Today we’d like to introduce you to Alysha Pytlarz.
Hi Alysha, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Well, I originally wanted to be a film editor – still do if the opportunity comes up – and during college when I was figuring things out in my major, what I want to do, etc. I did my first paid photoshoot for $15. I’d always loved taking pictures and making videos since I was little but that was the first time that I seriously considered myself a photographer so I kept finding friends who needed portraits done and kept practicing and learning editing software. Now I’m in this interesting niche where on top of the typical weddings, engagements, portraits, etc. that I’m getting hired to do, I’m also blending my photography with my love of cosplay and getting paid to take pictures of cosplayers when I go to conventions which is super fun!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s definitely not been a smooth road but I don’t think anyone’s journey really is and I have to keep reminding myself that that’s ok. Being “your own boss” and trying to build clientele, especially with how competitive Wilmington is, is hard. It’s still hard. But as a freelancer I thankfully have multiple avenues that allow me to market myself in different ways which is nice. I like to consider myself a “jack of all trades” so I’m not just a photographer, I’m a video editor, podcast editor, graphic designer, writer, social media manager, etc. While I haven’t been able to take that leap into full time photography or full time freelancing, I’ve been fortunate to be able to have different “gigs” over the years where I’ve worked as a video editor and social media manager and a handful of other media related roles. Working full time while trying to also pursue photography and video editing has always been a challenge and a balancing act but it’s allowed me to make connections, build a portfolio and work with some amazing people. I’m still not sure if I’ll ever be able to transition into full time freelancer but I am happy for the opportunities that I’ve gotten over the years and am hoping that more are in the near future.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a freelancer, I like to consider myself a “jack of all trades” so basically if it’s media related in some way, I’m your girl, but photography and video editing have been my primary focuses. While I do love to shoot weddings, engagements and portraits and the like, my favorite thing to do is cosplay shoots. My husband and I are BIG nerds and love going to conventions so I started taking my camera with me and now I get paid by cosplayers to take their photos! Lots of cosplayers look for photographers before and during conventions so I advertise myself online via dedicated Facebook groups and Instagram and organize time, location, payment, etc. with the cosplayer. It’s been a very fun and rewarding experience because of how unique cosplay can be and especially because I’m slowly starting to build repeat clients. It’s the perfect niche that blends my passions together (and also gives me a little extra spending money for artist alley!)
On the video editing side while it’s been slow in terms of getting hired for projects and gigs, I’ve recently started blending another passion of mine into my media work: board games! I currently work full time at Cape Fear Games here in Wilmington and started making overview videos for different board games I like. It started as a project for a job interview that I’d had for Brotherwise Games (didn’t get it sadly) and they asked us to make a 90 second video about any game of our choosing as part of the application process. I had such a blast making it and I’m really proud with how the video turned out so I started making more. My manager is also putting them on the Cape Fear Games social media so keep your eyes peeled for those!
I’ve found such joy in being able to blend my love for photography and video editing with my nerdy interests like cosplay and board games and I’m hoping these niches will someday open bigger doors for me.
I think what sets my photography work apart is my love for color and showcasing genuineness. I’m not the kind of photographer that’s going to photoshop the hell out of you – obviously no shade to other photographers who do that, it’s just not my thing – and I almost always make sure my photos are bright and saturated. I’ll follow trends when I feel the photos need it like light and airy or dark and moody but more often than not my photos are full of color. I like staying as true as I can to a subject or mood and not get bogged down by photoshopping.
As for my video work, I know there’s plenty of editors that are leagues better than me, but I try not to let that stop me because I really really love video editing. I love seeing a project come together piece by piece and bringing a vision to life. I recently started editing AMV’s (anime music videos) again which has been really fun – I think the last time I made an AMV was back in college and that was basically 10 years ago!
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’m available for hire!
Pricing:
- Cosplay Photoshoot (at cons) starting at $80/30mins with different priced photo packages available
- Weddings starting at $2000+ based on hourly coverage
- Portraits/Headshots $300/hr
- Engagement/Couples/Maternity Sessions $400/hr
- Family Portraits and Small Events $500/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alyshapytlarz.wixsite.com/portfolio
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/alyshamaemedia
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/alyshamaemedia
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/alyshamaemedia
- Other: https://alyshamaemedia.pixieset.com/
