PHOTOGRAPHER | Alana Blythe

Based between NYC and Philadelphia, Alana Blythe approaches each wedding with the aim of creating something entirely new. Her goal is to capture you authentically, organically, and artistically. She specialises in a loose editorial style of photography, capturing moments from a documentary perspective with an emphasis on details, unique perspectives, and the in-between moments. Everything Alana Blythe observes culminates in candid, visually interesting, and genuine images that encapsulate your love in a manner that is honest, bold, and playful.

Tell us about your business! 

I started photographing weddings when I dropped out of university and immediately knew it was what I was meant to do with my life. I now shoot film and digital and travel for about half of my weddings each year. I love details, unique perspectives, atmosphere shots and the in-between moments. Putting together galleries that feel full of life and tell the entire story of the day is so rewarding to me, I feel that gallery curation is an art in and of itself. 

I don’t specialize in one type of wedding. Weekend or destination weddings, courthouse ceremonies, eloping in Vegas – I’ve never felt the need to niche down. Usually, my couples get really creative with finding authentic and unique ways to tie the knot. Variety is truly the spice of life. 

Even though I feel like I’m constantly learning and evolving, my style has always remained documentary over posed and artful over ordinary. I like to create something entirely new and interesting for every couple and I only take a small, curated amount of weddings each year so I’m able to do that well.

What would you like couples to know about you? 

First and most importantly, I truly feel like I was placed on this earth to photograph people in love on their wedding day. I feel that this is my purpose in this life and I don’t take for granted the trust that’s placed in my hands. I also thrive and create my very best work when I work with couples who do trust me wholly and embrace all parts of the day with an open mind and open heart. 

My main goal is to create real relationships with my couples. Really get to know them. (My advice is always book the vendor who feels like a friend). Connection is what gives life to my work. When your photographer feels like a friend in the room with you, you feel it. And you feel it in photos too.

Where are you based? 

Philadelphia and NYC – However, a move will take me out west pretty soon, so I’ll be splitting my time between the east and west coast.

Do you travel for weddings? 

Absolutely. I usually travel for half of the weddings/elopements I take each year.

How would you describe your style? 

Artful documentation for the bold and playful.

What inspires you? 

The coasts, jazz and house music, print media, real love, early 2000s rom coms, exploring new cities, light leaks, interior design.

Do you shoot digitally, on film or both? 

Both! Wedding galleries are typically 65% digital and 35% film. Polaroids are also included.

Do you have custom packages according to individual needs? 

Yes – I create collections for every couple. Everything is custom based on the specifics of the celebration.

Where would you love to travel to for work? 

I’d love to shoot a wedding weekend or elopement in Portugal, Nova Scotia, Joshua Tree, Iceland, Hawaii, Egypt, Spain, or Japan. I also dream of a custom build for a weekend long celebration out in an open valley in Wyoming or Idaho or Montana.

Who is your dream client? 

I am drawn to people who don’t take themselves too seriously. Aren't afraid to take risks. Go against the grain. Love art and design. People who are kind and crazy about each other. Couples who understand how important the creative process is and don't sweat the small stuff. Maximalist. Those who are just really excited to get married above all else.

Alana Blythe Photo 

Website: alanablythephoto.com

Instagram: @alanablythephoto