Meet Alicia Chandler

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Chandler.

Alicia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always enjoyed being creative but had a hard time figuring out what to pursue creatively. I tried a lot of different things… a lot… but nothing really stuck. When I stumbled upon photography, I already had my daughter and was just really antsy to have my own creative outlet. My father was a photographer on the side, so growing up, I watched him shoot senior pictures and family portraits as well as landscapes. He loved it, and it intrigued me, so I picked up my first camera that wasn’t a point and shoot. I took a couple of basic classes at the college near my house and soon found myself shooting my first wedding. That was a key moment for me. Not because I thought wedding photography was my new found purpose, but because, out of desperation, I met someone who would (to this day) be one of my biggest mentors.

Since that first wedding, I’ve had the opportunity to shoot a lot of different things… weddings, portraits, studio sessions, on set photography, family photos, events, and even products. It was all fun (well mostly!), but still, it didn’t energize and excite me as much as I wanted. Then I decided to shoot a roll of film on one of my dad’s old cameras. THAT was exciting. I honestly felt like it was Christmas morning when I got my first scans back! (I still feel that way when I get to see my scans for the first time!) I can’t really describe it, but to me, film has a tangible emotion and feel to it, like it comes alive in a way. So that’s kind of where I am today. I still shoot digital, but am focusing more on film and editorial photography which makes me very excited!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It honestly hasn’t been a smooth road and truth be told, it still isn’t always smooth. First of all… business skills. I had zero when I started this whole thing. I’ve definitely had some harder lessons and have had to really learn a lot. I’m still learning so much in that area! If I could do it all again, I’d definitely get at least a few business classes under my belt in college!

The other obstacle for me is that our family has changed cities a lot. Since shooting that first wedding, I’ve changed cities three times. It almost felt like I timed it just right so that as I was finally starting to ramp up and book more, I would move and start over. I’m still trying to build up my clients and book more shoots, especially editorial and film shoots. It might be one of those things I’ll always be trying to build. I do like the adventure of it all though! And I’m so grateful for the different people I’ve met and the really amazing experiences I’ve had along the way!

Please tell us about Alicia Chandler.
I shoot all types of things digitally but am moving toward specializing in editorial film photography. I think what I’m most known for is just being able to somehow channel the subject’s energy and personality into the images. When people tell me that, I take it as a huge compliment. It helps them see themselves in a way that the rest of us see them… in more of a three dimensional way I guess. What sets me apart? That’s a tough one. There are so many incredible photographers out there. But I think our personalities come through in the images we make. So it’s not something I can describe, but what sets me apart from others is just kind of me.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Oh wow… this one’s tricky! I think my favorite childhood memories weren’t the big ones. As a younger kid, some of my favorite memories were with my best friend exploring the woods behind her house. As a teenager, it was playing volleyball. So much of that part of my life was spent either playing the sport or working out so I could play better.

Contact Info:

• Website: aliciachandler.co
• Instagram: instagram.com/aliciachandler.co

Image Credit:
Alicia Chandler

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