Meet Allison Scherrer | Portrait Photographer

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

Hi Allison, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I certainly do not see myself as a risk taker. I very much like to analyze every situation from worst case to best case scenario. I am most comfortable when enough of the “knowns” are present and it is hard for me to move forward when they’re not. When you are an entrepreneur, it is unquestionably an internal conflict to not want to take a risk, but also know that you have to in order to build something successful. For me personally, one of the biggest risks I take as a creative business owner is the risk of rejection. This particularly stands out to me because it’s an area where I feel I have such limited control. It’s not something that is talked about much, but there really is an emotional/psychological risk that you take when you create something and then put it out there for people to love, hate or feel indifferent about. Self-doubt can creep in when it doesn’t feel like things are progressing fast enough in your business. I put a lot of value in myself as an artist based on the value others see in me, and it can be incredibly intimidating. Being a business owner is a hard gig. You have to take the risks, you have to get comfortable with the uncomfortable, and you have to keep pushing forward even in the face of failure and rejection. If you only let fear guide your next move, you will cultivate nothing. It can be a very humbling experience. However, I am truly certain that if your passion calls you to it, your results will be worth all the peril and sacrifice that you may face along the journey. As Peter Drucker once said, “Whenever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision”.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’ve been in the photography industry for 11 years, specializing in newborn, family and senior portraits. I first opened my business in Kansas, but recently my family and I relocated back to Eastern Colorado. In many ways, I feel like I am starting back at year one, and rebuilding my business has by far been one of the most challenging things I have ever done. I am remembering so vividly how hard you have to keep pushing forward until something gives! If it feels like you aren’t succeeding, it’s important try something new, mix it up, and keep going.

My photography style/brand lands somewhere between portrait photographer and photojournalism. Creatively, I love bold, rich colors and focus on capturing emotions, personalities and connection. I want my clients to feel comfortable in front of the camera and will talk them through every minute of our sessions together. I am not one for awkward pauses! Building authentic relationships is important, and I strive to provide an amazing experience to anyone who works with me. My clients are all great people and they deserved to be made to feel that way!

This year, I am incredibly excited to be getting back in to a studio space in Limon, Colorado! It will allow to me to offer so much more to my clients, especially when the winters can seem to last forever! Having a studio space gives me a great area to be creative and also make my clients comfortable. I’m looking forward to serving the Eastern Colorado area for many years to come!

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?
While a person could drive easily to Denver or Colorado Springs for entertainment, there is much to be experienced on the Eastern Plains of Colorado. Some great museums include the Limon Heritage Museum (Limon, Colorado), or the Old Town Museum down the 1-70 Corridor (Burlington, CO). If you’re looking to spend some time in the great outdoors, the Paint Mines in Calhan provide a great little hike paired with some beautiful scenery. Of course, in the summer and fall months, there is always somewhere to find live music, a county fair or a rodeo! You can also head over to the Prairie Ridge Buffalo Ranch (Limon, CO) to book a buffalo tour or hunt, and while you’re there enjoy some yummy buffalo burgers! Because we are farming and ranching family, we also love to have friends and family out to our farm to relax and enjoy a little slower way of life. We enjoy riding the pastures, feeding cattle and watching the calves play, or even giving combine rides during harvest. Putting people back in touch with the land and agriculture gives us a great sense of pride.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many people and various avenues of education have helped me along the way. I would first like to give a shoutout to my husband, Brice. He is an agricultural entrepreneur (aka: a farmer and rancher) which basically means he makes his entire living taking risks. When I started my business we were newlyweds navigating the territory of being new parents. Brice encouraged me to purchase my first professional camera and pursue this journey. He has helped push me out of my comfort zone and has always stood behind me in my endeavors. I’m glad hes’s on my team. My mother and grandmother have also been my biggest cheerleaders and I appreciate their support immensely! My mom also gets credit for any ounce of creativeness I possess, and my father for any business sense! Of course, I would not have had any success without so many kind and loyal clients over the years. Their support has meant the world to me!

Website: www.photographybyallisonscherrer.com

Instagram: @photographybyallisonscherrer

Facebook: www.facebook.com/photographybyallisonscherrer

Image Credits
Kelsi Madsen