Meet Alyssa Tranbarger | Photographer & Creative

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

Hi Alyssa, what matters most to you?
Authenticity has always been a defining facet of my personality as well as my brand as a photographer and creative. In a time where social media has become so oversaturated with people pursuing creative avenues similar to mine, I find that the creatives that I always gravitate towards and look up to are those who share their story so authentically that I feel like I’ve known them for years. Seeing their struggles and successes equally help to break down that weird parasocial relationship that a lot of us seem to have with people online nowadays.

I love showing people behind the scenes of my creative process and how I execute a project from start to finish. Being authentic in my experience in the joyous parts of being a photographer – and also sharing how difficult this job can be – is a really important aspect of my journey to share with other creatives, and I feel an intense gratification if my experiences can help or encourage just one other person.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art lives in the space between conceptual and tangible. One of my favorite parts of my work is bringing to life a space that previously only existed in my mind, which I feel is an incredibly intimate experience for a lot of artists. Sharing the truest essence of yourself and what you create is an equally exposing and exciting experience. As a creative portrait photographer, I lean heavily into creating a feeling beyond just showcasing my technical knowledge behind the camera. The more I’ve allowed myself to be creatively receptive and fully immerse myself into my work, the stronger and more meaningful it’s become.

I draw a lot of inspiration for my work from music. I grew up playing saxophone and piano, and studied music for three years in college; it is truly at the core of my being and where I find creative comfort, artistry, and joy. During the planning process of a shoot, I almost always have a particular song in mind for the mood or storyline I want to portray, and I usually listen to that same song while I’m editing after the shoot is finished. I also have sound-color synesthesia, which is an involuntary neurological phenomenon where the brain may associate sounds with a particular color, number, or shape – this also helps me to meld the conceptual parts of my work into something more visceral and emotionally resonant. I can’t imagine my work without being influenced by music, and I don’t think I’d ever want to.

My career path up until now has definitely had its share of challenges, but I think that’s what makes the creative payoff so rewarding. When I first started, I had no idea which direction I wanted to take my photography in, and no one to give me instruction on how to find my footing in building a creative community. I’ve dabbled in just about every niche you can think of, and starting out, I took every job I could get behind the camera for. It took time to find my style, build trust, and learn how to run a business without losing the soul of my art. There were times I questioned everything (and sometimes I still do!) but every obstacle taught me something, whether it was how to better communicate with clients or how to protect my creative energy.

I’m most proud of the way my work helps people see themselves differently. I’ve had clients tear up when they see their photos—not because they were perfectly posed or edited, but because they felt truly seen. That’s at the heart of what I do: creating space for people to show up as their most authentic selves. Being vulnerable, both in front of and behind the camera, is a quiet kind of strength – one that asks us to be present, honest, and open to being changed.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a beverage gal to my core – I love finding new places to have a little drink! I’ve been really into matcha lately and have been loving Cha Sen in Bishop Arts and Okaeri Cafe in Richardson. For something a little stronger, I love Bottled in Bond in Frisco and Apothecary in the Lower Greenville area. Their espresso martini is killer!

For shopping, my favorite spots are Salvage Shoppe and Old Bear Vintage in Denton, as well as Deep Dive Vintage in Arlington. Doc’s Records and Vintage in Fort Worth has some really amazing vendors as well, and I can easily spend a few hours perusing their vinyl selection.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Working with Glaze Zine (based in Austin) has had a huge impact on my art and how I’ve continued to build my creative community in Texas. Glaze is a full-size print publication with over 150 contributors each volume, including makeup artists, writers, stylists, models, photographers, and creatives of all kinds. Each volume of the zine showcases a new theme and allows creatives to collaborate and has truly helped my art to flourish and grow.

Website: https://www.alyssatranbargerphotography.com

Instagram: @alyssatranbargerphoto

Image Credits
Personal photo taken by Lexi Sanchez – Instagram @lexoreno