Ale Behr, professional photographer, opened the doors of her home. In Bloom sat down to chat with her about how she likes spend time, self care rituals and wake up routines.
“My favorite time of day is when I have finished EVERYTHING I had planned to do, I shower, put on my pajamas, and I settle in to a relaxing evening at home.”
Ale Behr is wearing our Boyfriend Vera PJ Set Retro Stripes.
Describe how you spend your time (what you “do”)
I am a portrait photographer. A lot of people know me for my baby portraits, but I also take portraits of children, pregnant women, families, adults, and I do fashion and advertising photography as well. I spend my days taking photos, testing out new lighting, studying, creating new concepts, and supervising the teamwork we do in the studio. I never find myself with “nothing to do,” nor am I ever truly able to totally disconnect…not even when I’m on vacation! Perks of the job, I suppose. “Be your own boss” they said…
How did you begin your journey as a professional photographer?
I always knew that I wanted to create, to make art. However, I never imagined that I could make a living through art, or that I would find a medium I felt so passionate about and that I am good at. I took some photography classes when I was in university, but I had already fallen in love with photography long before. I began as an intern and assistant to a photographer friend whom I admire greatly, eventually choosing to embark on my own journey and establish my first studio.
What/who is your favorite thing to photograph?
What I like most about photography is EVERYTHING! I am a hyper active person and I’m always looking for different things to do. With photography I am constantly motivated and it keeps me from getting bored. I love having something different to do each day…although I cannot deny that I have a penchant for photographing pregnant women. What I like the most is that each day brings with it new people, new stories to tell, and even new friends – people who arrive at my studio with whom I end up connecting so well, it results in relationships that span years.
What is the most challenging aspect of being a photographer?
The most challenging thing about being a photographer…well, there are a few challenging things: The very fact that there is never “nothing to do,” as previously stated, makes it difficulty to ever fully disconnect from work. Then, there are the occasional clients who have a different perspective or expectation…in other words, difficult clients. Each session we do in the studio is a totally unique universe, and my team and I work hard and give all we can to ensure amazing results. While it hasn’t happened much, there have been times when that hasn’t been enough. Also, if perhaps I haven’t had the best day and I have a session scheduled, I have to make the effort to leave my problems at the door, because in order for a session to be successful, my model (big or small) has to feel comfortable, safe, and happy, and so it is up to me to create a genuine and pleasant atmosphere.
What is your wakeup routine?
My wakeup routine varies with each day, but I always make sure to take a minute to embrace my husband before getting out of bed. Then, sometimes I work out, I take a shower that ends with a splash of cold water, I perform my skincare routine, and I eat a light breakfast with a good cup of coffee.
What is your favorite time of day?
My favorite time of day is when I have finished EVERYTHING I had planned to do, I shower, put on my pajamas, and I settle in to a relaxing evening at home.
Enjoy our Boyfriend Vera PJ Set Golden Ikat.
I have various self-care rituals: my daily skin care routine, I eat tons of throughout the whole week, I exercise whenever I can, I light some scented candles at night, I always relax with a warm chamomile tea before bed, and sleeping a solid 8 hours.
Do you have any tips for winding down at the end of a long day?
For me, it is super important to indulge in quality rest time, but my rituals vary. Sometimes I opt for a glass of wine, a good series, and an early bedtime; sometimes I grab my purse and head out to a nice restaurant with my husband or some friends, which always renews my energy and helps clear up any traces of a tough day.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
The best advice I have ever received is “everything arrives when it is meant to, you just have to trust that there is a perfect plan for you.”