We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Barret Elengold. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Barret below.

Barret, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

Yes, I have been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work, but it didn’t happen overnight. It took many years of hard work, persistence, and growth. I moved to Arizona at 18 to work for a production company, having a TV production background from high school. The production company introduced me to DSLR photography, and from that moment, I was hooked. That was the beginning of what would eventually become my full-time business.

After a few years working with the production company, I made the decision to start my own business, Scottsdale Event Photography. At the time, I had no prior business experience beyond what I had learned at the production company. Starting from scratch was challenging, but the entire process of building Scottsdale Event Photography has been incredibly rewarding. It took many years to get it to where it is today, but I’m glad I stuck with it.

Today, I’m proud to say that I work with amazing brands like Barstool, H&M, Adidas, and so many more great companies. Looking back, the journey wasn’t easy, but it was worth every step. If there’s one thing I would have done differently, it might have been to invest more in learning the business side early on—things like marketing, sales, and client relations—which could have sped up the process. But ultimately, the time it took shaped my experience and success in ways I wouldn’t change.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

For those who haven’t heard my story before, my name is Barret Elengold, and I’m the founder of Scottsdale Event Photography. My journey into the photography world started in high school, where I had a background in TV production. When I moved to Arizona at 18, I worked for a production company that introduced me to DSLR photography.

At Scottsdale Event Photography, we specialize in capturing the essence of events—whether it’s corporate events, brand activations, live sports, or private parties. We provide a range of services, from candid shots to posed portraits, group photos, and event highlights. We also offer photography for headshots, product photos, and more. What sets us apart is our ability to blend into the event, be discreet, and still capture all the important moments. I work with incredible brands like Barstool Sports, H&M, and Adidas, to name a few. The goal is always to deliver high-quality images that tell a story and capture the energy of the event.

What truly sets us apart from others is the personal touch and professionalism I bring to every project. I understand the importance of delivering on time and ensuring my clients are always happy with the results. I’m very proud of the relationships I’ve built over the years and the trust my clients have in me. My attention to detail, quick turnaround times, and reliability are often highlighted by clients as key reasons they continue to work with me. Whether it’s being a seamless part of the event or working efficiently behind the scenes, I pride myself on getting the job done while making it a stress-free experience for my clients.

I’m most proud of the brands I’ve had the opportunity to work with and the reputation I’ve built within the industry. It took time to get here, but now I’m fortunate enough to work with high-profile clients and brands, capturing their events and creating memorable imagery. Seeing my work help bring an event to life for someone or a brand gives me a sense of fulfillment, and it drives me to keep evolving my craft.

I want potential clients to know that I’m dedicated to providing them with a top-tier experience, from the moment they contact me to the delivery of the final images. My goal is always to capture not just photos, but the atmosphere, energy, and emotions of the event. I understand how important it is to have the right shots to tell your story, whether you’re a brand, a business, or an individual. Scottsdale Event Photography is here to deliver exactly that, with efficiency, professionalism, and a personal touch.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Funding a business is always scary. You don’t know if you will get your money back or worse. But for me, I already had access to the equipment I needed. At this point, all I needed to do was get myself online (most of that is free) and meet people. From there, I got more and more opportunities. With those opportunities, I felt more confident spending money on my business from growth to equipment needs.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Google my business. Reviews. Keeping my google profile updated constantly. Simple

Contact Info:

• Website: https://scottsdaleeventphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottsdale_event_photography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scottsdaleeventphotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/scottsdale-event-photography/?viewAsMember=true
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/scottsdale-event-photography-scottsdale-2

Image Credits

Scottsdale Event Photography – Barret Elengold