In the news: Voyage Denver
Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Mai.
Ali, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Building up Yellow Apricot Photography has been a slow process. Though I founded it in 2019 — officially registering the business last year — it had to take a back seat while I worked in journalism full-time. It wasn’t until recently that I started investing more into my portrait business. Though Yellow Apricot is just getting started, I caught the photography bug at an early age, playing with disposable cameras.
After taking senior portraits for my friends in high school, I decided to do whatever it takes to build a career around my camera. Since completing my B.A. in photojournalism and minor in fine art photography in 2019, I’ve primarily worked as a reporter/photojournalist for local papers. I co-founded Ms. Mayhem, a Denver-based online publication, and serve as a photo editor.
While I’m still in journalism as a freelancer, I found that I really love photographing weddings and that my background in documentary photography is transferrable. That’s the direction I see Yellow Apricot going.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road hasn’t been smooth at all. I’m still filling in the potholes!
I had my time divided with journalism jobs while delivering takeout to make ends meet after the pandemic affected my income.
In 2020, I developed nerve compression in my arms. It was a long process of getting a diagnosis and treatment, and I’m still rebuilding my strength. After surgery on both arms last year, I’m on the mend and back to working full-time.
I still experience chronic pain, but it gets a little easier every day. Five months ago was still clouded with uncertainty as I was still recovering from my operations.
To not know if I would ever be well enough to fully participate in what brings me joy was devastating. Photography has always been a constant in my life, and to lose it for an extended period of time reaffirmed my passion for it. I’m extremely grateful to be behind the camera again.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Yellow Apricot Photography?
Yellow Apricot Photography is an LGBTQ+ and WOC-owned portrait photography company based on the Front Range offering everything from branding sessions to weddings. Colorado’s photography industry is collaborative and welcoming. There’s a lot of talented folks out there, and I’m reluctant to say I set myself apart from others.
However, I believe that there’s a right photographer for every client. Portraiture is a partnership so it’s important that both parties, the photographer and person in frame, feel comfortable and work together well.
With so many photographers out there, all I can do is stay true to myself and hope my new business can carve out its own little corner.
My bread-and-butter is documentary photography so when I’m covering weddings and events I’m always looking for the little moments. I love genuine emotions, so I like directing people with prompts more than poses. I love hyping up the person I’m photographing and playing a Spotify playlist. Overall, I strive to make it a fun time.
I also keep it natural in the processing. I want clients to feel like I captured them in their best light, but I would never edit them to look like a different person. It’s all about balancing flattering retouches while preserving their unique beauty.
My editing style is inspired by film with the way I color grade. I try going for a look that is both timeless and nostalgic. I may or may not be offering digital-film hybrid sessions in the future. Stay tuned!
While I’m on the topic of staying true to myself, the name Yellow Apricot is a reference to my Vietnamese heritage. My birth name roughly means fragrance of yellow apricot blossoms. It was important to honor that part of myself.
Since I started moving towards wedding photography, I considered how my identity as a queer woman played into owning a business. I thought about what kind of brand I’d want to hire at my wedding and what they would do to be inclusive. I ask for pronouns and avoid gendered language. As a wedding vendor, it’s important to recognize not every wedding has a bride and a groom.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Styled shoots! This is a fun way to both build your portfolio and meet people in the photo biz.
Contact Info:
