I fell in love with photography in the dark room; the art of the film camera, the magic of an image appearing in the developer, the peacefulness of working with only a red light. I then deepened my horizons, studying alternative photography methods & the modern age of digital photography, photojournalism and computer editing.
I see myself as a sentimentalist. I have learned to slow down and notice the beauty in the world around me, and there’s nothing I love more than taking a moment of joy and capturing it, to savor forever.
“Which of my photographs is my favorite?
The one I’m going to take tomorrow.”
– Imogen Cunningham
Founding Aly Jean Photography
2012 is the year Aly Jean Photography officially commenced. Aly graduated from The Collge of St. Scholastica🎓 and moved to the twin cities after securing a full-time professional photography job. Wedding wedding photography was launched that summer as well. While in the cities, Aly was also seasonally employed at Valleyfair at the Old Time photos studio (old western saloon dress-up pictures).
In 2014, we moved back to Duluth and Aly Jean Photography has been photographing families in the Northland ever since. In 2015, Aly married her wonderful husband Justin 💕.
In 2018, our spacious Lakeside studio opened in Duluth. We were fortunate enough to expand to multiple backgrounds and sets and were able to offer indoor sessions year round.
Covid and the year 2020 – it hit us all, one way or another. For Aly Jean Photography, it meant the closing of our Lakeside studio, and waiting to see what came next. AJP slowed down during the pandemic, which paired with a few personal tragedies for photographer Aly.
Since then, we’ve continued to photograph weddings and offer photo sessions for families, graduates, and more. Recently, we have moved from Duluth to Moose Lake, MN. Duluth is still a market we serve; we have simply expanded south and are open to customers there are well.
As wonderful as it was to have a studio at our disposal, we have focused on mobile photography and utilizing the beautiful scenery Minnesota has to offer. We have a mobile set that is able to reach people in their homes when the weather isn’t agreeable, and for indoor sessions.
Aly also does freelance photography for local events such as Grandma’s Marathon and does press photography for The Star Gazette newspaper.
About Aly
How it began – While in college, I found my first photography job working at the local JCPenney’s portrait studio through Lifetouch studios. While it was a great learning experience, the high focus on sales verses time behind the camera made it challenging.
After graduating college followed by working for Nationwide Studios in the Twin Cities for two years, I moved back home and focused on offering freelance photography. I am able to be be flexible as my schedule allows and adjust to the market and the seasons. I love being behind the camera and working with individuals of all ages.
I spent over 7 years in childcare and thrive working with children. I also grew up with pets (my childhood dream was to be a veterinarian!) and always love it when we can include family pets in the frame. My patient and calm demeanor helps me interact well with both young ones and pets.
My objective every session is to get to know my subject(s), help them relax and become comfortable with me and the camera. The best photos are when we can showcase the subject’s personality and their true smile shines through their eyes.
alyjeanphotography.com 