‘Jo, Eton, 2026’ by Alicia Hall ARPS
As a child Alicia Hall ARPS took her first pictures on a disposable camera – and still cherishes those prints three decades later.
Today, she is an educator and creative director of an international studio representing 60 professional photographers.
Here, the UK-based RPS Associate shares some of her work – and her thoughts about the future of an industry grappling with an ever-evolving tool kit.
‘Hannah, Milton Keynes, 2026’ by Alicia Hall ARPS
What is your role in the world of photography?
I’m the Creative Director for Venture Studios. We have photography studios throughout the UK and internationally, so no two weeks are ever quite the same. Depending on what I’m doing I could be delivering online training, teaching face-to-face, visiting one of our studios or working with our production lab in Cheshire. Throughout the week I may speak to photographers and teams across the UK, US, Hong Kong and India.
Home is in rural Lancashire, which feels wonderfully peaceful after a busy week of travelling and working with people around the world.
When can you remember first picking up a camera?
The first camera was a film camera my mum bought me for Christmas from Snappy Snaps. It was a simple point-and-shoot camera, but from the moment I received it I was completely passionate about capturing moments.
My first photographs were of my surroundings in the Midlands, along with my friends and family. Even then, I was drawn to big emotions and meaningful moments. There was something so exciting about waiting for the film to be developed and finally receiving your prints.
I still have those little packets of Snappy Snaps photographs from the early 1990s. Looking through them now is incredibly nostalgic and reminds me why real photographs become more valuable as time passes.
When and how did you become a professional photographer?
I had always connected with art and used it to express myself. After completing my A levels I studied for a National Diploma in Art and gained a distinction for my photography work. That sparked something in me. I realised my art was meant to be created through a lens.
I went on to complete a degree in Commercial Photography at the University of Derby. As part of the course we were encouraged to gain experience and apply for roles within the photographic industry. I explored product photography and photojournalism before securing a position as a portrait photographer at Venture Studios in Lichfield, photographing families, children and pets.
That was when everything clicked. Capturing heartfelt moments for families brought me back to what I had loved about photography from the beginning.
Since then, I have worked my way through many different roles, completed professional photography and teaching qualifications, travelled to Venture studios in the US to teach lighting and photographic techniques, and created workshops designed to drive innovation and creativity. Today I lead and support the development of Venture’s global community of more than 60 photographers.
‘Jenna, Eton, 2026’ by Alicia Hall ARPS
How has Venture Photography changed the way you see image-making?
I joined Venture as a trainee photographer straight from university. The role allowed me to develop my pace, technical knowledge and understanding of people. They say it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert and working full-time in a busy portrait studio gave me an incredible amount of practical experience.
I learnt how to move instinctively around a DSLR camera and studio lighting while simultaneously playing with children, engaging with animals and making families feel comfortable in front of the lens.
Working at Venture completely changed the way I see image-making. Although the final photograph may appear seamless and effortless, the reality is that it requires a huge amount of skill, direction and technical understanding. It also takes strong communication skills to help people relax, trust you and reveal the genuine personalities and relationships that create truly special images.
Behind every photograph is a story – and usually a slightly energetic photographer running on caffeine.
What do you photograph for fun?
I love photographing my children and my dog – they are my muses. They have helped me test countless new ideas, acted as prototypes for new photographic styles and are usually willing to play along with whatever I’m creating in the studio.
Most importantly, photography allows me to document my children growing up and capture their personalities as they develop. Those images will become increasingly precious to me and to them as the years pass.
‘Brodie, Stockport, 2026’ by Alicia Hall ARPS
Which photographers most inspire you?
That is a difficult question because I’m inspired by different photographers depending on the style or idea I’m exploring.
One enduring favourite is Elliott Erwitt. I love the humour within his street photography. His timing was impeccable, and he had an extraordinary ability to find wit, warmth and humanity in everyday life.
More recently I have become fascinated by the work of Haris Nukem. The meaning, finish and expression within his images are incredible. His work feels bold, highly constructed and emotionally charged – it is simply divine.
How is AI affecting professional photographers, and can we make it work for us?
AI is already having a significant effect on the photographic industry and that can feel quite terrifying. However, it isn’t going anywhere, so we need to understand where it can genuinely help us.
I use AI to speed up simple but time-consuming processes, particularly within retouching and client communications. Used well, it can give photographers more time to spend with customers, learning about their relationships and creating meaningful experiences in the studio. It can also free up more mental space for creativity.
AI-generated images are everywhere. My children regularly show me pictures they have generated for fun, but those images are often disposable. They don’t carry the emotional value of a real memory, and my children have never asked for one to be framed and displayed in our home.
The true value of photography lies in memories, human connections and authentic moments. These are the photographs we return to throughout our lives – the ones that can instantly give us goosebumps because we remember exactly how that moment felt. AI can never replace that.
‘Niamh, Eton, 2026’ by Alicia Hall ARPS
What is your next photograph?
My next photograph will most likely be of my children – today, tomorrow and every day after that. Yes, I am definitely that person.
My next studio photographs will be created during a training day I’m running in Leicester, where I’ll be teaching photographers how to create images filled with humour. It will be a lively and enjoyable session, with lots of practical demonstrations exploring how we can set up and capture genuinely funny moments.