We recently connected with Elena Belosky and have shared our conversation below.

Elena , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?

I’m a photo studio owner in Washington DC. In this conceptual state where most people work for the government and there are very few creative professions, similar to the southern states. We have photographers too, there are many, but everyone is used to shooting outdoors or in their basements at home. Strangely enough, no one is used to going to a studio with all the amenities! My main goal is to teach and show photographers that sometimes there are more opportunities to shoot in a studio than outdoors. When there’s air conditioning, water, snacks, and all the necessary shooting areas, controllable light, and of course, even if you like architecture in your photos, you can always add any background in post-production. Nowadays, with AI, you can do it so that no one will see the difference.

Elena , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

128 Photo Studio is more than just a photo studio; it’s a creative space and a vibrant artistic community.
* Abundant Natural Light: Our studio boasts panoramic windows that allow even beginners or those shooting video blogs on their phones to capture stunning images with natural light.
* Equipment and Expertise: We provide a variety of photography equipment, and what sets us apart is our dedicated in-studio manager who assists novices with lighting setups.
* Client-Centric Approach: We ensure the studio is impeccably prepared before each photographer’s arrival, allowing clients to seamlessly transition into their creative endeavors.
* Family Photography: Our team of experienced family photographers specializes in capturing precious moments of newborns, pregnancies, families, and love stories.
* Brand Creation Services: We recently expanded our offerings to include comprehensive brand creation services. Our team of SMM specialists, targeters, designers, photographers, videographers, and content creators collaborates to help businesses establish a unique brand identity and attract new customers through social media engagement. We believe that content is king, and we excel at crafting and delivering compelling content that resonates with our clients.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I moved to the USA 5 years ago without any English language skills, starting from scratch. My primary goal was to make my name known within the Russian-speaking community. As “Lena Beloskay – Photographer and Family Event Organizer,” I attended every event possible, organized my own events under my name, and gradually gained recognition and invitations to various projects.
Then I dared to start working with Americans. This was my level up moment, as I began speaking English and expanding my business. I always dreamed of having my own studio, and I’ve always strived to make the most of my profession. Therefore, in my 8 years as a photographer, I’ve trained in a wide range of shooting styles.
And now I’ve reached a point where I don’t just want to be a photographer. I want to be an entrepreneur, build a strong creative community, and help others, including newcomers, earn a living!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Opening my studio marked a pivotal moment in my journey. I realized that I had transcended the role of a mere photographer and embraced the mantle of an entrepreneur. However, I lacked crucial business skills, including financial literacy, team management, and customer acquisition and retention strategies.
The first year was a financial struggle, with my business operating at a deficit. Yet, my unwavering belief in my venture fueled my determination to persevere and overcome these challenges.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://128photo.studio/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/128.photo.studio?igsh=MWJwNnA2dm41OHZiZw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits

Photographer Elena Belosky