keep them fresh and a fun creative outlet from the wedding and family work I do. I also devour audiobooks while I edit photos and I’ll create playlists for sessions to help customize the experience and to match the mood/theme of that session.

Contact Info:

• Email: twilasphotography@gmail.com
• Website: www.twilaallenportraits.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twilaallenportraits/
  Wedding Instagram: @twilasphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twilaallenportraits
  Wedding Facebook: /twilasphotography
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/twilasphoto
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0m-V2vKDac4I7d5CX4cTpw
• Other: www.twilaallenphotography.com

Image Credits
Photo of Twila Allen by Tausha Dickenson.
Behind the scenes studio photos were taken by Mark Gibson.
All other images by Twila Allen.