Meet Urooj Alam | Portrait Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Urooj Alam and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Urooj, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Growing up, I always enjoyed being creative, whether it was drawing and painting, or playing piano or guitar, and singing. I never truly “got tired” of being creative. When I realized my creativity through portrait photography could also generate a sustainable income, I could not help but feel like I’d finally found my calling. Often we hear the term “starving artist” used to describe those in creative careers, but this does not have to be the case. If creativity is truly a passion, there are ways to turn that passion into a source of generating income. When you truly feel like you’re doing something that matters, then obstacles and challenges that arise do not seem insurmountable because they are no match for how much you love what you do. You’re willing to fight for it and dedicate your time and energy to growing it, finding ways to make it work and hopefully thrive in time.
The fact that I can make an income doing what I love each day is icing on the cake. It never feels like “work” or like a burden that I can’t wait to get off my shoulders. Even when things get hard, I know it’s temporary. The fulfillment I get from doing portrait photography definitely makes me look forward to many more years ahead.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My style of photography is best described as clean, modern, and true to life. The images captured show fun, authentic moments of love and happiness. I strive to capture a consistent look for all my clients- What my clients see in my portfolio is what they’ll also get when they choose me to capture their photos. I’m very proud of the diversity reflected in my portfolio. Our metroplex grows more diverse by the day, but often times minorities are underrepresented in the work and porfolios of luxury services such as portrait photography. I’m grateful that I’ve worked with so many different ethnicities and backgrounds over the past five years, and that many of them have allowed me to display their photos on my website and social media. Some families have even stated that they chose me specifically because of not only the quality, but the diversity they saw in my images.
When choosing me, an Asian American single mom of two, my clients are supporting a minority woman-owned business. Their choice directly affects my family and the kind of life we can have. Though at times it can be challenging to balance the work and home life demands, experience the lack of “paid vacations” or sick leave, I’ve found ways to ensure my kids and I spend plenty of quality time together when we have it, which is a priceless benefit of self-employment.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have visitors from out of town from time to time, and my favorites places to take them are… Breakfast at First Watch, Starwood Cafe, or B&B Cafe.
I always take my friends to Downtown McKinney! So many dining options, botique shops with unique offerings, and one of my favorite spots- The Comedy Arena! They always put on a great show. Easily a day’s worth of fun can be had in Downtown McKinney.
Another area I enjoy taking friends is the Frisco Rail District, Frisco Square, and nearby Frisco Star. Between all of those, there are so many food and shopping options. Summer Moon is a must-have coffee spot, we visit Popperella for great popcorn to munch on while on the go, or Main Event or Snookered for some classic fun activities.
Another favorite area is The Boardwalk at Granite Park. My favorite restaurant there is The Biscuit Bar.
Grandscape in The Colony has become such a fun area to explore, even has a ferris wheel and an indoor putt putt place called Puttery, offering a truly unique, adults-only ambiance. Seven Doors Kitchen & Cocktails has delicious food and desserts with a friendly waitstaff. If your friend enjoys the great outdoors, they’ll love exploring the sporting goods store, SCHEELS.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I cannot thank my parents enough for both supporting my creativity since I was a child to watching the kids for me so I could work. Though my marriage did not work out, my ex-husband did encourage me to pursue photography and supported my early visions of the business. As time went on, I learned from industry mentors such as Ana Brandt, Kelly Brown, Jasmine Star and Ben Hartley. They are photographers and educators that help everyone from beginners to professionals continue to improve their craft and businesses.
The clients that told their friends and family about me early on and to this day are truly the biggest influence every day in continuing to do what I do. I have clients and families that have returned many times over the years- The Walkers, Cottones, Sirdesais, Baldaufs, Stones, Mathers, Conrads, Tomers, Parikhs, the Erwins, and many, many more! I would not be where I am today without such families in “my corner.” They’re clients that I also consider friends.

Website: www.uroojphotography.com

Instagram: @uroojphoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uroojphoto

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/urooj-photography-frisco

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTgqE-GBdOk-Ck6pLL_WU5w