Alayna de Graaf has been capturing life’s magic through her lens since 2010, growing her Adelaide-based photography business with the help of ServiceSeeking. Specialising in weddings while also offering family, event, and corporate photography, Alayna’s work is about preserving moments people can return to for years to come.
“I have always been passionate about photography and always wanted to be a photographer since I took my first photo when I was nine,” Alayna shared. After completing an Advanced Diploma in Visual Communication and Graphic Design, she registered her ABN and launched Alayna de Graaf Photography.
She describes her work as a partnership with clients, creating images that bring back the feelings and experiences of each captured moment. “If you are mindful whilst you are photographing or having your photo taken, it’s possible to remember exactly what was happening at that time.”
ServiceSeeking has been an important part of Alayna’s journey, consistently providing quality leads and helping her business stay visible. “It helped my business grow by always finding work for me,” she said, adding that half of the weddings she has shot came through the platform. “ServiceSeeking is a main part of my business.”
Alayna’s approach to attracting and retaining clients is straightforward and warm. She focuses on making people feel comfortable during shoots and keeps the door open for them to return whenever they need updated portraits. “I am friendly at the shoots and just let people know that if they would like photos done again in the future, they are welcome to contact me back.”
Her business continues to evolve, with a home studio for product photography, a recent move into corporate headshots, and a side venture in handmade jewellery that she is building into her brand. Live streaming her creative process and blending photography with online selling are part of her plans to align her work with her goals.
Alayna believes that good advertising and maintaining strong skills are key ingredients for business growth, while success for her is measured through skill development, beautiful photographs, and happy clients. She has learned that clear communication is essential. “Always be clear and up front, plus make sure that the brief is properly understood,” she advised.
When times are quiet, Alayna finds strength in nature, creativity, and trusting in the flow of life. “Having inner strength by knowing myself well has taught me that being kind and honest are most important.”
As she looks ahead, Alayna hopes to continue growing her photography work while expanding her jewellery business, remaining hopeful about the future. “Jobs always come along even if there can be quiet periods.”
Her commitment to capturing authentic moments without unnecessary fuss or pressure has earned her praise from clients, especially brides who have been grateful for her wedding photography at a reasonable cost.
Alayna de Graaf Photography is a reminder that when you combine passion, skill, and consistency, you can build a business that not only captures memories for others but also grows in a way that aligns with your life.