"An introvert myself, I'm sensitive to the ephemeral connection between photographer and subject, and the importance of building trust to capture that ineffable essence that makes a person who they are. The moment the subject surrenders to the process and is no longer 'performing', and becomes vulnerable, is magic. I find human faces endlessly interesting, and I strive to capture expressions that provoke consideration and further examination.

When not engaged on client projects, I enjoy developing personal projects that bring awareness to social or personal issues. One recently published project shared the stories of LGBTQ+ hockey players, with the goal of encouraging young athletes who might otherwise quit playing in the face of homophobia and discrimination."

Alley splits her time between Seattle and New York, and has a portfolio that spans various genres including portrait, editorial, and unit still photography.

While she enjoys carefully sculpting subjects with light and form using custom lighting and austere backdrops, she also thrives on the challenge of using whatever light is available to her at the moment. One of her defining strengths lies in her ability to distill complex narratives into simple yet evocative images, ensuring that the viewer's focus remains firmly on the subject to emphasize the human connection.

Alley’s versatility, coupled with her adventurous spirit and willingness to take risks, has led her to work on a wide range of clients and includes projects for Amazon, Nintendo, MasterCard, and Cascade PBS.

Alley Rutzel’s experience working on film sets as a unit still photographer inspired her to develop a cinematic approach to her portraiture. She delights in manipulating and bending light to her will, whether in studio or on location, and is adept at transforming constraints into opportunities.

A creative problem solver with an adventurous spirit, Alley enjoys partnering with her clients to understand their needs and discover unique solutions that create a meaningful connection between subject and audience. Her ability to capture emotion and personality through the lens of a camera results in evocative images that entice the viewer to think, react, and feel.

Based in Seattle, Alley can often be found in NYC and Los Angeles for assignments.