We were lucky to catch up with Alyssa Badami recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Alyssa with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I would say my work ethic comes from a combination of personal values and life experiences. Growing up, I was always taught the importance of hard work, consistency, and perseverance. My parents instilled in me the idea that anything worth achieving requires dedication and effort, and that has stuck with me throughout my life.
As a photographer and counselor, I’ve learned that success comes not just from talent, but from being reliable, putting in the time, and caring deeply about the people I work with. Balancing both of my professions, while being a mom, has only reinforced how important it is to stay focused, keep a positive attitude, and never lose sight of my passion for creating and helping others.
For me, it’s not just about getting the job done—it’s about doing it with heart, and that’s what fuels my work every day.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I wear a few different hats professionally, but they all revolve around creativity and connection. By day, I’m a high school counselor, and on weekends, I’m a photographer. These two roles may seem worlds apart, but at their core, they both allow me to make meaningful connections with people and capture important moments in their lives, whether it’s through guiding a student or photographing a special event.
In photography, I focus on capturing authentic, intimate moments that tell a story. I started my photography journey after having my daughter and realizing how important it is to freeze those fleeting, joyful moments. What excites me most is being able to bring that same sense of wonder and warmth to my clients, whether I’m photographing weddings, cake smashes, or family sessions. My sessions are personal, detail-oriented, and filled with genuine emotion.
One of the things that makes my work unique is how much I value the experience as a whole. It’s not just about taking pictures—it’s about making clients feel comfortable, capturing the beauty in real moments, and delivering photos they can cherish for a lifetime.
In terms of what’s new, I’ve been trimming down my photography niches to focus on what I truly love. I’ve streamlined my offerings to include more creative sessions, like themed pop-ups, where families can capture unique, fun memories. This refined approach lets me dive deeper into the work I’m passionate about, giving each client an even more personalized and meaningful experience.
At the heart of everything I do is a passion for connection—whether through the lens or in the counseling office—and I hope that shines through in both my work and my story.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my photography journey, three key qualities that have been most impactful are patience, creativity/composition, and communication. Each has helped me grow as a photographer and shape my business.
Patience: Capturing the perfect moment takes time, especially when working with kids or in unpredictable settings. Early on, I learned that patience is essential—not just with clients, but with myself. For new photographers, I’d recommend embracing the process. Mastering your craft takes time, and the more patient you are, the more you’ll enjoy the growth that comes with it. I still learn something new every shoot I do.
Creativity/Composition.: Photography is as much an art as it is a skill, so having a creative eye and understanding the principles of composition—like the rule of thirds, leading lines, or symmetry—helps create compelling and visually engaging images. It’s about telling a story and capturing moments in a way that evokes emotion or leaves an impact.
Communication: Great photos come from understanding your clients and making them feel comfortable. Clear, open communication is key to capturing authentic moments. My advice is to ask questions, listen to their vision, and guide them through the session. A comfortable client leads to more natural, beautiful photos.
These qualities have been essential in shaping my work.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone who values authenticity and connection. I love working with people who are excited about capturing genuine moments and aren’t afraid to be themselves in front of the camera. Clients who trust my creative process and are open to collaboration always make the experience more enjoyable. I find that the best sessions happen when clients bring a sense of joy and spontaneity, whether it’s a couple who’s eager to embrace the emotions of their wedding day or a family ready to have fun during a cake smash.
Another key characteristic of an ideal client is someone who values the little details. Photography is all about capturing the small moments that tell a larger story, and clients who appreciate those moments are a perfect fit. Lastly, being open to communication is essential. When clients share their vision and feel comfortable expressing their needs, it allows me to tailor the experience to truly reflect who they are.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alyssabadamiphotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssabadamiphotography?igsh=MWdteGlkdWlyaW9nNw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/piu8jwKQ7b4dCEKj/?mibextid=JRoKGi
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