Alice Mae
I am a curator of romance and memories. I believe presence, connection, and beauty are what make life meaningful. I draw inspiration from my travels, slow and quiet mornings, old Hollywood films, good meals, and hearing the stories of others. With over 20 years behind the camera, I approach photography as both an art form and an experience. Alongside photography I love to write, and my photographs and words have been published by Glamour Magazine and StyleBlueprint.
What dream are you currently turning into reality?
In a world where being distracted and busy are the norm for most people, everything I do is rooted in slowing down, being present, and connection. I primarily photograph romance on 35mm film and have a print shop of film from my travels!
When did you first realize you discovered your dream?
I began shooting film when I was 11 years old, but the digital age arrived and took over for many years. Throughout my teens and 20s, I explored a variety of photography fields — musicians, seniors, product ad campaigns, weddings, fashion, etc. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I realized I wanted to make my way back to film, and my focus became documenting moments of people’s lives. I’d spent a lot of my life suppressing childhood wounds and operating in a lot of poor mindsets. By addressing those things, I was able to reconnect with myself and discover what I wanted to do with photography.
How does your faith go hand in hand with pursuing your dream?
There have been many people in the world who have accomplished great things and achieved their dreams without God. As a follower of Jesus, achieving my dreams isn’t the goal. Rather, it’s the relationship I’m building with Jesus and the person I am becoming along the way. He is the dream. Photography is just the current avenue that He has led me down in pursuit of Him.
What’s one or two practical steps you take to keep moving forward?
Renewing your mind with Scripture is something far too many Christians don’t take seriously. You are what you think - your thoughts prompt your action, or lack thereof. Your mind is often where spiritual warfare begins.
Prioritize the basics: good sleep, healthy meals and movement. Your body is a gift that carries you through life - steward it well.
What encouragement would you share with someone who’s going after their dream?
Many people’s dreams fail because they stay stuck and don’t adapt as the world evolves. To avoid that, foster a love for learning! Listen to podcasts, read books, and study what others are doing, even if they’re not in your exact field of work.