Who is Alissa Cordoba?

Get to know the woman behind the lens.

Hi, I’m Alissa Cordoba—a lifelong visual storyteller and the face behind Alissa Cordoba Brands. As a brand photographer, I specialize in helping entrepreneurs, creatives, and businesses build strategic, scroll-stopping imagery.

If you had told my childhood self in small-town South Dakota that I’d one day be photographing brands and businesses across Austin, Texas and the United States—married to a native Austinite, raising three boys, and running a business built on connection—I probably would’ve said, “that’s the plan!”

Photography was never a phase for me. It’s always been my thing. Even when teachers nudged me toward nursing or therapy (because, you know, real careers), I knew I was meant to tell stories visually. Thirteen years in, I’m still here—camera in hand, heart wide open, and more in love with this work than ever.

As a brand photographer, I specialize in capturing the heart of small businesses, creatives, and entrepreneurs through intentional, personality-driven images. Whether you’re building your brand in Austin or growing a creative business anywhere in the U.S., I create brand photography that’s more than just beautiful—it’s strategic, honest, and human.

Let’s get a little more personal:

Q&A With Alissa

Where did you grow up?
South Dakota! It shaped me in big ways—honest people, hard work, and creative daydreaming through long winters.

How did you get into photography?
I honestly don’t remember a time I didn’t want to be a photographer. I was always documenting, noticing, creating. It felt natural and necessary. And when people told me to find something “safer,” like nursing or a therapist, it just fueled the fire. Photography allows me to fuel my creative fire while also connecting with people, making a difference and putting my business brain to work.

What’s your enneagram type and how does it influence your work?
I’m a Type One—the Reformer. That means I have a deep drive to do things right, a love for structure, and a pretty strong inner critic (fun times). But it also means I bring integrity, intentionality, and high standards to every shoot. I notice the details, I care deeply about the “why” behind your brand, and I want the work to feel true—not just pretty. I’m a perfectionist about light, posing and nailing it.

Curious? Read more about Enneagram Type One

If your brand had a smell, a song, and a snack—what would they be?
Smell: Bright citrus—orange blossom, lime, something clean and energizing with a little twist.
Song: Good as Hell – Lizzo. Because that’s how I want to feel going in to a photoshoot and that’s how my clients are going to feel going out!
Snack: Easy—chips and queso. Specifically Torchy’s Tacos legendary green chile queso. Yes, it’s worth the hype.

What’s something people might not expect about you?
I’m a huge sci-fi nerd. The Expanse is my all-time favorite show—I love big-picture thinking, layered stories, and imagining what’s possible. It probably also explains why I like gorgeous cars and overanalyzing personality theory. (Let’s talk enneagram over queso, please.) Stories with great character development are really what is so interesting to me.

What brings you joy outside of work?
My three boys keep me laughing and grounded, my husband is my biggest supporter and keeps me dreaming big, and our cats (specifically our Maine Coon) give me the best cuddle therapy. I love reading, talking about brain things, finding the perfect coffee spot like Sonder Coffee, and discovering the why behind everything. I also love Austin—the people, the energy, the creativity here feeds me.

Whether you’re searching for a brand photographer in Austin or need personal brand photography from someone who sees your vision and your value, you’re in the right place. I work with entrepreneurs, creatives, and small businesses all over—offering custom brand photography that’s built around who you are and what you’re building.

Ready to tell your story with visuals that feel like you?
Reach out here to start your brand photography session, or check out my portfolio to see what’s possible.