Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Mink.
Alicia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When I walked into my first film photography class at Wright State University in 2009, I could never have imagined the remarkable journey that was about to begin. From my hometown of Dayton, OH, to the sunny shores of Orange County, CA, my camera was a one-way ticket to a life of art and adventure. Armed with a Bachelor’s of Fine Art in Photography and an eye for the magic of colors and light, I began my wedding photography business in 2014.
Honestly, I’d have to say, hard work and being active in my community really got me to where I am in such a short time. When I moved here I didn’t know anyone except for my husband’s family – none of which knew anyone getting married. I immediately got a serving job at a local restaurant to earn money and meet new people. I was able to make friends (some of which still refer me to this day!) and use the money I made to kick start my photography business. I rented equipment from a local camera store and began offering my services on, gasp, Craigslist – but hey, we all have to start somewhere haha! I was able to snag a couple pretty, outdoor weddings and began slowly increasing my prices and meeting new industry peers – now of which are some of my best friends. I started planning styled shoots with local vendors, being active on social media, educating myself on the business side of photography, getting my work featured, and worked very long hours every night because I wanted to be full time and I wanted to get there fast. After being able to start full time I went from 5 weddings my first year to 32 weddings my second and since then, my work has been featured on top wedding sites such as Style Me Pretty, The Knot, Inspired By This, BRIDES and more! I’m so thankful for those long nights and pushing through the exhaustion really is worth it when you can do what you love every day. After two years I feel like I’m finally at a spot where I can relax a little bit more. The busy season can still be intense but once my workflow, website, client communication, and my style got more established I’ve been able to start going to bed at a decent hour haha!
Also, in 2017 I began shooting film again since college. I am a hybrid photographer, meaning I shoot in both digital and film. It may be surprising to learn that in the age of instant digital photography, some photographers still choose to go it the old fashioned way, but I have always valued the timeless look of film and the colors it produces. My style of photography is one that celebrates the naturalness of purely unique, unrepeatable moments. Rather than relying on tired, overused poses, I encourage my couples to move intuitively and be themselves in front of the camera.
Each couple I work with inspires me in different ways, pushing me to new heights. I believe that the trust between photographer and subject, as the two coauthor a story through images captured, is what this art form is all about.
I also have found a recently love in helping other photographers and now teach mentoring sessions and workshops for our community!
It really is true, if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. I love shooting weddings, meeting new people, and helping others achieve their goals.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I don’t think starting and running business would ever be a smooth road but it is a rewarding one! I, just like any photographer out there, have had struggles along the way, it’s definitely part of the business.
Starting out is a struggle, especially when you don’t know anyone like I did. I began on Craigslist of all places and began to do some free work to begin a wedding portfolio. It can be difficult and disheartening at the beginning when you want to photograph all the pretty weddings (you know what I’m talking about, the outdoor weddings, lots of natural light, tons of lush florals, and cute, well thought out details). Photography is something that takes time, educating yourself, creating beauty to show on your portfolio, and putting your best work forward. We all really have to start somewhere and then critique ourselves after ever shoot or wedding – it’s something that has helped me get better.
Another aspect of getting to a point where you’re happy in your business is when you’re able to get features. Putting you online to gain more of a following and more presence online. I can’t tell you all enough, so many shoots didn’t get featured and I used to get upset about this but the more I thought about it, I used it as a learning experience. Blogs look for so much, sometimes it’s not even the photography, but still think about what you could have done differently or better and make changes for the next one. The main take away from this is keep trying, get your name out there and eventually you’ll have better work to show off to blogs in hopes of getting featured. Do not get discouraged but keep moving forward. This has helped me overcome that “I’m not good enough” feeling. Which, that goes for when couples don’t book too. I used to get upset at first because I was starting out, I wanted all the weddings I could get my hands on. Once I took a step back and analyzed what I could do better, I adjusted as I needed to with my meetings and emails. You’re never going to book every wedding – it’s important to understand that couples are looking at so many photographers every day. If you’re personable and truly care about them it will show – it’s helped me book more weddings along with my work getting increasingly better as well.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Mink Photography – what should we know?
I am a fine art wedding photographer based in Orange County, CA. My images have been described as candid, timeless, romantic, and natural with lots of joy. I love making real connections with my couples and bringing out their personalities in our time together, which helps them relax in front of the camera. My photography evokes feelings of genuine love and affection, rather than overused poses. I capture all the details and look for moments happening throughout ever since weddings to create a story my clients can look back on for years to come.
I’m a hybrid photographer which means, I shoot in both traditional film format and with my digital SLR camera as well. I absolutely adore the timeless look of film, but love the speed and reliability of digital – my clients really do get the best of both worlds. I am known for my natural, timeless aesthetic and have been featured on popular wedding blogs such as, BRIDES, Green Wedding Shoes, Style Me Pretty, 100 Layer Cake, Inspired by This, The Knot, and much more!
I am most proud that I get to do what I love every day! At times it can be overwhelming (that’s all part of the business) but I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I am truly blessed with amazing couples.
What sets me apart, I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art in Photography. In a world where anyone can pick up a camera I am proud to have received proper training in all aspects of both film photography, digital photography, and post production – this really did help kick start my creative career!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aliciamink.com
- Phone: 9374791224
- Email: alicia@aliciamink.com
- Instagram: @mink_photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aminkphotography
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
