Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Boldischar.
Hi Alyssa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I always knew I wanted to be an artist. When I was about 7 years old my mom gave me her old film camera. I fell instantly in love with taking photos. I would save up my chore money to buy and develop my film. My passion for photography grew even more in High School when I took a darkroom photography class. I loved discovering the magic of developing my own film. In college, I studied art with my main focus on digital photography and pottery. I had some amazing professors that encouraged me to pursue my passions. After earning my Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Minnesota in 2012, I became a Freelance Photographer. I have dabbled in so many types of photography over the last 10 years. I have shot weddings, seniors, families, newborns, dogs, curated styled shoots, adventures in travel photography, photographed US Presidents, shot celebrities, I have done photos for books, calendars, magazines and newspapers. I jumped into Photography wanting to explore with my camera. I have found that putting myself outside of my comfort zone has really helped me develop more skills and kept my job very interesting! Currently, I am mainly focused on wildlife photography and busy with my pottery business.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Starting out in any creative field as a solo artist has its challenges. I had to work hard to master my craft, find my style and market myself. It can all be overwhelming at first. I think the hardest thing, in the beginning, was putting myself out there. When you put your heart and soul into your work, you can only hope people like what you do. We all want to feel accepted, right? Don’t be afraid to take chances and showcase your work, even if it is controversial. Just know that you can’t please everyone and that is okay! Stay true to yourself, know your worth, and do your best. That is all we can do!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
It has been an exciting adventure exploring, and experiencing new places and opportunities with my camera. Some of my favorite accomplishments include having my photo published on National Geographic’s website, being featured in art exhibits across Minnesota, published in several books, photographing the St. Paul Firefighters Calendars, and being hired as a Travel Photographer.
Another major part of what I do is having the opportunity to use my skills for good and give back to my community. I have been very fortunate to have worked with several local non-profits such as Free Arts Minnesota, Canine Inspired Change and Spare Key to help further their mission and raise money for their causes. The people I have met through these experiences are truly inspiring.
The Covid-19 pandemic made it very difficult to run my photography business. Staying apart and wearing masks created challenges when I’m used to photographing people up close. I wanted to stay creative and find something I loved to do from home. I had a pottery studio at home for a few years and love working with clay. So in 2021 I officially started a new business! I made a creative online shop called Opal + Birch. I sell pottery, make things with wood, design clothing featuring my photography and sell goods that are inspired by nature. I love being able to combine my passion for photography and pottery all while continuing my lifelong desire to stay actively creative.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Growing up so close to my Grandma, Joyce! She was a huge positive influence in my life. She was a talented artist, an amazing cook and an all-around beautiful person. She encouraged me to be creative from a young age. I spent countless hours at her kitchen table doing arts and crafts. I have always been drawn to art; the concept of creating something from my imagination, drawing things from my dreams and capturing memories with my camera. Creating art has always brought me comfort even when times were hard growing up. I am thankful to my Grandma for encouraging my creativity throughout my life and supporting me, always.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alyssaboldischar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssa_boldischar_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Alyssa.Boldischar.Photography/
- Other: www.opalandbirch.com
Image Credits
Alyssa Boldischar
