6
December 15, 1997
SMOKE SIGNALS
SiiXnefinweun, ?at(i&
Tribal photographer creates unique family treasures
Jr
ise Alexander owns Beginnings Photography, and
works with families and their children to create very
, original, unique photo art of women during their
pregnancies, the birth, infants, and family portraits.
Lise, who has owned her business for twelve years, said
that it all began when a friend asked if she would take some
photographs of her new baby. The pictures turned out well,
and other friends started asking.
"After the first couple of sessions, I got smart and set a
price for my photos," she said.
But her big breakthrough came when Lise produced a
calendar for 1988 that was seen by various companies.
"I had one thousand calendars made that featured my
work just to use as a public relations tool," said Lise. "It
ended up on the desk of a man who owns a medical supply
company in Seattle. He really liked my work, and showed
the calendar to a colleague in Nebraska who owns an ob
stetrics supply company. He flew to Portland to meet me,
and hired me to do a calendar for his company, which was
mailed to every hospital in the United States."
Ever since then, Lise has gotten requests for her work.
Private families, as well as companies fall head over heels
for her baby photos. Her work has appeared in magazines
and journals, too, the most recent in Baby Talk magazine.
A graduate of Marylhurst College in Portland, Lise holds
a degree in Mixed MediaPhotography and even in college
did school projects that revolved around women and preg
nancy. "A pregnant women is really a beautiful form," she said.
"So many times mothers don't have photos of themselves
during their pregnancy because they don't want their pic
tures taken for various reasons. Many women don't feel
attractive when they are pregnant."
But Lise says some women end up
regretting that, and that she can pro
vide professional photos of women
during their pregnancy as welLas the
newborn and the family.
Lise said, "I have been very grate
ful to be able to use my art degree to
earn a living. So many people who major in the arts end up
taking a job in a different field to pay the bills. I have been
very lucky."
Owning her own business has allowed Lise to work from
her home, and be there for her children after they were born.
Her two kids, Philip and Carlie, are still young, but both are in
school now. Recently, Lise received an ONABEN loan through
the Tribe's Small Business Development division, which she
will use to purchase a computer and a Photoshop program. If
you are interested in Beginnings Photography for a family or
personal portrait, contact Lise Alexander at (503) 299-7423 in
Portland, or (360) 695-9322 in Vancouver, WA.
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