Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Bluhm.
Alicia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My passion for photography started back in grade school. I always had to have one of those Kodak disposable cameras for any big event. I remember my grandfather always had a camera. He never wanted to miss the opportunity to capture our families memories. I believe his passion was something that flooded my heart at a young age. Even looking back at photos and remembering those times fills my heart with joy. The famous saying “A picture is worth a thousand words” is more than just a quote; there is so much truth behind it. A photo can tell a story or make you relive a nostalgic memory that the heart longs to experience once again; even if it’s just for a moment.
I didn’t discover photography as a profession until 2021. My life was kind of on a survival stage and stuck in the 9-5 life for the last 16 years. I was blessed to become a mother to my first beautiful daughter at the age of 20. I was a single parent working two jobs and trying to finish college. I have worked with children since I was 19; as a childcare teacher, and then switched to working with special education children in the school districts. Helping students struggling with behavioral issues had its challenges, but making an impact in their lives for the better was life-changing for me. I found so much joy and reward in my career but always felt like I was missing something.
In 2016 I was blessed with my second daughter. Being a mother was the best blessing I could have asked for. I definitely was that mom with 10,00 photos on my phone, making sure I captured every moment of their lives. I continued working in the schools, but struggled financially on an educational salary, was starting to experience burnout and knew something had to change. In December of 2019 I suffered a Brain Aneurysm rupture while playing in a basketball game. It was a life-changing event that was the pivot point for me to refocus my life. The surgeon placed a coil in my brain and after only spending 7 nights in the hospital I was able to go home to my girls on Christmas morning, I had no short term or long term deficits; I only have God to thank for that, he placed me in the right hands at the right time. My outlook on life changed from that moment, my faith grew and I started to realize there is something better out there. Then the Pandemic hit 3 months later. I was out of an educational job, not sure what the future would hold. January 2021 I took a leap of faith and ordered a professional camera. I started watching Youtube videos and taught myself everything I needed to know about photography in 2 months. It all felt so natural and came so easy to me. I started using my beautiful daughters as my subjects for the next 5 months. Towards the end of 2021, Prevail Ann Marie Photography was created and I haven’t looked back since! It’s been a complete blessing and a new beginning for my family. The peace and comfort I have when behind the camera is something I had longed to feel. I love everything about it and thank God for leading me to it, It’s more than just a business to me. I love my clients and their families. Being able to be blessed with the ability to freeze a moment in their lives, that will tell their story for years to come is truly an incredible feeling.
Besides my photography business, I’m on the board of directors for One City Minnesota a non-profit. I’m in charge of the single-parent advocacy program. Currently, I am working with youth from our city on hosting a “Youth Culture Unite Fashion Show” that will be held this summer. My passion of photography along with helping youth has become something I can combine to better serve our community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For the most part, it has been a smooth transition, but with every new adventure, there always comes some sort of challenge. It’s just the way you look at that challenge and how you choose to respond. It can either stop you or if you use it to help challenge yourself it can work to strengthen you. I think my biggest challenge has been trying to market myself. It was hard for me to get out of my comfort zone and believe in my work. I was lucky enough to have my amazing family and 5 amazing best friends to speak the truth about my work. I don’t think I would have stuck it out or even thought about creating my own business if it wasn’t for them. To be honest my 5-year-old is my best marketing tool, one day she decided to bring some of my business cards in her pocket to Target. She then ran up to all the pregnant mama’s handed them a card saying, “My mom takes the BEST baby photos”.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Prevail Ann Marie Photography?
My vision for Prevail Ann Marie Photography is to be able to capture families in their elements. To be able to tell their stories and capture those memories that only a photo can expose. I specialize in family photography, but newborn sessions are by far my favorite. I have been told by many clients that they felt calm and comfortable during their newborn’s photoshoot. Being a mother myself I understand the nervousness a new parent can feel when someone else is holding their new baby. It takes a lot of patience during newborn sessions, luckily patience comes second nature to me. I also love thinking outside of the box when doing sessions. Bringing some fun and jokes into the posing process, which can be awkward for some people. I enjoy using creative props to help tell a story or I bring out the bubble machine to captivate the little kiddos and get those genuine smiles.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
My favorite app I use for my business and nonprofit work is Canvas. I use this for many different things, from business cards, flyers, marketing tools and presentations. My favorite App to get me through life is the Bible app. Whenever I need a reminder to keep going or remember his promises, I pull it out and it changes my outlook on any situation.
Contact Info:
- Email: Prevailannmariephotography@gmail.com
- Website: Prevailannmarie.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prevail.ann.marie.photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrevailAnnMariePhotography
Image Credits
Makally Photography- Jodi Elkins (headshot photo)
Alicia Bluhm (All other images)
