Alissa Reed shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Alissa, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Absolutely. I’d hire me because I know how much heart I pour into every wedding I photograph. I care deeply about my couples and about creating a day that feels effortless for them — where they don’t have to worry about the timeline or the little details, because I’ve already got it handled. I bring a calm, organized energy and an eye for those real, emotional moments that matter most. I’d hire me because I’d want someone who feels like a friend but works like a pro.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Alissa — the owner and lead photographer behind Honey Lens Photography, based in Iowa. I photograph weddings for down-to-earth couples who value real connection and those beautifully unscripted moments that make a love story feel alive. My work blends timeless elegance with a modern, documentary-style approach — capturing everything from quiet in-between glances to the big, joy-filled celebrations.
What makes Honey Lens unique is the experience beyond the images. I guide my couples through the entire process — from custom timeline planning to the final gallery — so they never have to stress about what comes next. I want them to feel fully present on their wedding day, trusting that I’ve got every detail covered.
After more than a decade in photography and years in the corporate world before that, I’ve built my business around storytelling, connection, and intentional service.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Starting my own business was the moment that truly changed how I see the world. It taught me that success isn’t just about growth or numbers — it’s about impact. Every couple, every story, every connection reminds me that what I do matters. It’s humbling to realize how art and service can come together to leave something lasting behind.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
For a long time, fear of not being “enough” held me back — not talented enough, not experienced enough, not ready enough to chase the big dreams. Especially in the creative world, it’s easy to compare your chapter one to someone else’s chapter twenty. But over time, I realized that confidence doesn’t come before the leap — it comes after. Once I stopped waiting to feel ready and started showing up anyway, everything changed.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The industry often tells itself that success is defined by how booked you are or how many followers you have. But none of that really matters if you’re burnt out or disconnected from your “why.” True success, to me, is being able to serve your clients wholeheartedly, create from a place of joy, and still have space in your life for the things that fill you up outside of work.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m behind the camera on a wedding day — when everything else fades and I’m fully in the moment, observing and capturing stories as they unfold. There’s something grounding about being surrounded by love and laughter, knowing I get to preserve those emotions forever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.honeylensphotography.net
- Instagram: @alissa_honeylensphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BWVv98XnC/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Alissa Reed; Honey Lens Photography
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