We recently had the chance to connect with Aly Barnett and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Aly, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Teaching yoga! I normally teach a slow flow vinyasa on Thursday evenings.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey! I’m Aly Barnett! I’ve been a wedding photographer since 2015 when I graduated from SCAD in Photography. My favorite part of my work is getting to meet couples, and celebrate with them on one of the most memorable ways! I strive to make everyones experience as seamless as possible, while feeling like they are hanging out with a long time friend. Currently I am working on expanding my work to showcase smaller weddings.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
As I was getting started in this industry of wedding photography, I was undercutting myself. Thinking I wasn’t worth the price. In 2016/2017, I started meeting more vendors that became friends. They told me over and over again that I was way too cheap for the quality of work I was delivering! One of them said I should charge X amount. I was SO scared, but sat down on my laptop to edit my website. I typed the number in, closed my eyes to hit publish! That was the biggest push that I needed to get my passion off the ground. The support and relationships I have made with other photographers and vendors helped me see what I couldn’t.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, actually last year in 2024. You can ask any vendor in the wedding world. It felt like we had a wedding “boom” from 2018 – 2023, and there are a lot of different theories still going around. Folks are choosing to have smaller budgets to set them up for financial success! Yet wanting Photography + Video for the same price it’s always been. There are soooo many amazing photographers to choose from! It’s hard to break through the noise.
It’s taken this entire year to really focus what I want to do. What has got me through to keep going has been my past clients. I have gotten emails from folks that I photographed 5 or 6 years ago telling me they are still in love with their photos. That I photographed their grandmother or grandfather and they have passed away. That they want me to photograph their newborn or family. It’s such a small gesture to show gratitude, but has made the biggest impact on the hardest days.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
“You have to spend tens of thousands of dollars to have the best wedding”
In reality the most beautiful weddings in my eyes are the ones where the couple is madly in love, happy. surrounded by supportive and loving friends and family.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Judgment on myself, and what others think. My life outside of work consists of walks with my dog, yoga, and meditation. When I get into my work mode, it’s hard to separate myself from what “Instagram” sees. It’s our number one spot where we can engage with folks! But it can feel like such a place of judgement. Anyone can find you, and have an opinon within 60 seconds of scrollings. Once I put away my phone, and use my focusing app called Opal, I can really tune back into myself, and connect within. I cannot recommend a social media detox enough!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alybarnett.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alybarnettphoto/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aly-barnett-66b208a6
- Other: https://share.google/9wbglkmOpJMkviTcz
Image Credits
Myself 🙂
