At Evolve Edits, we love highlighting photographers who have built thriving businesses by creating sustainable workflows. This week, we’re featuring Alisa Stilwell, a talented wedding and portrait photographer. Based just north of New York City, her portrait studio has become a hub for both wedding photography and portrait photography, serving clients across multiple stages in their life.
What began in 2011 when Alisa and her brother took up the torch from their parents’ wedding video and photography business has evolved into a full-time studio focused on longevity, service, and building long-term client relationships. Today, they combine years of industry knowledge with a deep understanding of what it takes to nurture client connections and grow a photography business.
Watch the Interview:
Alisa Stilwell talks about growing her wedding and portrait photography business through long-term client relationships and efficient workflows.
Creating a Full-Service Wedding and Portrait Photography Studio
Initially, Alisa didn’t have a physical studio, as wedding photography didn’t require one. In the early days, she met with clients in coffee shops, showcasing album samples and offering consultations. But as the business grew, she and her brother moved into a small office space. This was the turning point when they felt like true professionals, adding a layer of legitimacy with their own dedicated physical space.
The next evolution came when Alisa decided she wanted to offer portrait photography alongside weddings. She realized she had outgrown that office space when she tried to set up a 10-foot roll of seamless paper, and that’s when she decided the business needed a bigger space. With a larger physical studio now in place, Alisa was able to bring wedding clients into the space more comfortably and have more room for portrait shoots, fully transforming the business into a full-service studio.
Image © Stilwell Photography & Films
In-Person Consultations and Building Lasting Client Relationships
For Alisa, having a dedicated studio space wasn’t just about creating a professional image; it was about cultivating genuine relationships with clients. Photography is highly personal, and it’s essential for the photographer to connect with their clients on a deeper level. A physical studio allowed Alisa to create an environment where these connections could flourish, providing an intimate space for in-person consultations.
Alisa’s goal has always been to offer more than just photos. She wanted to provide clients with the ability to preserve their memories through albums and wall art, making the experience more meaningful. This focus on client education is key—Alisa works closely with clients to understand what they plan to do with their photos in the long term. She emphasizes the importance of printed products and encourages clients to think beyond digital files, offering long-lasting heirloom products that can be passed down for generations.
Image © Stilwell Photography & Films
Growing a Business with Outsourcing, Automation, and Diversification
As Alisa’s business grew, so did the challenges. Balancing wedding photography and portrait photography—two completely different processes—wasn’t easy. Throw in videography and running a small business, and it felt like she was wearing multiple hats every day. Alisa found herself juggling everything: from working with the accountant to editing photos, managing album designs, and client follow-ups.
To address these challenges, Alisa turned to outsourcing and automation. Her partnership with Evolve Edits for color correction, album design, and editing freed up Alisa’s time, allowing her to focus on what she loves: capturing beautiful moments and building long-term relationships with clients. Alisa explains that outsourcing has been essential to her success, adding that she’d probably be out of business without it.
As a small business owner, Alisa has learned to focus on areas where she excels, leaving the technical aspects to experts. By working with professionals in areas like editing, marketing, and printing, Alisa ensures her clients get the best possible service, all while keeping her business running smoothly.
Image © Stilwell Photography & Films
Navigating Consumer Trends and Staying Ahead of the Curve
The photography industry is constantly evolving, and Alisa has worked hard to stay on top of ever changing trends. She observes that clients today have different needs and expectations compared to when she first started. Alisa has adapted her offerings to meet those demands. She’s also noticed how clients’ needs change depending on where they are in life—some are just starting out, others are expanding their families, and she wants to be the photographer they turn to for every milestone.
Alisa is always looking for new ways to diversify her business and continue offering valuable services. By focusing on portrait photography, she’s tapping into a whole new client base, even as she continues to serve her wedding clients. However, this diversification isn’t without its challenges. Alisa is exploring ways to automate more of her processes and make her business more efficient to handle both portrait and wedding photography seamlessly.
Image © Stilwell Photography & Films
The Power of Client Relationships and Diversification
Alisa’s story is one of growth, adaptation, and a constant drive to improve the client experience. By offering both wedding and portrait photography, she’s built a diversified business that can withstand the ups and downs of the industry. Alisa’s dedication to client relationships, coupled with the support of partners like Evolve Edits for editing and other partners for her marketing, ensures that she can continue to offer high-quality service while scaling her business for the future.
We’re proud to feature Alisa Stilwell and celebrate her success. As her editing partner for over a decade, we’ve witnessed Alisa’s journey firsthand—her ability to pivot, adapt to changes in the industry, and maintain a commitment to excellence has set her apart in the world of wedding and portrait photography.
What can Evolve's editing services do for your business?
Want to scale your photography business like Alisa? Let Evolve handle your post-production editing so you can focus on shooting, selling, and growing. If you’re looking to grow your business and take post production to the next level, Evolve is here for you!
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