We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alyssa Saladin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alyssa below.
Alyssa, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Overcoming imposter syndrome is a decision I have to actively make every day. With how readily available the internet is it’s all too easy to compare and contrast my work/life to everyone else. What I’ve found works for me in this area is to ask myself-
“If 16 year old me saw how much I’ve accomplished would I see growth? would I be proud of how far I’ve come?
” The answer is yes. the only person I should be comparing myself to is myself and my own potential. I’m always learning new things and getting better and better than I was the day before and that’s enough for me.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I specialize in couples portraits, graduating seniors, as well as micro weddings/elopements,
I am most proud of the connections I make with all of my clients. A lot of people worry about being awkward in front of the camera, or warn me that they don’t know how to pose. I pride myself on easing any worries my clients may have. I myself am also someone who tends to be introverted, so I recognize how being your authentic self may feel a little awkward in front of a camera; especially when that’s not something you’re used to doing.
I always like to take a few moments before I start photographing to just chat with the person I’m working with to understand their goals for the shoot. This way, they can get to know me, so I don’t feel so much like a stranger and more like a friend who’s there to hype them up for the awesome photos we’re about to take.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
the three biggest qualities that really impacted my journey that would be important for anyone starting out with their own business would be.
1. Learn from your mistakes, sometimes things don’t go to plan the take away is learn, what cause the issue? how can we take this experience and grown from it to better our business practice?
2. never stop learning. no matter what field your in there’s always ways to learn and improve your skillset.
3. Find your community by networking. Find people who could benefit from your business or roles reversed they could benefit your business. having a strong community is so important as a small business owner. I’m constantly referring my clients to MUAS, Business coaches, Wedding planners and they do the same for me, because I took the time to introduce myself and get to know these other amazing business owners in my local area.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am always looking to collaborate with amazing people and businesses! At the moment I’ve really into doing date night photoshoots- the idea is I third wheel a couple on their date and photograph it. the more unique the better. examples- a couple who loves motorcycling together, mini golf date, wandering the halls of an art museum etc..
whether you’re a couple with a cool idea or a business with an out of the box idea I’d love to hear it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alyssasaladinphotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssasaladinphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlyssaSaladinPhotography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
