Meet Alicia Hutcheson-McEntire | Adventure Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alicia Hutcheson-McEntire and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alicia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I really like following my own rules and having freedom in my hours and days off. Something a regular job rarely offers is that type of freedom with limited PTO and days off. Owning my own business offers me that freedom to work a 2 or 14 hour day, or not work at all and enjoy the beach for a day.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Let’s start with what sets me apart. I grew up with a rough and unusual childhood. From this, I became somewhat obsessed with love. I love… love. When I started to really pinpoint my focus in my photography, I could never say it was a specific genre. I realized what sets me apart is my ability to capture emotion. Emotion that is already a flawless art…being able to capture that authentically and candidly..is a great challenge. I do my best to create RAW situations where people are their true selves and are not worried about all the “material” things. To find and capture that love in a family, couple, wedding, or even a soloist finding his or her power and confidence. It’s a rewarding feeling to edit my photos and see real smiles, laughs, and authentic feelings. I also would consider myself a moody photographer. I love dark, and intense. I love passionate kisses and hard hugs. I get my couples kissing in the salty waves of a powerful sea, or jumping under fresh waterfalls in crisp chilly mountains.

I am most proud of my style. I have gotten to a place in my career, that the people who book me, trust me completely as an artist. They do anything my creative brain wants, and it is so freeing and incredible, that in three years I have my ideal clients and create some of my favorite images every session because of that trust in my style.

I thought about the name of my brand for a while and finally decided on The Captured Experience. It’s truly such an honor when I receive replies, or after session texts, when people say they absolutely loved the entire experience. It was a truly captured experience.

So, the long story..how did it start. I got my photography kick when I was 12 with an old Sony disc camera. Then through middle and high school that passion was on a back burner. I got back into it in 2018. I actually was capturing families on my iPhone camera. My dad believed I had an eye and gave me my first actual DLSR camera for my birthday that year. It collected dust for a year. I was scared of all the fancy buttons, when iPhone is so easy.
In 2019, my grandmother got really sick. I decided to wait my job in Hawaii and move back to South Carolina to take care of her. Through Chemo, she actually ended up doing a 180. She didn’t even need me. Although, my husband (Fiancé at the time), had already sublet our room for a year and it wasn’t possible for us tor return early. So until we could return, I picked up the camera and captured every friend I had. From car shows, families, couples and soloist.
In 2020, my husband and I got married in March, (yup it was canceled 12 hours before the ceremony). So we ended up eloping, and getting refunds on our venue, and all the vendors for our wedding. This made it possible to return to Hawaii with money in our pockets. I made a website and had started trying to put my name out there for photoshoots. Although Covid was rampant, and A lot of people encouraged us to delay our return in July 2020 to the islands, as they were still shut down. As my husband and I were discussing this, I heard a still small voice tell me to go. I have no doubt that God was telling us not to delay. We decided to return in July. My husband got hired immediately at a new business. I had picked up on really focusing on local families and offering inexpensive sessions and just booking enough to at east pay my rent. at the end of my two week quarantine, I had made enough bookings that were through the next 2 months. By January 2021, tourists had returned to the island and I blew up. by the middle of 2021 I had to hire an assistant and raise my pricing.
By 2022, I was booking sessions a year out, and booking travels across the country for weddings and adventure elopements.
In 2023, I have a west USA tour that got booked up within 2 weeks. 2020 was a year that was hard for so many, I feel immensely blessed that it was the year I began my photography professionally. I still have those local families book me every year and they have continued to show me support and recommend me to visiting families.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned, is how to market myself. My portfolio, my booking process, and my sessions are all inline with my moody and authentic style. When I started, I kept booking traditional clients that wanted posed photos, and matching outfits. I’ve created a process now that sends a style guide to my clients, or I style my clients myself, and encourages everyone to look at my portfolio to know the expectations. It’s now a massive reason I love my job and hobby so much. I book the clients that love my work, and not just looking for any photographer to take the regular holiday photos.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If someone was visiting Maui, Hawaii…I’d first say to buy some slippers. Or flip-flops. No need for those tennis shoes here.

First day, I’d take you on the Road to Hana. With 40 miles of twists, turns, 110 one way brides, and countless waterfalls and hikes. This Journey is great to start early and takes the whole day. I’d stop at Hana Farms for lunch and Halfway to Hana for shave Ice, and Aunty Sandy’s for her amazing Banana Bread.

Second day, definitely snorkeling in Makena to see turtles and coral. Then Lunch at Cafe O Lei for an amazing Ono fish special.

Third day, I’d explore Front Street Lahaina and do some shopping. I’d gran lunch at Captain Jacks and get their Philly cheese steak or fish and chips. Then I’d drive up the Haleakala Volcano and watch sunset. I’d bring tons of sweaters and blankets and stay to watch the stars.

Fourth Day would be a beach day. I’d probably rent some paddle boards and hang out in Kihei. Learning how to paddle board. I’d also take surf lessons, and then camp out with a grill and hotdogs at Makena Big Beach until sunset.

Fifth Day, I’d take you hiking up Waihee Ridge Trail for sunrise. It would be somewhat hard, but totally worth it. Then save money on lunch and eat at the food trucks by Costco. Rest for a few hours, then gran some headlamps and hike under a full moon on the Pali trail. It goes over one of the mountains, and it’s epic to overlook Maui and the ocean at night.

Sixth day, we’d hang out in Paia all day. We’d start at Hookipa and watch the surfers battle crazy waves and see all the turtles. Then we’d grab lunch at one of the many restaurants in downtown Paia, and walk around and shop.

Some other things I’d want to do are the Maui Ocean Aquarium which has an amazing whale 3D display. I’d also make reservations for Mama’s Fish House, Duke’s and 5 palms for fancy dinners months in advance.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First would be God. I believe I wouldn’t be anywhere close to where I am today without my faith and the quiet voice that has led me in the right direction at every crossroad. Then, two best men in my life for sure. My dad gifted me my first professional camera which is an obvious reason I became a photographer. The backbone of my support is my husband. He looks at countless photos, goes to my sessions and has always been a steady support for me. Lastly, my top fans. These guys have followed me, and have watched every photo I post, and have been an amazing support as I’ve grown.

Website: www.thecapturedexperience.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thecapturedexperience

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thecapturedexperience