Meet Alisha Freeman | Storyteller – Photos, Film, Writer, Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alisha Freeman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alisha, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve been passionate about visual storytelling for as long as I can remember. My journey began in front of the camera as a model for over a decade, but I soon realized my true calling was behind the lens.

I studied Photography and Film at Fullerton College, eventually earning my Art degree in 2020. I also hold degrees in Art & Human Expression and Social Science, and I’m currently completing two certificates at NYU while finishing my BFA in Film at William Woods University. Additionally, I hold a CTE teaching credential in the Entertainment & Arts sector.

As a lifelong theater enthusiast, becoming a SAG-AFTRA member in 2012 was a dream come true. Through SAG, I’ve attended numerous industry events, and AFI workshops, and I take great pride in being an active voting member—yes, I watch all the nominees!

My work as a Producer, Cinematographer, and Director spans music videos, live theater/events, short films, a Netflix film, and now two documentaries. One of those, ‘Orange, A Shade of Black’, premiered in January at The Frida Cinema. It tells the moving story of one of the first African-American families in Orange, CA—a project my Director partner (Dawn Nguyen Spranger) and I filmed over several years, including through the pandemic.

In 2016, I founded the Female Photographers League of SoCal, a collective now 300 members strong. We host monthly shoots, foster deep creative connections, and support women in the industry.

At my core, I’m a storyteller. Whether through fine art, whimsical photography, or female-centered films, I strive to capture the moments and voices that often go unseen.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a visual storyteller at heart, working primarily in photography and film. My background is uniquely multifaceted, I spent time in front of the camera, which gave me a deep appreciation for visual composition and emotion. Eventually, I transitioned behind the lens, where I truly found my voice.

In photography, I specialize in fine art, whimsical, and theatrical portraits and pieces. My shoots are often blending fantasy, high contrast, and with emotional depth. I’m also deeply involved in film, with experience as a Producer, Director, and Cinematographer, I’ve even written some screenplays, and a children’s book. One of my proudest achievements is ‘Orange, A Shade of Black’, a documentary I produced about one of the first African-American families in Orange, California. It premiered at The Frida Cinema in January 2025.

What sets me apart is the emotional lens I bring to my work. I create from a place of resilience, vulnerability, and purpose. During the height of the pandemic, while also undergoing two major cancer surgeries, I continued to create, finish college degrees, and move forward in healing artistic ways. That drive is core to who I am, I believe storytelling through art is healing.

I’m also proud of founding the Female Photographers League of SoCal, a place to collaborate, support one another, and elevate female voices in the industry.

Above all, I’m committed to telling stories that might otherwise go unheard, especially those centered on women, marginalized communities, and untold histories.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Living in Southern California means there is no shortage of activities, whether its outdoor based or a theme park, we have so much. In one week I’d recommend the Fullerton or LA Arboretums, both are gems. The random Redwood grove in Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Griffith Park for the observatory, Hollywood sign, and Batman caves. Also any number of great theme parks, I especially like Universal Studios. We have some great museums too, so if you like movies or cars, I’d check out the Academy Museum and Peterson Auto Museum. We have the George Lucas Museum opening up in 2026 too, that should be an exciting addition. And lastly, I’d say visiting the most western stop on Route 66, the Santa Monica Pier & walk along with a fresh scoop of ice cream. While you are there, check out the Camera Obscura!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Great question! My love of the arts starts with my father, who was a wonderful balance of right brain and left brain thinking. He loved the arts, a writer as well, wrote music, played the organ, but was also an engineer and a lover of science. He was my movie watching buddy, as well as historian, mathematician, encyclopedia, and Peter Pan all rolled into one. I saw at a young age you could be many things, that we are complex creatures, full of interests and passions, that we never needed to pick just “one thing” to represent our lives and purpose. I suppose all that is why I like stories as a whole, and am passionate to share them in many forms. Whether with words in a screenplay, or doing theater, or a still photograph, or shooting a music video.

Website: https://www.TheFilmAli.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefilmali

Image Credits
Alisha Freeman, and Love Ablan (for main profile photo)