Aly Nickerson is an eclectic photographer in Atlanta, GA. She has been a photographer in some aspect for 10 years and has shot everything from weddings, families, birth and newborn, to personal creative work of self portraiture and documenting her everyday with her children. Aly prides herself as being unique and all over the map in terms of genres she shoots and style of work and processing. She loves craft beer, houseplants, 90’s-2000’s music, and inspirational quotes, as well as taking any personality test she can get her hands on.

For more inspiration from Aly:

Website | Instagram

Learn from Aly inside the Academy.

Here is Aly, Unraveled…

What inspired your art?

My inspiration for my art hasevolved over my time as a photographer. Recently, my inspiration is finding myself as an adult, loving myself for who I am, and beating to my own drum.

What do you shoot with? Camera body and favorite lens?

Currently I shoot with a Canon 6D, Fuji xt100, and occasionally iPhone 8+. My favorite lens is generally anything 24mm and wider, but I do love using an 85mm for some self portrait work.

What other ways do you express your creativity?

Photography is my #1 resource for creativity. I dabble in aspects of digital collage work within my self portraiture as a way to grow creatively.

How do you de-stress at the end of the day?

I spend time in my plant (dining) room admiring and pruning my plants. I also LOVE to binge watch netflix or catch up on YouTubers I love.

What kind of music do you listen to while editing?

Death Cab for Cutie, J Roddy Walston and the Business, and Kings of Leon. Sometimes I do listen to a podcast, especially Beyond the Secret with Ace Fanning or anything in the true crime world.

What is your favorite book?

The Giver by Lois Lowry

How do you handle self-doubt or creative slumps?

I used to shoot through them, but I have learned that it is better for me to give myself grace and NOT force myself when I am in a slump. I now spend time focusing on other goals, spend time with my family, or find new artists to follow. I’ve also been known to go back view old work in a new perspective.

What has been the most difficult part of your creative journey?

The most difficult part was definitely getting over the self doubt and how to handle the creative slumps. Social media has turned photography and creative work in general, into something we feel like we need to be producing constantly. It is OKAY to not produce an epic photo every week. It’s actually not even truly reasonable. I aim for one photo I LOVE a month.