Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Elizabeth Willson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Elizabeth, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

What do you think it takes to be successful? Do you have any stories or anecdotes that illustrate your point or how you developed your view?

Success. It’s vital to define “success”… what does that word mean to you? Does it mean bringing in a significant amount of money? Does it mean winning awards or being published? Does it mean donating your time and talents to the service of others? Does it mean having all of the latest and greatest gear or tools of the trade?

In my photography journey I came to a point where taking portrait photographs was void of joy. It was at that moment I made the decision, this artform will be one that displays my light and shares that light with others while honoring my wellbeing. After a time of rest and regrouping, when I delved back into creating a revenue from my photography I outlined a clear vision to which I referred every month. At some points I found myself no longer in line with the vision and either shifted my actions or my goals to reflect the changes that had occurred within me or in my circumstances (because let’s face it, life is full of change!). For example, I began the year with the measurement of success being that I taught 3 online courses. Through this process I recognized that the online format was not suited to my personal gifts so I shifted this goal to pursuing in-person teaching. Once I did, I experienced increased passion which fueled further goals. So was I “successful”? Not according to my original vision, but certainly according to my overarching philosophy. Outline for yourself your measures of success. Take measurable intentional actions toward achieving them. Check in with them on a systematic basis to confirm your processes are aligning with your goals. And be willing to adapt, adjust, change, and modify according to your growth and priorities. Celebrate your progress along the way. Success will be yours!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve had a camera in-hand as long as I can recall. I began to pursue purposeful growth of the craft when my children were young aiming to grasp the beauty in the everyday moments. At the onset of the pandemic my photography focus began to shift. I started a project of capturing and sharing (on Facebook) one photo per day for an entire year of the COVID crisis. With the uncertainty that accompanied this time in history, I found observing and photographing life in the here and now was grounding, centering, and focusing on the good. I realized that I had a gift from which others may benefit as well. I started creating and selling blank greeting cards with my art as the centerpiece. Through the years those tangible art forms spread through the community. I came to believe that my photography had worth and value for others. Recently I’ve expanded my printed art to local gallery shows including a couple of juried exhibitions all with the vision of sharing the way I capture the world to bring light and life to each who experience it.
In recent years a photography mentor reached out to me inviting me to teach an online course with her. That simple act of another recognizing and believing I had knowledge, skills, and vision to share with others empowered me to do just that. I went on to teach webinars, give presentations, and offer in-person workshops in my local community.
One thing that sets me apart is my pursuit of intentional personal connection. When I’m asked a question through a social media inquiry I provide video responses. The small amount of extra time for another to see my face, hear my voice, experience my energy creates a relationship to which others relate. Through connecting, fellow creatives believe in the ways their unique vantage point and story has power. I began a “Friday Live” series during which I go “Live” on Instagram for a few minutes sharing novel thoughts, pertinent things I’ve learned, ways to create, and photography prompts or inspiration. Through this dynamic presence others embrace my humanity, authenticity, humility, and light. Additionally I embrace a unique vision that includes creative techniques (such as double exposures and intentional camera movement) and tools that enhance the light, color, layers, depth, and movement for compelling storytelling.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

By sharing my images on social media and expanding my creativity with Lensbaby lenses and tools I was invited to be a part of the company’s ambassador program. Through inclusion in this community, the company has enhanced my reputation by sharing my art on their platforms, providing opportunities for creating video content for new releases, hosting local photowalks, and sharing an interview with the CCO on my creative process. Involvement in online communities with other like-minded creatives has further broadened my reputation through significant support including sharing my art and commenting on my posts. Locally I have built my reputation through purposeful in-person interactions (You know, actually going to Arts Councils, knocking on the doors, and engaging in conversation.) I intentionally connect with my students enthusiastically and clearly through the written word (email) as well as in person including follow ups and soliciting feedback for improvement. Continuing to create quality content and engaging in personal connection are absolutely key in developing and maintaining my reputation.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The rewards of being an artist are endless. The experiences I have connecting with the natural world and viewing it with wonder and gratitude are remarkably valuable. They enable me to share the light of life, and the accompanying hope, vision, joy, and peace. Through the sharing of my art digitally, in galleries, and through teaching, I have the opportunities to connect with others, to experience their stories, to speak life into their art, to affirm their gifts and vision, to equip them to use the available tools to create. I am ever-thankful for the rewards of relationship, connection, and empowerment for all who my art touches.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.elizabethwillsonphotography.com
• Instagram: @elizabethwillsonphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItsStillLifePhotographybyElizabethWillson
• Youtube: @elizabethwillsonphotography
• Other: Blog: https://itsstilllifephotography.wordpress.com
  Email: [email protected]

Image Credits

Personal photo: Erika Rosario
All other images captured by me, Elizabeth Willson