We were lucky to catch up with Alyssa Cromer recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alyssa, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Overcoming mental health challenges has been a long and ongoing journey for me. I’ve struggled with my mental health for years, and recently, those struggles impacted not only my personal life but also the path I took in launching my business. The real turning point came after a car accident that left me with both physical and mental setbacks. For a while, everything felt more difficult—tasks that once felt effortless, both big and small, became overwhelming. Staying focused, whether on work or in my personal life, was a constant challenge, and there were many days when I had to force myself to push through.
In the midst of this struggle, I turned to photography. Photography had always been a passion of mine, but something I hadn’t fully embraced until that point. The accident forced me to re-evaluate everything, and photography became a powerful form of expression and therapy. It allowed me to rediscover a piece of myself I had neglected, and through it, I found a sense of purpose and healing.
From that point I’ve continued to make a conscious decision to prioritize activities that bring me joy and help me recharge. Whether it’s photography, painting, writing, or going for a quiet walk, these moments have been essential in clearing my mind and creating space for recovery.
Balancing my business with self-care has been a learning process. Running a business is demanding, and at times, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle. But I’ve had to learn to set boundaries, to carve out time for myself, and to give myself permission to rest. This shift in mindset has been crucial not only for my physical and emotional well-being but for my growth as a photographer and business owner as well.
Above all, this journey has taught me just how crucial a strong support system is. I’m incredibly fortunate to have a network of family, friends, and fellow photographers who have been there every step of the way, offering encouragement and reminding me that healing isn’t immediate—it takes time. My fiancé especially has been incredibly supportive and helpful through it all. I wouldn’t have accomplished all that I have without his motivation and advice. He’s truly one of my biggest supporters. He has shown me that it’s okay to move forward at my own pace and that self-compassion is just as important as perseverance.
While I never would have chosen to go through a car accident, I believe everything happens for a reason. I’m truly grateful that the outcome wasn’t worse than it could have been. In many ways, the experience forced me to slow down and reassess my purpose, helping me reconnect with what truly brings me joy and fulfillment.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a photographer and the owner of ABC Captured Photography, I’m passionate about creating images that tell real stories. To me, photography is about capturing the emotions, the little details, and the unique essence of every person or moment. I want my work to connect with people, to make them feel something when they look at the images.
One of the things that excites me most about photography is how it allows me to connect with others, whether they’re in front of my lens or the audience who sees those images. I believe in the power of storytelling through pictures, and I’m always striving to share diverse experiences and perspectives—especially those that often go unnoticed. As a Black woman representing less than 7% in this industry, I feel a responsibility to bring my own unique voice to the work, showing the beauty and complexity of everyday life.
In addition to photography, I also work as a scientific writer, which is a bit of a different side of my life. My science background influences how I approach photography—paying close attention to details like light, texture, and composition. It also shapes my writing, where I try to make complex topics easy to understand and engaging for everyone. Balancing both photography and writing has been such a rewarding experience, and it’s allowed me to build a brand that reflects both my creative and analytical sides.
At the heart of everything I do is a belief in the power of representation. I want my work to reflect the diversity of human experiences, and to create a space where authenticity, creativity, and connection can thrive. For me, photography is not just about creating beautiful images—it’s about celebrating the people, the stories, and the moments that make us who we are.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, the three qualities that have had the most impact on my journey are listening, empathy, and attention to detail.
Listening effectively has been crucial in both my photography and writing. By taking the time to truly understand my clients’ needs or the subject I’m writing about, I can create work that resonates on a deeper level. Empathy has helped me connect with people, allowing me to capture authentic moments in my photos and communicate complex ideas in my writing. Lastly, paying attention to the smallest details has always made a big difference in the quality of my work.
My advice for those starting out in any career is simple: Listen more than you speak, be empathetic to others’ experiences, and never overlook the importance of details. These qualities will help you grow both personally and professionally.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
Right now, the number one obstacle I’m facing is self-doubt. As a business owner and creative, it’s easy to question whether I’m doing enough or if I’m on the right path. This feeling often creeps in when I face challenges or compare myself to others, especially in an industry where success can feel so subjective.
To overcome this, I’ve been focusing on staying grounded and reminding myself of my progress. I’ve learned to celebrate even the smallest of wins—whether that’s a successful photoshoot or a positive client review—and focus on what I’ve accomplished rather than what I haven’t. I’ve also been prioritizing self-compassion, allowing myself the space to grow at my own pace without feeling pressured to have it all figured out.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.abccapturedphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abc.captured/
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/abc-captured-photography-virginia-beach
- Other: Google: https://g.page/r/Ccqt1-qQr4fvEBM/review
Image Credits
Engagement photo session photographer:
Kurt Kalmarez
Photographer for all other photos (with the exception of the graduation picture): Alyssa Cromer owner of ABC Captured
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
