Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Mills White.
Hi Allison Mills, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had a camera of some kind in my hand. In 2019, my husband bought me a DSLR to take photos of our son once he was born. I wanted more practice, so I offered to take some free photos of my friends who had just gotten engaged. Long story short, I fell in love with documenting couples. I invested in workshops, mentorships, and all the education I could get my hands on so I could become better in my craft, and focus on creating art. Now, I focus on weddings and elopements, with the occasional family session for my past couples thrown in.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yes and no. When I started my business, I was a new mom in grad school. I quickly became overwhelmed, and had to choose which path my life would take. I was so in love with photographing weddings. It felt like my heart was on fire and I became alive behind my camera. I couldn’t give that up. So, I’m a grad school dropout, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I get to photograph the best and most vulnerable days of people’s lives, and it’s an honor I wouldn’t trade for the world. It’s still hard to be a wife, mom, and run a business, but I show up authentically as myself and do the best I can.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I used to consider myself a photographer, but recently I’m learning that I’m an experience curator. I help plan moments and create safe spaces for my couples to be completely themselves, authentically show affection to one another, and enjoy the moment without the stress that typically accompanies being in front of a camera. I specialize in documentary style weddings & elopements. I tell my couples that I photograph in a 70/30 style, meaning 70% of their gallery will be composed of authentic, candid moments that they’re unaware of. 30% will be composed of family portraits, couples photos led by prompts, and a few smiley poses for grandma’s fridge. I’m a down to earth, super goofy person. I believe art is collaborative, and that the magic in my photos comes from love that already exists in my couples. My passion for telling your love story will be rivaled only by your passion for living it.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is not a measure of my bookings, my income, or my instagram following. It is, however, the feeling I have in my chest when I’m driving home from an elopement that went off flawlessly. It’s that moment when I cry while watching a mother son dance at a wedding, knowing someday my son will want to dance with me to a special song. It’s hearing my husband brag on my sneak peeks, no matter how many times I show him a new photo. Success is reading a 5 star review from one of my brides, or hearing my couples say that they couldn’t have gotten through their day without me. It lies in the freedom to accept bookings I’m passionate about, instead of anything that comes my way. Success is fluid, and can be recognized in the smallest moments of every day life.
Pricing:
- Local Elopement- Starting at 2k
- Destination Elopement- Starting at 4k
- Wedding Packages- Starting at 3k
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.allisonwhitephoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisonwhitephoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allisonwhitephotography
