Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Donnelly.
Hi Alex, 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.
My love for photography actually began over 10 years ago when I was the model. I worked for Hooters for 8 years while I paid my way through nursing school; all the while I grew to love the process of it all. I was featured in 3 national Hooters calendars during my time with the company (2011, 2013, 2014) and have since started to offer assistance to my hometown hooters girls on their calendar audition pictures. Beyond that, I am a self-taught photographer that started professionally about 5 years ago, taking pictures of my daughter. I have been a longtime lover of all things art and photography and always had to have the latest cell phones with the best of the best cameras on them so that I could take and post creative shots of everyone around me. I am known by my friends as being the one that will always take pictures no matter the occasion. I have enjoyed it because I know that pictures are a way of capturing memories otherwise lost. About 2 years ago, my passion for all things photography morphed into a passion for women’s portraits and boudoir. As a busy mom myself, I realized that though I once was the one in front of the camera lens, I now am always the one hiding behind it. Life got busier as I got older and I didn’t spend the time I used to on my hair and make-up or getting dressed and ready, and I believed that unless I was “camera ready” that I wasn’t made to be in the picture. Until that meant that I was never in the picture. Who has time to be camera ready every single day while juggling 2 full-time jobs, 2 kids, a husband, and more? So, once I dabbled into boudoir and realized the impact that was made in these beautiful ladies’ life’s finally getting to be the one in front of the camera not only looking good but feeling GREAT! I fell in love with it. To know that I am the one that makes a difference in how someone feels about themselves is amazing. A lot of these women have never had their hair and make-up professionally done before or have never even worn lingerie. Most have never even done boudoir before or even considered it. I have spent my entire adult career as a nurse helping people and nursing them back to health. In a sense, I see boudoir photography as another way of helping people. Helping women, moms, survivors of abuse, divorcees, brides, and everything in between to find the confidence needed to take on the world as we should. What once started as just a love for the artistry turned into me creating a studio in the guest room of my home, then paying for hotel rooms and AirBnB’s to shoot out of, then renting studio space from locals, and now to having the most awesome permanent rental space from CKStudios in Dallas as a place to call my home studio. If it weren’t for the love, support, and motivation of my husband Shawn, and my family, I wouldn’t have made it this far in my business. And because of reading books like “Living Every Minute” by Dr. Tim Reynolds, I have found all new motivation to change the world one woman at a time, as I continue to grow personally and in my business! I’m ready to take it to the next level!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge and skill in my specialty making me confident in the experience that I offer. I am humble, and always looking to supersede expectations of my clients. I had to learn the business the hard way by undervaluing myself for the quality of work that I was producing! As we all know, practice makes perfect, and I am striving for perfection with each shoot and learning to not compare myself to the other great photographers of the world. My only competition is myself, as I am motivated by my passion to be a better photographer, friend, and entrepreneur.
I have had to take a lot of breaks from the business to escape an abusive relationship, move cities, have kids, finish my Master’s degree, etc., and I learned that any break on social media is not good for marketing and business. Lol I love what I do though. My husband sees my passion and has given the utmost support for me, and that means the world to me in what I do.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a professional Boudoir/women’s portraiture photographer. I focus on placing emphasis on the beauty of every woman that comes through my doors and help them to see themselves as empowered and confident. As they should. I specialize in this form of photography as an art. I am a perfectionist that takes pride in every image that I deliver. Not only do I take pride in ensuring the final product exceeds expectations, I also enjoy giving the entire experience from start to finish. I LOVE to make sure that my girls feel comfortable and at ease and leave feeling exhilarated. Boudoir is such a powerful thing. I am known for my “hype girl” charisma and personality that opens the door to a successful photo session, and I make it unlike anything you’ve ever done before. My girls end up not wanting to leave the studio, and they all want to do it again and again. It is fun and exciting, and did I mention EMPOWERING?!! I am so proud of the strides that I have made in the last year with growing my business. I have made some amazing contacts, have had some of the most amazing mentors, and have finally started to believe in myself and that I am worth it!
My personality and love for the art sets me aside from the others. I have always been a people person to the highest of degrees and in this field of work, it is almost a requirement. Boudoir is such an intimate and private experience that should be comfortable and easy. And with me…you get that! No matter your expectation of the day… you will be blown away.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I have spent over 5 years paying for online education courses, and one-on-one education, and have learned from my mistakes over the years. Growing with photography seems to be a daily adventure until you find your niche, and then it becomes and art! I have worked to perfect my craft for a long time and hit the mother load with my latest investment: Dallas studio owner and mentor: Courtney Shoemaker with CKStudios. She has taught me more in one session than I feel like I have learned in years. We seemed to have the same vision from day one. Her personality and energy match mine to a T, and her studio has been a DREAM! Hat goes off to her! In-person education and hands-on – lights, camera, action – has worked the best for me.
Contact Info:
- Website:
- https://www.
boudoirphotographybyalex.com/ - Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/ alexdonnellyboudoir/ or boudoirphotographybyalex - Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/groups/ 653499508997827
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alexdonnellyboudoir.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexdonnellyboudoir/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/653499508997827
Image Credits
Courtney Shoemaker
Kacie Shelby
Katelyn Stark
Kolby Dellinger
