A New Year, A New Business, A New Website
By Margaret Stegner
Welcome to Dream Shots Media, LLC, owned and operated by Alyssa Stegner. I, the author of this blog, am not Alyssa. I have, however, known her for her entire life and am thrilled she is allowing me this opportunity to contribute!
Let’s start at the beginning with a conversation with Alyssa to get to know her and her business.
Q. A new business. WOW! Why now?
A. It just seemed like the right time. I’d been a professional real estate photographer for a couple of years. I loved being able to pick up my camera every day and take photographs, but something was missing. Don’t get me wrong. I loved working with the realtors, and each property offered an opportunity to discover creative ways to showcase its charm and functionality, but in many ways it was quite limiting. The real estate market was slowing so it seemed like the right time to take the leap!
Q. The real estate side might have been limiting, but haven’t you been doing other types of photography on the side for many years?
A. Yes, but my focus has always been on my ‘real’ jobs. After college, I was in support roles in health care for a couple of different companies, then the pandemic happened. The real estate business ramped up and I had the opportunity to get into that market as a photographer. Those jobs kept me very busy, so it really limited the time I had available to pursue other types of photography.
Q. Where do you think your love of photography comes from?
A. I grew up with it. My parents were really big on making sure we had plenty of creative outlets…dance, figure skating, painting, music and more. My siblings and I each play several different instruments. We went to Europe when I was in high school. It was a great trip! My parents bought each one of us a small digital camera so we could capture whatever was important to us. I loved it! In college, I took a semester in Italy to study wine tasting and street photography. It’s always been important to me but, I never really thought of it as my fulltime profession until recently.
Q. So that brings us to Dream Shots Media, LLC. Now what?
A. Now it gets scary, and exciting! I’ve always wanted to be my own boss. It’s a big step but I have lots of support. My family, of course, is 100% behind me. I have a great mentor, Monty, who is really making sure I am building my business the right way. And my friends who are telling everyone about Dream Shots. The winter is usually slower for photographers so I can be very deliberate in getting the business basics in place, which is so important for future success. I am so grateful for everyone around me!
Q. I’ve heard you use the term “Lifestyle Photography.” What is that?
A. It is the art of capturing life as it happens. I like to call it spontaneity with a plan! I typically don’t like to be in a studio. I like to go to a place that is special to my client. I’ve taken photographs at local parks, on sidewalks in town, in clients’ homes, in barns…really I’ll go anywhere within reason that is safe… and legal, of course. We talk about what the client wants and go from there. We might do some traditional poses, but I never put my camera down because you never know when a great moment will happen. Honestly, it’s those pictures I take as they are moving around to get into their pose that my clients love the most. It’s truly a collaboration between the photographer and the client. That’s really the only way to tell your story. It makes your pictures uniquely yours!
Q. We’ve only talked about lifestyle photography. Do you do other types as well?
A. YES! I have done a few corporate events and parties. Those are always fun! You get to be part of the event while blending into the background so you don’t interrupt it. I have some weddings booked. I’ve done professional headshots, too.
Q. What’s next for you and Dream Shots?
A. Well, I’ve launched my new website! That was a big step. I’ll continue to work on the business basics. I want to get it right because I plan to be around for a long time! I also have some sessions booked, and a few other projects to keep me busy. Oh, and some exciting news… I will be announcing some special promotions soon, so stay tuned.
Q. I’ve seen the website. (dreamshotsmedia.net) It looks great!
A. Thanks. I really learned a lot designing it!
Q. Any last thoughts?
A. Thanks to everyone who has encouraged and supported me as I write my next chapter. I am very excited to start this journey, and to be able to share the launch of my brand new business!
Everyone’s got a dream and it’s my dream to capture your memories!
Contact Alyssa for more information on booking a session:
