Today we’d like to introduce you to Alison Huntley.
Hi Alison, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a Pet Photographer currently based in Mission Hills, San Diego. I grew up on the east coast and was surrounded by the arts and music my entire life. My grandmother was a Julliard-educated portrait painter and professional pianist and my mother was a Professor of Music who did theatre and sang opera until her recent passing. My stepdad was a photographer and that piqued my interest in learning darkroom processes and discovering how to ‘see’ through a lens.
I have two Master’s Degrees….one in Public Administration and the other in Counseling Psychology. I was a practicing Psychotherapist at a non-profit agency for most of the 20 years I lived in Boston. I am also an IPEC Certified Life Coach and worked as a divorce and recovery coach in Boston, as well. I was blessed with two boys who are my light and life…with one living in Leucadia and the other in Aspen.
I relocated to San Diego in 2010 after spending one too many winters in Massachusetts. Once I was settled here, I became an EAGALA Certified Psychotherapist. EAGALA stands for Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association and is considered the global standard in equine-assisted therapy. This non-traditional form of therapy was a magical time for me as I saw just how powerful horses could be in the healing process. I primarily worked with PTSD and Addicted clients.
It was during this time that I picked up my old Nikon D90 to capture the beauty of the horses and also began photographing the beautiful sites that are abundant in SoCal. I slowly transitioned into being a full-time fine art photographer. Over the years I have shot underwater photography with models, portraiture, special events, headshots, real estate, engagements, and weddings, to name a few. I also spent time working with a team of photographers to create magic on set. There were storyboards and MUAs,…costuming, and set design. And as I always say of that time period, it took a village to create the amazing art that I captured. I also was a still photographer on several movie sets, with the most recent being The Samuel Project with Hal Linden. After COVID everything was turned upside down and it was at this time that I made the leap into focusing on photographing pets. I have a beautiful studio in my home and love the ability to shape light and to capture the emotions, joy, and craziness of people’s pets. And these ‘pets’ have included boa constrictors, geckos, giant turtles, and of course doggos and kitties!!!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have had my share of challenges but they have made me into the person I am today. It was difficult to discover that I could not practice Psychotherapy in California without my getting a 3rd Master’s in Marriage and Family counseling. This was the impetus to get EAGALA certified. I wanted to continue practicing and this modality allowed for that. I have a connection with animals that is so endearing to me and I finally decided to focus my photography on them.
Other obstacles include having dyslexia, which makes technology, numbers, and learning a bit more difficult for me. I am self-taught in all aspects of photography and lightroom and without the guidance and support of some amazingly gracious and patient teachers, I am sure the struggle would have been much more than the challenge it was. Of course, it takes years to refine the various technical aspects of photography….and I am continually learning. I have dabbled in so many niches with photography, however, this has actually honed my skills.
I also work a variety of part-time positions including pet sitting, photography assistant, professional organizer, and as an office manager for a local acupuncturist…to name a few. It is challenging to be so busy and yet trying to stay focused on building a pet photography business. I am currently looking for a VA to help with the more technical aspects of social media and Marketing.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Currently, I am specializing in studio photography with animals. I am also taking classes to learn how to shoot animals outside in natural light! This includes using the surrounding scenery to frame and to capture fast-running animals. And trust me, to get an image of a big animal…running straight at you….in focus…with all feet/paws off of the ground is no easy feat!
Recently, I have also been shooting headshots or assisting others in doing so. I just completed an actor headshot …and she was gracious enough to bring her adorable poodle who needed some studio time, as well! But I do enjoy this modality!!!
The most fascinating and challenging type of shoots were those done underwater. For over two years, I spent A LOT of time in cold water learning how to optimize images that were difficult to capture. Not only did the models need coaching on how to act and pose underwater, but also how to hold their breath while acting ‘natural’. And even though I was in pools…after 4 or 5 hours… in a 3/2 mm wetsuit… I would turn blue:) The models would also change costumes in the water….and I was rarely out of the pool the entire time! But the results were always stunning.
Another favorite was shooting local real estate properties from the air. San Diego buyers usually wanted to know ‘how far they were from the ocean’ and I would hang out of the doorless helicopters capturing great images of our mountains, coastline, and properties. It is stunning to be able to see San Diego from the air…and certainly to fly over the ocean. And, I have seen my share of whales and great whites… but safely from the skies!
And as for ‘what sets me apart from others is the fact that I am over 65 years old! I am blessed to be athletic and have rarely (if ever) acted my age. Overall, I believe my education, my family background, my intuitiveness, my fearlessness and my desire to always keep learning is what surprises people the most. Life is short… take each moment to grow and learn… and treat others with compassion for you will always be remembered for how you make others feel!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
As noted, as a photographer, I was self-taught. So, that means I spent years on YOUTUBE and ADOBE websites learning from the pros. I am now on Pet-Centric blogs and podcasts and continue to learn with each new update of the ADOBE softwares.
I am also a member of NIKON PROFESSIONAL SERVICES which supports full-time professional photographers. Their support services are exemplary and I was blessed to be able to get the newest mirrorless Nikon Z9 recently. I have no words for just how amazing this flagship camera is!!!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alisonhuntleypetphotography.com
- Instagram: @alisonhuntleypetphotography. @alisonhuntleyphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/alisonelizabethhuntley. www.facebook.com/alisonhuntleypetphotgraphy. www.facebook.com/alisonhuntleyphotography
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/alisonhuntley12
