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If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
I'm an award-winning photographer with years of experience in capturing the moments that matter most! I specialize in portrait photography, but no project is too big or small.
The name of my studio, Heliantha Photography, comes from the scientific name for a sunflower, "Helianthus." Like sunflowers, which will actually turn to face the sun, I'm driven by finding the best light possible to capture portraits and products. I'm passionate about my work, and strive to understand and communicate your vision exactly as you imagine it.
Overview
Current Top Pro
Hired 16 times
Serves Alexandria, VA
Background checked
1 employee
13 years in business
Business hours
Sun7:00 am - 8:00 pmMon7:00 am - 8:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Credit card, Google Pay, Venmo, and Zelle.
Services offered
Photography
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and value.
Excellent 4.9
10 reviews
5
90%
4
10%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
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Read reviews that mention:
Ryan M.
2 days ago
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Ali was a dream to work with. Great communication in advance of the photo shoot so all I needed to was sit there and look like someone needs to hire to me…:) The photos are fantastic and are already out in the world. Thank you!!!
Details: At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Commercial Photography
Elisa C.
Mar 6, 2017
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Ali was great to work with! Good at putting her "subjects" at ease. She had a lot of ideas for backgrounds, settings and poses, and gave us plenty of time to try different positions throughout the office. We came away with lots of options to use. Thanks, Ali!
Corporate Headshots
Carole H.
Sep 25, 2016
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I came to Ali at Heliantha Photography with an idea to do a film noir photo shoot to give my husband a special portrait for our 30th anniversary. Ali immediately understood what I was striving for. She was very encouraging and made several suggestions to improve on my initial idea. Ali put me at ease and made the photo shoot fun.
The finished result was incredible and vastly exceeded my expectations. I had a difficult time deciding which amazing photo to choose for the portrait, so I ended up ordering a portrait and a photo book. Ali helped me with all of it and delivered all of the images within the timeframe I needed.
If you want a special photo, I highly recommend Ali and Heliantha Photography.
Portrait Photography
Kristine Z.
Aug 29, 2016
Ali was very welcoming and she took wonderful professional portraits of me to update for Linkedin. Sitting for headshots are always awkward and remind you of sitting for horrible yearbook photos but she made you feel relaxed by having conversation and music/ tv playing in the background. I will wok with her again for another shoot in the future.
Zeb S.
Jun 12, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Very easy to work with and pictures are great!!
Details: Professional / business • Photo studio • 1 person • At the pro’s location
Headshot Photography
Credentials
Background Check
Ali Sims
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I have a standard hourly rate, and then additional services are built on top of it. I am always happy to break my pricing down at a client's request.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I'm always excited to work with someone new! Each job is unique, so I usually begin with a consultation by phone, email, or in person to make sure I have a completely accurate sense of the client's needs.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a degree in Photography from the University of Central Florida (honors graduate), I am a member of the American Society of Media Photographers, and most importantly I've been taking pictures most of my life. This really is a field where you learn by doing, and I've been a photographer since I was a teenager.