We were lucky to catch up with Elora Calhoun recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Elora, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

So, here’s the scoop: My name really is Elora, and it’s pronounced as i-LAW-rah. But don’t worry, I won’t be offended if you accidentally call me E-LORE-AH or EL-ORA-AY. Somehow, people always seem to transform it into Eleanor. I’ve just started responding to both names just to keep things interesting! ha!

Elora Danen Photography had a bit of an unconventional start. Initially, it was called EDC Photography, which, you guessed it, were my initials. But then, I had a light bulb moment – the name lacked depth and meaning. How could I spread compassion and connect with my community with a name that didn’t resonate? Hence, the swift change to Elora Danen Photography. Now, where did that name come from, you ask? Well, it’s a blend of my childhood moniker, Elora Danen, which I got from the movie “Willow.” My middle name, Danielle, stems from my uncle Daniel (you might know him as the guy who calls me ‘Junior’).

But here’s the kicker – my mom has always affectionately called me Elora Danen throughout my whole life. (It’s actually what she wanted to name me!) When I finally thought of my business values, the name just stuck. So, that’s the tale behind the name. Undeniably me! And no, I don’t have magical powers like the Elora Danen from “Willow,” but I can work some magic with my camera! just stuck. So, that’s the tale behind the name. Undeniably me!

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.

The journey to achieving success and pursuing a dream is often filled with unexpected twists and turns. My accomplishments were shaped by numerous influences in my life, but my beloved, late aunt Patricia, known affectionately as “Trisha,” ignited my passion for photography. She was my initial and most profound source of inspiration, consistently believing in me and nurturing my creative pursuits.

My brand heart is rooted in a profound desire to document the genuine stories of people’s lives. Every aspect of my journey, from receiving my first camera to the experiences that followed, has shaped my calling: to be an unfiltered storyteller who captures life’s raw, unfiltered moments. This is why I serve the people I serve – to give them an honest reflection of their lives, preserving their true selves in every aspect of their lives.

I’m committed to getting to know each person I work with on a personal level. I believe that building a genuine connection with my clients is essential for capturing their true selves. This approach creates a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere during photo sessions, allowing individuals to express their authentic selves in front of the camera. By taking the time to understand their unique stories and personalities, I can create images that genuinely reflect the depth and authenticity of the people I photograph.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

To keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty, I engage in various forms of communication such as consultation calls, planning sessions, meetings, andmore to ensure that every aspect of the photography experience is tailored to the unique vision and needs of each client. I believe in treating people as individuals and focus on providing an unforgettable client experience from the initial consultation to the final delivery of photos. Additionally, I leverage social media to share my work and highlight my involvement in the community, which helps me stay connected with existing clients while attracting new ones. This commitment to quality and personal connection has led to positive reviews and referrals, which are invaluable in fostering brand loyalty and retaining a loyal client base.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

I pour my heart and soul into my work, capturing genuine and soul-stirring connections in the realm of Wedding & Portrait photography. When choosing a photographer, authenticity is key. It’s not just about taking photos; it’s about weaving a narrative into timeless visual tales that quicken the heartbeat and make the spirit soar. There’s no cookie-cutter formula here. It’s not just about snapping pictures; it’s about bringing out the authentic selves and crafting a tale that’s unique to each couple, person, and situation. Love stories should be as genuine as the love itself, unbounded as the wind, and as exhilarating as a leap into the unknown.

With me, people are not just hiring a photographer; they’re gaining a lifelong friend dedicated to preserving their one-of-a-kind story. What is it about their love story that sets their heart aflutter? These are questions I always try to discover right up front. Is it the quiet moments spent together, the shared laughter that turns tears into joy, or the thrill of spontaneous escapades? Every person as an individual has unique narratives that deserve to be celebrated in all its beauty and intricacy.

Whether it’s an intimate elopement amidst majestic peaks, a romantic photo session beneath endless skies, or a grand urban wedding, I tailor each approach to match people’s vision. Let go of conventional perfection and embrace the idea of having their photos reflect their true essence.

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a genuine focus on building authentic relationships and offering a highly personalized experience – treating people as HUMANS and individuals. By actively engaging with the local community, participating in events, and collaborating with other businesses, I’ve been able to establish a strong presence and network. This involvement not only enhances my visibility but also builds trust and loyalty, as clients see me as a supportive and recognizable part of the community.

Providing an unforgettable client experience has also been key to expanding my client base. From the initial consultation to the final delivery of photos, I strive to exceed expectations and make every interaction enjoyable and memorable. This commitment to quality and personal connection has led to positive reviews and referrals, which are invaluable in growing my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://eloradanenphoto.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eloradanenphoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EloraDanenPhoto
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/eloradanenphoto__/

Image Credits
Elora Calhoun | Elora Danen Photography, LLC