Meet Alli Tompkins | Newborn and Family Lifestyle Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alli Tompkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alli, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I am an introvert. Taking risks and putting myself out there is not something that comes easily to me. However being an entrepreneur is all about taking risks and putting yourself and your brand out into the world. It’s how you find new clients, create new offerings and serve your people well.

When I started my photography business almost 5 years ago I was terrified to put my work out there. The imposter syndrome was REAL. Who was I to ask people to pay me real money to take their photos?! But the more I took risks to post my work on social media, or to create a new offering and market it, or to try new creative techniques at sessions the more positive feedback I got!

Did my risks always pan out? Not always. But the good stuff stuck. I’ve learned from my failures and successes, honed my craft and my brand has evolved into what it is today because of those risks.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a natural-light lifestyle photographer who specializes in newborn, motherhood and family photography. My work is all about connection and the love found in families. I love to get to know my families, find what makes each of them unique and then show them through photography what I see and love about them. In a session this looks like playing games, being silly, cuddling and tickling, and doing activities that your family really enjoys together. To me, the ordinary moments are what makes a family extraordinary.

I have done client sessions all over the city of Houston, but my absolute favorite place to photograph families is in their own homes! Your home is where you live your life and love your people. It’s where you feel the most comfortable That comfort and love lead to authentic, emotive photographs that will be cherished for generations.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m a Houston native and my husband and I are big baseball fans (our first date was to an Astros game) so we’d definitely go to either an Astros or Space Cowboys game!

We also love good food and wine. We’re members of the Nice Winery club so would start there for some excellent wine on their cute patio and from there go to some of the fabulous restaurants Houston has to offer. Some of our favorites include Hidden Omakase, La Lucha, Guard and Grace and Izakaya Wa.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I never would have had the courage to start my photography business if it weren’t for my extroverted BFF June Shim. She has championed me from day one and was my very first client.

Also, building my dream would not have been possible if I had not had the encouragement and support of my husband Clay. His faith in me has never wavered. I love you Clay!

Website: www.allitompkinsphotography.com

Instagram: @allitompkinsphotography