SALISBURY — A new photographer is bringing her talents to downtown.

Paige Wiser, owner of Paige Alisa Photography, has been in the area since 2017, when she and her husband, Derrick, who were looking “for a little bit more land than Charlotte and Concord” could offer settled in Rowan County.

Until now she has operated her photography business through online channels, but when the opportunity came to expand into a brick-and-mortar location, she felt like her business was primed to take that next step. 

“I was just (working) on location before this,” Wiser said. “I would book weddings and portraits on location in public parks and places like that.”

She has fallen in love with several locations around Salisbury.

“I am really into Hurley Park right now,” Wiser said. “It’s so pretty and to find a park that has so many different interesting places like the gazebo and the bridge. The trees are blooming at different times of the year. Between that and Bell Tower Green, I don’t know which I like more.  

Wiser has now taken up residence at 126 E. Innes Street in downtown Salisbury.

“I always dreamt of having a photography studio,” Wiser said. “It has been my life goal. I knew the owner of Hive. She was ready to move on to bigger and better things. There was something unique about this space in the salon. We can get clients ready with hair and makeup and then bring them over for photos.”

For Wiser, the photography studio represents the culmination of a lifelong passion.

“I think the first time I picked up a camera was in middle school and I learned film photography in high school,” Wiser said. 

She went on to attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where her knack for architecture and design revealed itself. 

Now, she is combining what she is passionate about with something else she loves.

“I love what I do but I love people even more,” Wiser said. “I love connecting with people and capturing that. It’s why I get up in the morning.”

Part of that passion stems from being part of special moments in others’ lives. 

“Honestly, I am honored every time someone hires me even if it just for milestone photos for kids or family portraits,” Wiser said. “They are bringing me on to capture not just what they look like now but how they feel. I capture that connection and moments they won’t ever forget. I want them to be able to relive those moments.”

She’s done family portraits and weddings and now with the studio she is bringing an additional element to her repertoire. 

“I am set up to do headshots here, too,” Wiser said. “I am hoping that will be another specialty.”

She’s celebrating a grand opening next week on March 30 and to commemorate the occasion, she is offering half off headshot packages through the end of April. 

Her photoshoots are by appointment only and she is typically at the studio everyday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Call 704-856-9681 to set up an appointment.