About
Enneagram 3, Type A as they come... I'm Melbourne-based, fuelled by chocolate, usually rugged up in three layers (always cold!), and dreaming of my next overseas trip.
ONCE UPON A TIME
Photography has been my dream since my teens, but it wasn't until my 30s - after a marriage breakdown and a move to Melbourne - that I finally took the leap.
And when I say leap, I mean one almighty big canyon jump. I'd never worked in the creative industry, let alone run a business. My background? Science and public health policy. Worlds apart!
But I had a passion I couldn't let go...
I wish I could say the ride was smooth. But when I finally leapt, I dived in with zero strategy - shooting everything: weddings, portraits, lifestyle, products, food, events....if it existed, I'd photograph it.
And with every bit of praise, I convinced myself I was on the right track.
To me, a paying client (any client) meant success. That was the dream, right?
So there I was the 'chameleon photographer', willing to be whatever photographer my client needed. Don't get me wrong, I love having the skills to adapt and create the imagery they wanted. But when it came to the business side, I was full of doubt and uncertainty - not really knowing how to show up to attract the kind of work that lit me up inside.
until it wasn't
CHECK OUT MY PREVIOUS WORK
THE shift to being my own boSs WAS NOW ANYTHING BUT FULFILLING MY DREAM
Hardly a personal brand oozing with confidence inspiring others is it?
REMEMBER:
It’s never too late
to rewrite your
future
rebuild
your business
or reignite your
dreams.
let's work together
I took a step back and asked myself: what kind of service do I really want to provide? Not just the images, but the problems I wanted to help solve, the results I wanted my clients to achieve...and most importantly, who I wanted to help.
That clarity was a TOTAL GAME CHANGER for me.
I realised my dream business was not at odds with helping others to achieve theirs. What a revelation!
Then there was another revelation - or maybe a little surge of panic for this introvert at heart!
I realised I couldn't hide behind my camera any more. I had to show up for my business, breathe new life into my personal brand, and invite people into my world. Truth is, even as a photographer I'm not immune to feeling apprehensive in front of the camera and putting myself out there online... JUST LIKE MANY OF MY CLIENTS, I totally get it.
But I had to get real and break up with those insecurities because my need to have the business I wanted outweighed any of those icky feelings. In fact, the images you see here are from my very first branding shoot. With the prep (hair, makeup, styling) I felt like the best version of myself. That collection marks such a turning point in my business.
And I want my clients to feel that same transformation too!
changer...
celebrate the business wins
So this is me...
MY REALLY OFFICIAL BIO, the TL:DR VERSION
My gift? Making you feel
and in front of the camera so you look like your best self - with an extra boost of confidence!
My gift is making you feel
and
in front of the camera so you can show your true essence and personality
business success.
personal brand story.
relaxed
comfortable
Your at-a-glance guide to where I stand on all the truly important things.
Favorite indulgence
Chocolate
celeb i'd love to meet
Olivia Coleman
Guilty pleasure
Hot chips with mayonnaise
alternate universe job:
Fashion Designer
favoUrite place i've been:
New York and Venice
drink of choice
A crisp white!
can't live without
My camera
usually craving
Italian food....and chocolate!
beach vs mountains
Depends on the season!
favoUrite show to binge
Oh God - there are so many. Damn you Netflix!
Got a photography project in mind? I'd love to hear about it!
Whether you're after fresh headshots, personal branding images or photography for your whole team, tell me what you're thinking and we'll take it from there.
I'm based in Melbourne, but always happy to travel for the right photography project!
Pop your details into the form or email me at alison@alisonmcwhirter.com.au
I aim to answer all enquiries within my normal business hours of
M-F, 9-4pm.
Instagram is kinda my thing...
Go on, follow me to check out my most recent work!
@alisonmcwhirterPHOTOGRAPHY