Aly Hansen often feels like the wedding photographer for couples who prefer an authentic portrayal of their day for keepsakes, rather than a traditional wedding photographer. She specialises in film photography but also includes digital images, prioritising true-to-life colours and a carefully curated collection when delivering the final gallery. Aly Hansen's approach is genuinely documentary in style, yet she is always willing to guide you during portraits and assist with family lists.
Tell us about your Aly Hansen Photo!
My business is very human above anything else and that carries over into my shooting style. My work is film-heavy with digital sprinkled in. I often feel like the photographer for couples who don’t want a wedding photographer, but a plus-one photographing as a close friend would. I’ve been told I’m a calming presence on your wedding day which is the highest compliment.
What would you like couples to know about you?
I’ve done things off-kilter from the day I started; I was thrown into wedding photography accidentally when a photographer cancelled on a couple and volunteered me instead. I’ve broken the “wedding rules” from day 1 because in the beginning I didn’t even know there are rules. I do things how I want, and it’s attracted other carefree and artistic, sometimes rebellious couples into my sphere. I am really grateful.
Where are you based?
I am based in New York City and Richmond, Virginia — hopping between the two.
Do you travel for weddings?
Yes, the bulk of my work is travel – mainly the East Coast and down south.
How would you describe your style?
Honoring the integrity of all skin tones is very important to me, as well as true-to-life hues of the grass, the luminance of the sky, the shade of your mother’s carefully chosen dress. I shoot a lot of film so my digital work is edited to match those classic and timeless tones.
What is your most memorable career moment?
Probably when one of my couples surprised their 150 person wedding with a hot air balloon. Or when I got invited to watch and photograph the historic solar eclipse in Upstate New York for a wedding.
What inspires you?
My partner of 14 years is very private, and I get a lot of inspiration from our quiet, behind-the-curtain moments to be honest. Our love inspires me to find that same secret magic in the couples I’m photographing, and bring it to the surface so that their photos speak to the essence of them.
I of course get inspiration from cinema (lots of movie nights in my world!) and I love studying famous photographers of the far away past.
How would you describe your working style?
I’m an introvert, so my approach to photographing is quieter than most— but I can certainly command a scene when it’s necessary. I aim to be as unobtrusive as possible, but I’m not afraid to get in the way and take risks. I appreciate that my couples give me that freedom and trust that I’ll know when it’s time to step back and honor a moment by letting it happen off camera, too.
Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?
I shoot both, but specialize in film. My engagement sessions are photographed on 100% film mediums.
Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?
Yes!
What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?
Polaroids. I shoot on the original Polaroid camera from 1972. The way that camera’s film chemistry renders photographs is unmatched to modern day polaroids. It’s really something special.
Where would you love to travel to for work?
I would love to photograph a wedding in Maine.
Who is your dream client?
I don’t think too much about that to be honest. Everyone thus far has felt like a dream. If you trust me to do my thing, you are my dream client. We have a good time.
What is your advice to couples getting married?
Do what you want. Really. My couples break a lot of the rules and they have so much fun and freedom in doing so. Your family / friends will understand— the day is about you and what you want, first and foremost. Guest experience is second– unless of course guest experience IS most important to you, in which case, hell yeah.
Aly Hansen Photo
Website: alyhansenphoto.com
Instagram: @alyhansenweddings