Introducing Captured by ELA - Photography for Every Life’s Adventure
On a side quest to Wilson’s Arch, during our road trip to Salt Lake City.
If you know me, you know that I take on big adventures. Like in 2022, when I quit my career as a landscape consultant to hike the Pacific Crest Trail for 6 months and used every cent in my savings to make the dream a reality. Or when my husband and I moved to Utah because we were just tired of Texas. Well, I'm at it again! This time, a lot more is on the line, including the potential for tax penalties (insert nervous emoji).
Having always had a creative side, I have spent a considerable amount of time exploring various creative hobbies, including drawing, painting, writing, web design, programming, and photography. Most of these have come and gone within a few months, but I have always returned to photography. I love pictures because they capture an entire story in just one image. Whenever I look at a photo, it transports me back in time, and the scene surrounding the picture plays out in my mind—whether it was an exciting, sad, prideful, or loving moment. The memories are forever tied to this single digital file, which I will cherish until the end. That is why I am passionate about photography and why I want to share this passion with others—to help them see a single photo as a story that documents a memorable moment in their life.
With that being said, I have taken my creative desires and my love of photography and launched Captured by ELA—marketing towards adventure seekers. And I don't just mean those looking to go skydiving. I'm not sure I'm ready for that photography session yet. But those who get excited about their 30th birthday and want to make it unique. Or those who have a favorite place in the city and want to capture the way it makes them feel. In reality, every day is an adventure, and I want to remind people that it is okay to find happiness in the more minor details of life. So instead of a studio, I am making the outdoors my backdrop, where clients can get comfortable doing what they love, and I can capture every moment of life's adventure.
Imagine family portraits that blend candid moments with posed shots, all captured as the family enjoys a favorite activity, like camping, bowling, or simply spending time together. On the other hand, you and your significant other may want to summit (insert your favorite mountain) for your anniversary and would like to document the journey. It would be a privilege to hike alongside you, capturing highlights and hopefully not many lowlights. So you can remember all the details of such a milestone. If any of these examples sound extreme, know that I am here to capture you in the moment you desire, and there is no pressure to push outside your comfort zone, unless you want to. Capturing the genuine emotions of my clients is my objective, and allowing them to be themselves is the perfect way to achieve that goal.
While my photography background may not be extensive, my commitment to learning and growth is unwavering. I am entirely self-taught, but I'm always open to learning from colleagues in the photography industry. I want to be the best I can be for my clients, so I will never stop experimenting and learning. I believe in sharing my journey with the world, so others can learn from my mistakes and feel confident going after their dreams. My blog, 'The ELA Edit', will be a platform where I share behind-the-scenes details from my photoshoots and the challenges I face as I grow, not only in the photography industry but also as a business owner. I'm diving headfirst into a vast pool of unknowns. Still, like any adventure in life, it is impossible to be completely prepared. The best advice I have given to myself is, "Just do it!" (not sponsored by Nike).
Many think I randomly decided to explore the Western United States and live out of my backpack for months on end. In reality, my dream of hiking the PCT started in high school. Then one day, when I was commuting home from a long day of work, it hit me. If not now, then when? When will I have the courage to jump off the bandwagon and do something that makes me happy? Throughout 2021, I meticulously planned out every detail of the hike from start to finish. Of course, everything went out the window once I got on trail, but that's not my point. I was scared for a long time to set my sights on my dream and fretted over every decision. Once I was out there, I knew that it was the best choice I could have made for myself. So here's to making another fantastic choice, no matter what the outcome may be. No more worrying and stressing over the what-ifs. I am here to declare the beginning of Captured by ELA, and I'm excited to see where this adventure takes me!
Here is just a snippet of the things I love in life. I am always up for an adventure and a challenge.