VOTED BEST PHOTOGRAPHER in 2023 by the SMITHFIELD TIMES
about alanna
Hey guys! I'm a natural light photographer for people who love the outdoors, to have fun, and be themselves. If I were to describe my style in three words it would be: vibrant, joyful, and classic.
Ok so some background about me...I'm married to my college sweetheart and we created two mini versions of ourselves: a son and daughter! I've lived most of my life in Hampton Roads (a few years up in Northern VA too) so I've got plenty of favorite shooting locations in the area!! It was while I was in college at Old Dominion University that I fell in love with photography, capturing my family and friends every chance I could. My education laid the ground work to jump start my career in 2007 focusing on weddings and engagements and ultimately portraits.
I'm driven by the ability to stop time so that my clients can nostalgically relive that season of their lives every time they look at their images. I love what I do and it fills me with so much gratitude to be a part of capturing my clients happiness and joy.
I am often told that the husbands, grumpy dads, and reluctant kids who were hesitant or dreading the session end up saying just how much fun they had!
I have 14 years of experience in shooting, so I can provide you with specific posing instructions (if you want them!) or location recommendations.
I always aim to make my clients feel confident in their own skin.
01. THINGS THAT MAKE ME SMILE
My family is at the top of this list. They're my people. <3
Other random things that I love in no particular order: chocolate prezels, thunderstorms, dance parties in the family room, church, sushi, facials, colorstreet, board games, music (a strange mix between Christian music, Flo Rida, and Imagine Dragons), pretty paper planners, stationery, and colorful pens.
my favorite things...
02. the outdoors
Being outside is energizing and refreshes my soul!
Beach: Our family vacations in the Outer Banks in North Carolina every summer to enjoy the sun and ocean air.
Lake: Most recently we traveled to Smith Mountain Lake and basically lived on the water our entire time there.
Mountains: I adore hiking and rock scrambles - Billy Goat Trail in Maryland is my favorite! Old Rag Mountain in Virginia is a close second.
03. decluttering
Ever since reading Marie Kondo's book "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up", I have been addicted to getting rid of stuff. It's a relentless battle and my house is still never quite 'tidy', but it's fun and such a high to drop off unnecessary clutter to the donation center. Bonus is that I get to listen to my favorite true crime podcasts while removing all the junk from my home.
I have been using Alanna as my families trusted photographer since 2017!
She is very patient, engaging and by the end of the session if you have never met her she becomes a friend. She takes time to ask what you like and don’t like what poses you want to do, she ensures your experience is nothing short of wonderful!!!
- Kristine Ann
