Meet Ali Seeya: Published Fashion & Portrait Photographer

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

Hi Ali, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Well for starters, I’m a Pisces. So, I think it’s generally within our nature to pursue a hobby or career in the “artsy” world. I love everything involving the arts, whether it’s music, writing, film/tv, architecture, etc. It’s just something that’s always fascinated me. I guess you could say that photography is what stuck with me the most. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m constantly inspired by many sources, whether it’s art, music, fashion, etc. Shooting is therapeutic for me, so I try to shoot as often as I can. I’m always seeking ways to improve, because I’m definitely not exactly where I want to be yet. Although, I do believe it’s all a process. However, I am excited to announce that I’ve finally opened up my studio. I would say it’s the biggest accomplishment for myself so far in the past 3 years; although I still have certain goals that I’d love to reach soon. But, I am very thankful for being able to check that one off my list, considering that we are currently in a difficult time. Overall I think that any path to success or growth is never easy. This past year of 2020 has challenged me beyond what I thought could ever be possible, and there were countless amounts of times when I wanted to say: “I give up” or “I can’t do this anymore.” But I kept asking myself: “What do you really gain from that?” It’s easy to just stop what you’re doing and say that you give up. It’s hard to pick up where you left off and push yourself to keep moving. I’ve learned that it’s important to never lose sight of what you want—to always keep that dream or ambition in mind to drive you enough to get where you truly want to be.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
That’s a great question! If my friend isn’t from Georgia then as an introduction to the city, I’d first take them to Waffle House! (We all know that’s like tradition, right? Even Chick-fil-A, if they’ve never had it) We’d visit the High Museum, shop at Lenox, and stop for dinner at Fellini’s. (my favorite) The rest of the week could be like an adventure. Little 5 is definitely my favorite spot in the A so I’d show them around there too. Lastly, I couldn’t forget to take them to a secret place I know of to try pupusas y horchata! (My nana’s home)

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there a person, group, organization, book, etc that you want to dedicate your shoutout to? Who else deserves a little credit and recognition in your story?
First and foremost, I give all of my thanks to God. He’s blessed me in ways that I couldn’t explain in words. Therefore, I try my hardest to put & keep all of my faith in him. Secondly, I’d like to give thanks to my little familia. My parents have always been there for me, even at times when I didn’t think I needed them. They’ve always supported me and my photography, as well as my little sister. She looks up to me a lot and wants to be a photographer too. She even has her own instant film camera!

Website: www.seeyattle.com
Instagram: @seeyattle
Facebook: www.facebook.com/seeyattle

Image Credits
@seeyattle;@montimontanez @seeyattle;@deijonmarquis;@houseofdyve @seeyattle;@deijonmarquis;@cam_ro @seeyattle;@boyabaddie @seeyattle;@marieinatree @seeyattle;@samantha_vanwie