We had the good fortune of connecting with Ali Payne and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ali, what do you attribute your success to?
For better or for worse, I am unabashedly honest and a perfectionist. These qualities can be off-putting in some respects, and I’ve seen the negative impact of such qualities, but I believe those same qualities have helped build the success of my business and a meaningful brand. In terms of honesty, I’m not in the business to earn a quick buck. I want what is best for my clients and if something doesn’t sit well with me, I address it. If I’ve made an error, I admit it and fix it. There’s no tiptoeing around when one makes a mistake, just own in and do what can be done to correct it. My clients can feel confident that I’m only going to give them my very best and if I don’t think it’s the best quality, I will address it. I know how to work with people, but if I’m asked a question, I will give honest feedback. I’m also a perfectionist which means nothing leaves my studio unless it is top quality. If that means I have to re-shoot or come out of pocket, that’s what I’ll do in order to keep the standard of my brand and to my own personal expectations. That same perfectionist attitude also means that I am a life-long learner. I constantly engage in opportunities to broaden and improve my craft. I’m always striving to be better than I was yesterday.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Getting to where I am has definitely not been easy, but I have enjoyed it greatly. In addition to building my business, I also enjoy the roles of wife, mother, and general contractor to everything related to home and family. There are always challenges to overcome from time management to family needs, but having a schedule has by far been my greatest ally. I also have an amazingly supportive husband, so that helps immensely. Along the way, I have learned that having a support network through friends, family, and colleagues is integral to personal success. During this time of political, social, and physical uncertainties, keeping your physical and mental health are imperative. I have had many new experiences and through those experiences have learned that I enjoy some photographic genres better than others and that although I have been thankful for every experience, I don’t have to take every job offered to me. In keeping with the idea of honesty and perfectionism in my business, I owe it to my clients and to myself to understand where I am limited and where I shine.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, one of my favorite hobbies is eating. I would definitely plan to visit my favorite restaurants in the area and discover some new spots as well. Papadeaux’s in Norcross is one of our favorites. I love a good steak and adore appetizers. Pair that with a good wine, and I’m in heaven. We also have a variety of local restaurants like Biba’s and Los Hermanos in Lawrenceville. I enjoy the brilliance of nature and Georgia has many beautiful vistas and wonderful waterfalls, so trips to Amacolola Falls and Helen are a must. We also have some wonderful parks in and around Gwinnett County. The World of Coca-Cola is a fun trip while visiting Atlanta. Honestly, coming from the DC area, where I grew up with easy access to history and culture, living close enough to the Eastern Shore for day trips, and visits to the Inner Harbour in Baltimore, skiing and white-water rafting in Pennsylavania, my best friend would love the idea of eating great food and having fun conversation, low-key and intimate.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh my goodness. I would say that hands down, the most impactful group of people to the growth of my business has been through my affiliation with GPPA (Georgia Professional Photographer’s Association). I joined the group in 2019 and through my time with them, have met so many amazingly supportive fellow photographers. They absolutely helped me take my business to the next level. The very first thing I learned from them is the difference between being a true professional photographer and just another mom with a camera. There are many in this group who have freely offered of their time and experience. At the top of the list for sure are Jennifer Collins, Tracey Luttgens, and Stuart Hassan. I know I will leave some people out but I would also thank Marchet Butler, Mark Turner, Brad Budd, Hector Cavasos, Missy Goldwyn, and my Monday GPPA accountability group members. My husband, Kevin Payne, is the one who encouraged me to start this journey in the first place and continues to support and encourage every day. Before I found GPPA, other strong business women met with me to offer assistance or come together as women entrepreneurs to build our businesses together : Marlene Rivera, Kim Floria, Jowana Virdi, and Carol Coy. I have worked extremely hard to get to where I am today, but clearly I did none of this completely on my own!

Website: www.dreamalleyphotography.com

Instagram: dream.alley.photography

Facebook: Dream Alley Photography

Image Credits
Dream Alley Photography, Ali Payne

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