Meet Alyssa Longchamp of New York City

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

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?
I started my journey as an intern in a program called “Made in NY”. A PA training program in New York City that teaches on-set etiquette, industry language, and the fundamentals of working in film and television. I knew no one in the industry, but after earning my degree in photography, I knew this world was my next step.

Almost a decade later, I looked up and realized I had spent my entire twenties networking, grinding, and working with many different departments on set. The camera department felt so out of reach, but eventually I made it in after passing the union’s rigorous 2 part regional exam. I worked my way from Camera Pa to Loader to 2nd Assistant Camera. Every bit of that work was hands on, physical work. The camera Department taught me life skills I could not have learned any other way. I am eternally grateful for those formative years.

After sometime, I knew I wasn’t fully walking in my purpose, and I took the leap again to switch over my union card to Stills Photographer. That meant completely starting over, only taking work as a Stills Photographer on set. None of it would have been possible without my mentor and dear friend Michael, who guided me every step of the way. I made the leap and slowly but surely started making a name for myself as a set photographer. Photographing some of the biggest shows on television and finding legends from my childhood standing in front of my lens.

I realized quickly that the person I needed to be in this new role had to be confident, bold and sure of herself. All my years on set weren’t enough. The moment I stepped on set with those actors I had about 15 seconds to earn their trust. I had met my husband on the set of a t.v show called “Younger”. We got married and I soon after made my union transition to Stills. Shortly after I became pregnant. That was the shift for me. The moment I looked into my baby’s eyes, that pit feeling came back and I knew I outlived this purpose and something needed to change career wise. But this shift scared the crap out of me. I wasn’t ready to leave the industry that essentially raised me. So I tried to ignore that feeling and just kept taking on full time jobs postpartum. It was exhausting to say the least.

Then my body started shutting down out of nowhere and I found myself immobile and bedridden. My family kept urging that I visit the ER. I finally went. After the third hospital, the right tests were finally run and I was referred to a rheumatologist. My doctor ripped the band-aid off as gently as she could, I had Lupus. I had never known anyone with an autoimmune disease. I had so many questions, so much fear. My doctor really educated me on it and let me know it is now fully manageable with medicine. After sometime I was able to enjoy life again and enjoy my newborn. But I took that season as a serious sign. You can be perfectly fine one day, and the next, everything changes. It woke me up to what truly matters.

Watching how fast time moves when you have a child, I knew I didn’t want to spend 14-15 hour days away from her anymore. It was a very long and slow process, but I begin fading out of film and t.v and returning to photographing everyday people. The kind of work that made me first fall in love with this craft. I opened an LLC and committed to building something steady. My basement, living room and backyard in our NJ home all became fair game for sessions. When we eventually moved to Long Island, that quiet whisper was there. My lifelong dream had always been to own a photography Studio. But I kept thinking it was more of a “someday” dream and not right now.

Then one day as I was driving, I told my sister really casually, “I think I’m supposed to own a Photography Studio. Not right now of course but eventually.” And all she said was, “let’s look around, it doesn’t hurt to look.” Three properties later, I was standing inside a lifelong dream. A storefront space I could transition into a studio. It took me a longtime to fully believe it was happening.

I opened A. Longchamp Photography Studios on March 21st, and my life has not been the same since. Some days it still doesn’t feel real. The adjustment from business owner to full time entrepreneur has been significant. But I wouldn’t trade this life for anything. I am so grateful for this unique journey, and for every single person who has been a part of it.

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?
Oh man, I think I jumped the gun on this question and answered it in my previous answer.

There were a lot of obstacles. From Transitioning in the union to doing photography full time, to having my daughter and being diagnosed with Lupus, to fading out of full time work in Film and television, to now owning a storefront studio. Definitely hasn’t been easy. But it’s been what has been necessary to get me here today so i’m thankful.

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 portrait photographer based in the New York City area and the owner of A. Longchamp Photography, a luxury portrait studio in Long Island. We specialize in helping women own their confidence and celebrate their unique presence in this world. We are known for our custom tailored portrait sessions that give a clean and polished look to families and people that want to celebrate any milestone in their lives.

What I’m most proud of is the moment a client sees their images and says, “wow, this actually feels like me.” That reaction never gets old.

What sets me apart is my ability to connect. Whether someone walks in nervous or camera shy, my gift is truly making people feel at ease, which ultimately brings forth that confidence you see in their portraits.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
A mentor is everything!!!! I have had the privilege of having a mentor for free help me, and paying for one, and both have been a game changer in leveling up in my career. I think it is absolutely necessary & if you can’t find someone around you that you can ask to mentor you, you should pay for one. It is an investment that is 100% worth it.

Networking can still be difficult for me, but my advice is to stay true to who you are and talk about you business like you are talking to a friend. Not sales-y. Being yourself is what will help you be memorable.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alongchampphotography.com
• Instagram: a.longchampphotography
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssalongchamp
• Other: TikTok : @a.longchamp_Photography

Image Credits
A. Longchamp Photogrgaphy