We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elizabeth Victoria a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Elizabeth thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us about a time where you or your team really helped a customer get an amazing result?

During the COVID pandemic, one of my couples decided to have a smaller wedding at their family’s home on their original date, postponing the larger celebration to the following year. The intimate ceremony included just the couple and their closest family members, including their grandparents. They initially didn’t plan to take all the traditional family portraits, saving those for the larger event. However, when I noticed the grandparents present, I suggested we take the portraits with them that day. They agreed, and we captured several beautiful family photos. A few months later, still before the larger celebration, the bride’s grandmother passed away. I’m so thankful I trusted my instincts and took those meaningful photographs for her.

Elizabeth, 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?

I began my career in commercial photography, focusing on microstock photography nearly 20 years ago. I found my niche in the market and was recognized as one of the top microstock photographers, even being invited to speak about my success at a conference. A few years into my business, I photographed my first wedding and gradually transitioned to specializing in wedding and event photography, making this shift in 2009.

What sets me apart from my competitors is my dedication to truly understanding my couples and what matters most to them. By learning about their values and priorities, I can capture their wedding day in a way that genuinely reflects their personalities. I pay attention to what’s happening around me, focusing not only on the couple but also on each of their guests.

I take pride in my ability to remain calm, no matter how stressed the couple or, often, the parents are on the wedding day. I’m also adept at efficiently organizing groups for formal portraits, ensuring every detail is perfect and everyone looks their best.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Several years ago, my business was thriving and I was busier than ever. Then, my partner received an incredible job offer across the country, and we decided to relocate with less than a month’s notice. This meant restarting my photography business in a new state where I knew no one and was unfamiliar with the local venues. It was challenging, but fortunately, I still had weddings in California that I flew back to photograph.

A couple of years later, we moved back to the area we had originally left. Luckily, I didn’t lose too much traction in the market, but it took persistence and patience to regain the momentum I had before the move.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I had realized earlier that investing in business education almost always pays for itself and then some. For the first 10+ years, I was essentially reinventing the wheel myself, and relying on occasional advice from other photographers I met along the way. About 5 or 6 years ago, I started investing in my business by taking several educational courses. These courses have been a complete game-changer for me. While some were better than others, each one has helped in one way or another.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.elizabethvictoriaphotography.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/elizabeth.victoria.photography
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/elizabeth.victoria.photography

Image Credits

Elizabeth Victoria Photography