Life & Work with Alyssa Bernal

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

Hi Alyssa, 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?
For as long as I can remember, I have always loved to create. Some of my favorite childhood memories include hours spent drawing at my miniature art table or making hand-made gifts for friends and family. Being creative was always an important part of my identity, and has continued to be throughout my life. When I was a young teen, I received my first camera and I began taking photos of anything and everything. I loved this new way to express myself and the world around me. 

After graduating high school, I began to photograph on a more professional level and considered the idea of starting a photography business. Ultimately, I decided to step away for academic pursuits. After completing both a bachelors and master’s degree in Anthropology, I came to the realization that I would be most fulfilled professionally by doing something creative, which brought me back to photography. The whole process, from posing clients to shooting and editing photos, is a creative process for me and something that I take great joy in. I love being able to connect with my clients on a personal level and share their story through my photographs. 

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?
For me, the biggest obstacle that I have had to overcome was just starting my business. As someone who had never owned their own business before, this was both exciting and scary, with a lot of unknowns. After making the decision that I wanted to start doing photography professionally, I spent about a year making a business plan and trying to learn all I could about how to have a successful and long-term career in photography. Throughout this time, I received so much encouragement and support from my family, which helped give me the confidence to keep going. Since starting my business, I have been lucky enough to have wonderful clients who understand my vision and make me feel so glad that I started this journey. 

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 offer a variety of photography services but specialize in couples’ photography. Whether it is a couple in a new relationship, an engagement, or a wedding, I love being able to capture and tell love stories through my photographs. I think what sets me apart is that I put a lot of emphasis on creating classic and timeless photos, ones that bring you right back to a moment in time when you look at them. 

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
They say the more things change, the more they stay the same. While technology has advanced significantly just in the last ten years, I don’t think it has had the effect on photography that you might expect. Photography as a whole has become more and more digitized, however, that has led some photographers, myself included, to return to a more classic style of photography. With tremendous advancements in technology, photography has lost some of the creative and hands-on elements, as well as the resulting satisfaction that goes along with that. There has been a large resurgence of shooting with film in the photography community and I think that will continue as time goes on. Film is also a great way to set yourself apart as a photographer and is something I hope to incorporate into my own work, both for the unique style and creative process. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: alyssamariephotos.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssamariephotosllc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072590563078

Image Credits
OpticSam Photography