I was extremely nervous about having photographs taken to use on my website and also for a chapter in a book. I am very glad I was pushed into it. They create a connection with clients that words alone do not.

Alison has a fabulous studio on the Essex/Suffolk border. 

1. What inspired you to get into this line of work, and was there a specific person or moment that shaped your journey?

I’ve always been drawn to photographs—the memories they hold, the emotions they evoke, and the way they tell a story. As a teenager, my bedroom walls were covered in photos of friends and family, and I loved creating albums for special occasions, spending days carefully arranging each image.

But I didn’t know how to take great photos myself. That all changed when my boys were born. My dad gave me a small point-and-shoot camera that could also record video, and I became obsessed with capturing every little moment. The only problem? The photos never looked the way I imagined them in my head, and that frustrated me.

Determined to improve, I signed up for a beginner’s photography course—without even owning a proper camera at the time. A couple of months in, I took a leap of faith and invested in my first DSLR camera and lens. Suddenly, everything clicked (literally!). Learning how to use manual settings and take creative control was intoxicating. I took my camera everywhere, practicing constantly.

As I shared my work online, friends began asking if I could photograph their families—and they wanted to pay me! My brother built me a website, and in September 2011, Alison McKenny Photography was born. At the time, I was working part-time as a recruitment consultant, but within a year, I took the plunge and went full-time in January 2013. I haven’t looked back since!

2. Can you share a personal story or experience that made you realise this was your calling?

There wasn’t a single lightbulb moment, but there have been many little affirmations along the way.

One that stands out is when a client burst into tears after seeing her photos—not because she didn’t like them, but because, for the first time in years, she saw herself in a way she actually loved.

Moments like that remind me that what I do is more than just taking pictures. It’s about giving people a confidence boost, preserving memories, and capturing how they truly are—not just how they think they look.

It also helps with my own imposter syndrome! Every heartfelt testimonial or unexpected thank-you message reinforces that I’m on the right path and doing something meaningful.

 

 

 

3. What motivates you to keep going, even on the toughest days?

The simple truth is, if I don’t do it, no one else will. Running a business solo means everything falls on me, and while that can feel overwhelming at times, I remind myself that everything I’ve built has been down to my own hard work.

Every piece of photography equipment, every lens, every backdrop and prop—I’ve bought and paid for myself. Every penny this business has generated, every bit of income that has contributed to our family’s lifestyle, has come from the hours I’ve put in year after year.

But beyond just financial security, this career has given me something even more valuable: freedom and flexibility. I’ve been able to be there for my boys as they’ve grown up—attending every sports day, musical recital, and school production. That’s something I never take for granted, and it’s one of the biggest reasons I keep going.

Now, as they’re getting older, that same flexibility allows me to carve out time for myself too. I play tennis two mornings a week, something I love, and I know that’s only possible because of the work I’ve put into making this business what it is today.

Of course, not every day is a whirlwind of productivity. Some days are slower, and motivation isn’t always at its peak. But I remind myself that as long as I achieve something each day—no matter how small—I’m still moving forward. Progress is progress.

Even in challenging times, I try to use my time productively. During the COVID lockdown, for example, when I couldn’t work as usual, I taught myself to knit and made a collection of newborn outfits for my studio. Now, every time I use those little handmade pieces in a session, I’m reminded that even on the toughest days, I can still create something valuable.

That’s what keeps me going—the knowledge that my hard work has built something real, something meaningful, and something that allows me to live life on my own terms.

4. What’s one thing about your work that makes you feel deeply fulfilled or proud?

Knowing that the photos I create will outlive me.

Long after I’m gone, families will look at the images I’ve taken, sharing them with future generations. These aren’t just pictures; they’re history, legacies, irreplaceable memories frozen in time.

One thing that’s especially important to me is making sure mothers exist in photos. So often, they’re the ones taking all the family pictures, capturing beautiful moments of their children and partners—but never stepping in front of the camera themselves. Years later, their families have albums filled with memories, yet they are noticeably absent from them.

Having a family photoshoot with me ensures that mothers are seen, their love and connection with their children and partners are captured forever. These images will be cherished by their children in the future, providing them with tangible memories of the bond they shared.

I also take great pride in helping people see themselves in a new light. So many of my clients arrive feeling self-conscious, convinced they “aren’t photogenic.” Seeing their confidence shift when they view their final images is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

We are often our own harshest critics, but a beautiful photograph can remind someone just how incredible they truly are.

 

5. What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your work, and how did you overcome it?

I’ve been fortunate to work with so many wonderful clients, but early on, I learned a tough lesson: not every client is the right client for me.

One experience that stands out was a wedding client who had a very specific (and unrealistic) vision but wasn’t open to my professional advice. I wanted to do my best for her, and my inexperience and lack of confidence meant I didn’t speak up about my concerns, but her demands made my job much harder. On the day, I bent over backwards to accommodate her, but I was second guessing myself the whole day which made it a very draining experience, but I kept my professional face on and thankfully, everything worked out and she was thrilled with the final images. 

But I walked away from that job feeling shaken to the core and it made me question my decision to become a photographer.  Luckily I didn’t throw in the towel and that experience taught me something valuable: I am my own BOSS! I don’t have to work with EVERYONE. It’s okay to walk away from a job if the fit isn’t right. Now, if I sense red flags, I listen to my instincts. The stress of working with difficult clients just isn’t worth it, and I do my best work by far when I’m working with people who trust me.

6. What’s something surprising or unexpected you’ve learned from your experience in this field?

That being a photographer isn’t just about taking photos!

In fact, the actual photography is only a small part of the job. Most of my time is spent behind the scenes—answering emails, editing, planning sessions, marketing, sending invoices, managing my accounts, ordering client products, and running the business side of things. Many people assume photographers spend most of their time behind a camera, but in reality, a huge portion of my work happens long before and after a shoot.

Another surprising lesson I’ve learned is that the best photographers aren’t always the most successful ones in the industry. Of course, skill and creativity are important, but I’ve seen incredibly talented photographers struggle to make a living, while others with average photography skills build thriving businesses.

The difference? Business skills.

If I were starting again, I would invest more in business training first, rather than spending all my time perfecting my photography skills. Marketing, pricing, branding, client experience—these are the things that make or break a photography business. You can take the most stunning images in the world, but if no one knows about you, or you don’t know how to price yourself profitably, you won’t last long.

That’s why I believe being a strong businessperson gives you a greater chance of long-term success than simply being a great photographer. The photography industry is incredibly competitive, and understanding how to attract, serve, and retain clients is just as important as taking beautiful pictures.

So if I could give advice to anyone starting out, it would be this: Learn the business side first. Master the craft alongside it. And never stop learning both.

 

7. What do you think makes your work or approach unique?

Versatility.

Many photographers specialise in one specific niche, but over the years, I’ve developed skills across a wide range of genres—studio and outdoor photography, portraiture, personal branding, commercial work, and even video. I’m just as comfortable using studio lighting as I am working with natural light, which gives my clients flexibility and variety.

I’m also incredibly lucky to live on a family farm, where I have access to beautiful private locations that no other photographers use, along with my own home studio. Having both indoor and outdoor options means I can tailor every session to suit my clients’ needs perfectly.

 

8. If people could take away just one thing from what you do, what would you want it to be?

A photograph they love—one that makes them feel good about themselves every time they see it.

For those who aren’t my clients, I hope they take away the belief that it’s possible to build a career doing something you’re passionate about. Dreams don’t happen overnight, but with persistence, dedication, and small daily steps, they can absolutely become reality.

Or, as a sign on my office wall says:
“Life is like a camera—focus on what’s important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things don’t work out… take another shot!”

 

9. Is there a moment or interaction with someone that has stayed with you and continues to inspire you?

Growing up, a family friend was really into photography. His house was filled with beautiful photos of his daughters, and I remember wishing we had images like that in our home. We had a few snapshots of us dotted about but nothing to the same level as this family.  

I since heard a quote that said something about ‘children who grown up seeing photos of themselves around their home will have a stronger self-esteem than those who do not, as they realise that their Parents want to show off the things in their home they love and are proud of, and their children should be top of that list’.  

That really resonated with me and my own house is covered in photos of my boys, and I realise just how much that early influence stuck with me.

10. Outside of work, what’s something about you that people might not know but helps define who you are?

I’m a very sociable person and love being around people, which is why I have such a strong circle of friends and clients who I genuinely enjoy spending time with. I don’t relax easily (unless I’m on holiday!), so I’m always on the go—whether that’s playing tennis, horse riding, or organising something. In fact, I somehow ended up as Chair of our local tennis club, which keeps me busy too!

But something that truly defines me is that I’ve always been deeply interested in people and their stories. Before becoming a photographer, I worked as a Recruitment Consultant, which meant I spent a lot of time interviewing people and learning about their careers, ambitions, and experiences. I absolutely loved that part of the job—getting to know people, understanding their journey, and helping them take the next step.

Now, in many ways, I do something very similar—but through photography. I help my clients tell their stories through images. Whether it’s capturing a personal branding shoot that reflects who they are in business, a family session that preserves a special stage of life, or a portrait that helps someone see themselves in a new light, photography is just another way of storytelling.

What I love most is the relationships I build with my clients over time. Many of them return for shoots year after year, or every other year, and I get to document how their families, businesses, and lives evolve. There’s something really special about photographing a child as a newborn and then again as a teenager, or helping a business owner refresh their branding as they grow and succeed.

So while photography is my craft, people are my passion. The connections I make through this work are what make it so fulfilling, and I never take that for granted.