Today we’d like to introduce you to Ally Bowman.
Ally, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey into photography really began long before I ever picked up a professional camera. As a little girl, I was always fascinated by old photographs. I loved sitting with my grandparents, flipping through photo albums, hearing the stories behind each image, and feeling the nostalgia those memories carried. Even then, I understood how powerful a photograph could be- it could freeze time, preserve emotion, and keep a story alive for generations.
That love stayed with me, and in 2021 I stepped into photography professionally. What started as a creative passion quickly became something much deeper. I fell completely in love with the opportunity to document people’s lives in a way that feels timeless, candid, and raw.
As a mother and a woman of faith, my perspective on photography has only deepened over time. My relationship with God is at the center of how I love and serve others, and it has shaped the heart behind Chosen Photography. I truly believe every person, every family, and every story carries beauty and significance. My goal is to create a space where all people feel welcomed, seen, celebrated, and loved exactly as they are.
Today, Chosen Photography has grown into a Minnesota-based destination wedding and lifestyle photography brand centered on storytelling, emotion, and legacy. My hope is never just to take beautiful photos- it’s to preserve the feeling of a moment so that years from now, people can step back into the love, connection, and emotion they experienced in that season of life.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Overall, it has felt like a smooth road, and I’m really grateful for that. Of course, like anything in life and business, there have been challenges along the way, especially learning how to balance motherhood, entrepreneurship, and serving my clients well.
I’ve always tried to focus on the good and trust that each season brings growth. Every challenge has helped strengthen my faith, refine my business, and remind me why I’m so passionate about preserving meaningful moments for others.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At the heart of what I do, I help people hold onto the seasons of life that pass by far too quickly. I specialize in weddings, families, motherhood, and lifestyle sessions that feel natural, emotional, and true to the people in them. More than perfect poses, I’m known for capturing the in-between moments. The laughter, movement, tears, and connection that tell the real story.
What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. People are inviting me into some of the most meaningful moments of their lives, and I never take that lightly. I’m proud that the experience I create allows people to feel comfortable enough to be fully themselves, because that’s where the most beautiful images come from.
What sets me apart is the way I love people through this work. My faith is the foundation of how I serve, and it’s important to me that every person who steps in front of my camera feels welcomed, valued, and deeply cared for. I truly love everyone, and I want that to be felt not only in the final images but in the entire experience. For me, photography is less about taking pictures and more about preserving legacy, emotion, and the feeling of being loved in a moment that matters.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about Rochester is that it truly feels like home. I grew up here, my family and community are here, and there’s something really special about the way it feels smaller, safe, and deeply connected. I also love having the Mayo Clinic here- it brings so much heart, purpose, and diversity to the city.
I naturally tend to focus on the good, so I honestly don’t spend much time thinking about what I like least. For me, Rochester has always been home in the best sense of the word.
Pricing:
- Lifestyle sessions: packages range from $300 – $600 depending on session type and coverage
- Wedding collections: packages range from $2,500 – $4,500 with custom options available for destination weddings and unique coverage needs
- Film add-on: $50 per roll for any session
- I’m deeply passionate about making sure people have photographs to hold onto the fleeting moments of life. I truly believe everyone deserves memories to cherish, so I always do my best to work within different budgets when possible, especially for families or couples who may be in a tighter financial season.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chosenphotography.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chosenphotography.co
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chosenphotography.co/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/chosenphotographyco/
