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

Hi Elizabeth, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

The story behind my mission, Capturing Confidence, Celebrating You, is deeply personal. Growing up, I didn’t always feel confident in my own skin. I was a shy, quiet child, and my middle and high school years were marked by bullying. Those experiences planted seeds of doubt that were hard to shake, and they made me feel like I wasn’t enough.

On top of that, body image was a constant battle in my family. There were always comments about weight and body types—ones that weren’t healthy or encouraging. It shaped how I saw myself and how I thought others saw me, too.

It wasn’t until I was older, when I started exploring photography, that I realized how powerful it could be. There’s something so transformative about being seen in a positive light—literally and figuratively. That’s when my mission clicked. I want every girl, every woman, to feel what I didn’t growing up: confident, celebrated, and enough just as they are.

Through Noah’s Ark Photography, I create spaces where people can feel safe, seen, and celebrated. Whether it’s a high school senior, a mom, or a bride-to-be, my goal is to show every person their unique beauty and help them see themselves with new eyes.

Because I know firsthand what it feels like not to have that confidence, I’m passionate about giving it to others. Everyone deserves to feel celebrated, and I’m honored that I get to be the person who helps make that happen.

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

Photography has been a love of mine since I was 10 years old. I’ve had a camera in my hands for as long as I can remember, but the real journey into this industry began in 2009, right after the birth of our third child. Aaron surprised me with a professional camera, and that gift was the start of something truly special. I dove headfirst into learning, taking online classes, and exploring everything I could about photography. Meanwhile, Aaron used his business degree to handle all the formal business details. Together, we created a client-centered studio where everyone—no matter how shy or camera-averse—can feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera.

At Noah’s Ark Photography, we specialize in High School Senior portraits and headshots/branding sessions, though we also love photographing a handful of newborns and weddings each year. We offer luxury products, including custom albums and wall art, designed to preserve your memories beautifully and stand the test of time.

What sets us apart is our mission: Capturing Confidence, Celebrating You. From the very first conversation to delivering your final images, we’re dedicated to providing a luxury experience. We guide you through every step—helping you decide what to wear, coaching you on how to pose, using expert lighting to highlight your best features, and editing every image to perfection.

One thing I’m incredibly proud of is the trust our clients place in us. We’ve built a reputation for creating a safe, welcoming environment where even the most camera-shy individuals feel comfortable. Hearing someone say they left a session feeling confident and empowered is what makes this work so fulfilling.

If there’s one thing I want potential clients to know, it’s that we’re not just here to take pictures—we’re here to tell your story in a way that’s authentic, meaningful, and lasting. Whether it’s your senior year, a personal branding session, or the precious moments of a newborn’s first days, we’re honored to capture these chapters of your life.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Got it! Here’s a lighter, friendlier version:

While our photography business has been full-time for a long time now, the journey to get here was definitely a balancing act—especially with a family of seven! For years, we relied on other jobs to provide steady income and insurance while building our dream. I worked part-time at Allina for 15 years, and Aaron worked full-time at Target for 14 years. We’d spend our days working those jobs and our nights and weekends building Noah’s Ark Photography, juggling work, kids, and the passion that kept us going. There were plenty of late nights, long hours, and coffee-fueled days, but we always knew we were working toward something bigger.

In the early days, Google marketing was a lifesavers, along with the good old-fashioned power of word of mouth. Social media became this amazing way to connect with clients, share our work, and really engage with people in a personal way. It’s been fun watching how those connections have grown into long-lasting relationships. Some of the big moments that still make us smile were getting our first studio, which felt like a huge “we’ve made it” step, and upgrading our equipment to match the vision we had for our work. Another surreal moment was being recognized in the photography industry—it was one of those pinch-me experiences that made all the hard work feel so worth it.

Looking back, it’s wild to think about how far we’ve come from those early days of hustle and hope.

How did you build your audience on social media?

We’ve built our social media audience by just being ourselves and sharing our life and story. It’s really about showing up, being present, and letting people get to know the real us. We post every day—whether it’s showing off our work, giving a behind-the-scenes peek, making fun reels, or just sharing what’s going on in our world.

We also make sure to answer questions and connect with people in the comments because it’s not just about posting; it’s about building relationships. If you’re just starting out, my advice is simple: be yourself, share your story, and stay consistent. Don’t overthink it—post things you love, show the process, and have fun with it!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.noahsarkphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noahsarkphoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noahsarkphoto
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheVovks