Tenant Profile: Alexandra Wallace Photography

In the latest in our series profiling some of our amazing tenants we put our questions to Alexandra. As a professional photographer, the images she shares on her social media tend to be a bit special. And if you haven’t seen her recent pictures of Sheffield wild swimmers you’ve missed a treat: they offer a glimpse of a particular passion which captures the imagination of many Sheffielders. (Our blog on wild swimming is still the most popular blog post in our Hobbies series because there’s such an interest in it locally I think).

Here is a little more about her and what she does, including links where you can find about more and get in touch.

How would you describe what you do?

I’m a portrait, food and lifestyle photographer. I work with a lot of independent companies and makers to create effective and inspiring imagery to enhance brands.

Why did you create your business?

I studied photography at university and after assisting with lots of different photographers I realised I wanted my own company and identity. I love working with different people everyday and on different projects - it keeps my ‘job’ exciting and fun. 

Where does your business name come from?

I kept it personal so run my business as my full name.

Any defining moments?

Working with so many different people and helping them build their brands is one of the best things about my job. My favourite is seeing a returning client to work with me, it makes me feel on top of the world. I also love to work on personal projects when I get time - at the moment I’m photographing wild swimmers in the Peak District which has been a lot of fun!

What do you love about running a small business?

How free I am to do what I want and say no to things if I don’t feel like its the right job for me. I love seeing my work pop up on peoples sites or in print which always makes me do a little happy dance.

What do you like least?

Tax returns, people asking you to work for free because your freelance, no holiday pay. 🤣

Any tips for anyone thinking of setting up on their own?

Do lots of research into what you want to do, speak to lots of people who run their own business and see if its right for you. I assisted lots of photographers before I went on my own to see what kind of photography I enjoyed the most and to see if I could do it by myself.

What would you say to anyone else running/setting up a small independent business thinking about getting a unit at Harland Works? What works (or not!) for you being here?

I absolutely love our unit at Harland Works! I love the community of people that rent the other spaces and the cafe downstairs too! Sophy is so on hand with everything and made us feel so welcome when we started.

What's your favourite social media platform and how do you feel it works best for you in building a relationship and community with your customers?

Instagram is my ultimate favourite. Apart from my website, it’s where I can share my work everyday for people to see. Sometimes my website doesn’t get the reach so having this platform is so helpful. I love you can add stories too so you can show people what you’ve been up to.

How can people find out more about you and what you do?

My website shows my portfolio of work which you can visit here - www.alexandrawallace.co.uk

My instagram is @alexandrawallacephotography - which shows more of my life as a photographer and snippets of paid and personal projects.

Feel free to get in touch by email - hello@alexandrawallace.co.uk

All Photos Courtesy of Alexandra Wallace Photography