Alanna O’Neil – From Fashion to Photography, Cultivating Intuition, and Mastering Holistic Storytelling | Episode #211

You have literally one shot that you can make the most of, that you can design it and create this life that you envision.

Alanna O’Neil

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Alanna O’Neil’s story is one of deeply rooted intuition. Beginning her professional life in the world of high-end fashion, Alanna’s career took a dramatic turn as she left the hustle and grind of New York City to reconnect with her love for nature and visual storytelling in the breathtaking landscape of Maui, Hawaii. Now a professional photographer specializing in lifestyle, travel, and food photography, Alanna has cultivated a thriving career that merges artistic passion with mindful living.

A self-taught photographer, Alanna has developed her storytelling skills with intentional practice, constant experimentation, and a commitment to holistic creativity. Her two books, The Art of Picnics and The Outdoor Table, celebrate the joy of connection through food and the outdoors.

Looking ahead, Alanna is set to expand her creative reach with her Visual Voices Collective program, a holistic photography mentorship designed to help others explore their artistic potential. She’s also stepping into a new chapter as an educator with an upcoming workshop in Ireland, blending her love for food, culture, and visual storytelling.

Through our conversation, Alanna shared invaluable insight into navigating imposter syndrome, the power of trusting your intuition, and the importance of finding balance between growth as an artist and the demands of running a business. Her thoughtful approach to both life and photography serves as a reminder of the endless possibilities when you stay true to your vision.

Here are three major highlights from our conversation:

• Alanna reflected on her bold leap from the fashion industry to photography, emphasizing the value of designing a life aligned with personal passions.
  
• We explored her mentorship program and upcoming workshop, underscoring her dedication to nurturing creativity in others.
  
• Alanna opened up about the challenges of imposter syndrome, sharing practical tips for photographers to trust their instincts and cultivate confidence.

Speaking with Alanna was a refreshing and enriching experience. Her dedication to photography as both a craft and a way of life offers so much inspiration for those seeking to make their mark. Sit back and enjoy this insightful episode!

Q: When did you decide that you wanted photography to be a career?

Alanna: I think it was honestly just a few years ago. I value freedom so much—the ability to work where I want, when I want—and I’ve always had this entrepreneurial spirit. There’s something in me that’s so ingrained against working for someone else or in a way that doesn’t feel soulful or connected to how I want to live this one life. Photography gave me the chance to design a life that feels deliberate and meaningful.

Q: How do you utilize intuition in your photography and storytelling?

Alanna: I think all photographers have these triggers—things that are just so innately ‘you.’ When I see a certain scene or light, I just know I’m going to photograph it. The closer you get to understanding what those triggers are, the more second nature it becomes to frame and compose your shots. I also think it’s important to follow your curiosity. If you try something new and it feels different but exciting, lean into that and see where it takes you.

Q: How do you navigate imposter syndrome as a creative?

Alanna: Imposter syndrome is such a real thing for any creative person. I think it’s important to open up to others—whether it’s a friend or a creative community—and just say, ‘Hey, I’m feeling this way.’ You’ll find that most people are dealing with some version of it too. Photography is so vulnerable because it’s a reflection of you, your values, and your vision. But when you connect with others, you realize we’re all just figuring it out as we go, and that’s okay.

Key Links and Mentions from the Episode

Connect with Alanna O’Neil:
Website
Instagram

People Mentioned:

1. Zoe Hiljemark – PR and marketing expert for photographers: Website.
2. Karen Williams – PR and marketing consultant for photographers: Website
3. Josh Wells – Mentioned in relation to PR for photographers.

Places and Locations:

1. Maui, Hawaii – Alanna’s current home and business base.
2. Vermont, USA – Alanna’s home state which influenced her early appreciation for nature.
3. New York, USA – Where Alanna studied fashion design at Parsons and worked in the high-end fashion industry.
4. Ireland (County Cork) – Location of Alanna’s upcoming visual storytelling workshop.
5. England – Where Alanna attended a photography retreat.
6. Dublin, Ireland – Mentioned for its lively culture and influence on Alanna’s love for the country.

Tools & Gear:

1. Canon DSLR Camera – Alanna’s primary camera: Website.
2. 50mm Lens – Used for her book photography.
3. 24-70mm Lens – Alanna’s go-to lens for versatility in her photography.

Projects & Opportunities:

1. Visual Voices Collective – Alanna’s holistic photography program helping photographers refine their visual voice.
2. Ireland Visual Storytelling Workshop (July 2025) – Hosted in County Cork in collaboration with Raw Milk Retreats.
3. The Art of Picnics – Alanna’s first book, celebrating outdoor dining and nature: Amazon Link.
4. The Outdoor Table – Alanna’s follow-up book exploring seasonal outdoor dining experiences: Amazon Link.
5. Brand Collaborations – Alanna works with various lifestyle and food brands, creating custom product photography and storytelling campaigns.

Key Themes Discussed:

1. Transition from Fashion to Photography – Alanna’s shift from high-end fashion in New York to a nature-focused creative life in Maui.
2. Self-Taught Photography Journey – Learning through experimentation, YouTube, and online courses rather than formal education.
3. Intuition in Photography – The role of gut instinct and personal triggers in visual storytelling.
4. Creative Plateaus and Growth – Understanding stagnation as part of the learning process.
5. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome – Building confidence in creative work and ignoring external pressures.
6. Pitching to Brands – Strategies for working with companies on food and lifestyle photography projects.
7. Book Publishing Challenges – The struggles of securing a publisher and the benefits of self-publishing.
8. Natural Light in Photography – Alanna’s preference for using only natural light in her work.
9. Workshops & Education – The value of in-person learning versus digital courses.