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Life & Work with Alyssa Cromer-Riddick of Virginia Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Cromer-Riddick.

Hi Alyssa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
ABC Captured Photography really started long before I ever thought of it as a business. I’ve always loved learning about people and their stories, and photography became a way for me to capture those meaningful moments. At first, it was just something I enjoyed doing, but over time I realized how powerful it was to help people preserve memories they’ll carry with them for a lifetime.

As I grew, I refined my style and am working on bulding a brand around authenticity, connection, and storytelling. Today, I feel really grateful that what started as a passion has turned into work that feels purposeful — getting to capture life’s milestones and create images people truly connect with.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road — and I think that’s true for most meaningful journeys. There were a lot of moments where I had to learn things the hard way, from building confidence in my work, to navigating the business side of photography, to balancing creativity with consistency. I’m still learning everyday.

One of the biggest challenges was trusting myself enough to take it seriously and treat it like a real business, not just a passion project. There were seasons of doubt, slow growth, and figuring out my own voice in a very saturated industry. But each challenge helped me grow — not just as a photographer, but as a person — and taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of staying aligned with my values.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At ABC Captured Photography, I specialize in portrait and event photography. People often say I’m known for making clients feel comfortable and present, so the images truly reflect who they are. What they love is that we even offer complimentary drinks during each session to help everyone feel relaxed and at ease.

I’m most proud of how much I’ve grown and the relationships I’ve built along the way — being invited into people’s lives to capture moments they’ll cherish for years is such an honor. What sets me apart, beyond the complimentary drinks, is that I really take the time to listen, understand each person’s vision, and translate that into photographs that feel authentic and truly reflect who they are.

What makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is connecting with people and capturing those small, real moments — the laughter, the little gestures, the unplanned smiles. It makes me happy because life moves so fast, and being able to preserve those fleeting memories means something lasting for the people I work with. Honestly, it’s a joy for me too because I’m pursuing my passion.

Pricing:

  • Starter (Starting at $175 in 2026)

Contact Info:

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