Interview with Entrepreness Alexis Achten of Jasmine Photography

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March 5, 2010 by Cecilia D. | Comments (0)

Alexis Achten is the face behind the camera lens, although her good looks and charm could undoubtedly put her in front of flashing lights and camera shutters any day. Always on the look out for new and refreshing urban scenery as backdrops for happy couples and families, Alexis has an eye for capturing the most memorable moments. She also provides brides and grooms to-be with the most well-rounded experience as the creator of The Art of Weddings, a bridal event like no other! Also, check out her blog for some stylish photos!

Read our interview with Alexis of Jasmine Photography.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m from the Midwest–Wisconsin, and have lived in Portland for eight years. I have a degree in fine arts, and first worked for another photographer before starting my own photography business six years ago.

Your specialty is wedding and portrait photography – is there another type of photographer that you like to do?
Although I don’t really promote it I also do commercial work. In addition, I have done photography for small businesses and have experience with interior and food photography as well as some fashion editorial.

What unique services or products do you offer?
We do a lot of customizing for weddings, and also work with couples from start to finish to know exactly what they want on their special day and deliver it to them. We also offer clean, modern photo album design which we do in-house.

Do you have staff or team members who help you out on your shoots?
I have an assistant for weddings, but it’s usually just me. This is on purpose, because I feel like I have a vision and I want to have full control of that at all times.

Where are some of your favorite spots to shoot in Portland?
I don’t like to go to the same spots and try to personalize it according to the couple. I’m always looking for fresh and new urban backgrounds to shoot.

What is a meaningful moment you were able to capture on film that sticks out in your mind?
The most meaningful moments to me are the ones that are captured quickly, here one second and gone the next. This happens especially with families and children, when a young child finally smiles or looks in your direction just in a time frame long enough for you to get it on film.

Do you like to work most with brides, grooms, children, couples, or pets?
I love working with the couple for their wedding and being a part of their celebration.

You must be busy with your photography business as well as being the creator of Art of Weddings. Tell us more about how you started this bridal event.
I started Art of Weddings five years ago as a way to get all the best vendors and creative professionals together in one place, once a year so that they can network and show their talent and skill to newly engaged couples looking for photography, catering, wedding attire, etc. This past event we got about 35 vendors together, which was a pretty intimate group

What are some of the challenges you face having your own business?
In the beginning it was pretty rough, but over the past six years I’m working at a comfortable pace for myself now. I was super busy and felt like I was saying “yes” to everything. Now I know I don’t need to and will probably book about 20 events a year (nearly every weekend in the summer, basically!) but it keeps me busy but not in over my head.

Where do you see yourself or your business 5 years down the road?
I’m in the process of refreshing, and will limit or take on fewer events so that I can do more fine art work for myself. Although that may mean that I won’t be able to work with everyone that I want to, doing fine art will undoubtedly increase my creativity and enhance my photography.

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