Hey Photographers, It's Okay To Say No

A friend and I were chatting today about when you just know you should say no yet you don't. In the world of social media we see so many people doing so many things. It seems like everyone is traveling, buying new gear, getting their hair done, going to epic locations to do epic shoots, and the list goes on. 

It makes us want all those things. And trust me, it happens to me every day. 

But you have to know that every time you say yes you are also saying no to something else you could be doing during that time.

For instance... I have had an unusual amount of inquiries for births lately. And I LOVE shooting births. So much intensity and joy to be captured. However, if I said yes to two of the births I was offered, I would literally have to forego all travel this summer with my family. Not okay.

But I considered it. Then I took pause and said "Elena, get your priorities straight. You only have 10 summers before Cooper goes off to college, use them wisely." 

Or another example, a beloved past client asked me to photograph her dental office. I LOVE this client and I considered doing it for her because of how much I love her. But I realized that this would be be satisfying to me which would in turn lead to me doing sub par work, not good for her or me. So I referred her out. 

So remember, even though new opportunities are shiny and enticing, it's okay to say NO and important to stay true to yourself. 

Believe in you and know that I believe in you. :)

Baby A | Seattle Newborn Photographer

Going into the hospital to capture a newborn is everything to me. There is nothing more magical then the first few hours with your new baby. I hope to do many more fresh 48 sessions in the future. 

This little family was so happy with their new baby girl. They were in complete awe of her. I left this session with a full and happy heart. 

Enjoy. 

Seattle In Person Photography Workshop

You know what I always, every day remind myself? That we all started in the same exact place. I remember when I was first starting out seven years ago with a crop sensor camera, a 50 mm lens, and a big dream. 

It seemed like everyone around me was moving at light speed and I was still trying to figure out how the heck to focus.

Not to mention the fancy gear everyone else seemed to be able to afford! We were on a tight, barely making it budget so I had to make it work with what I had. 

My editing was all over the place and I was taking every session offering that came my way. Headshots, birthday parties, newborns, kids, families, and everything in between. I just didn't know what called to me. 

Some days I wanted to be a posed newborn photographer. Some days high school seniors. Then, the next month, families. Finally, I learned where my passions were and I went there. But it took a freakin long time! 

And I don't regret a single moment of the process. I am glad it took me a while to find my way. I am glad I failed and continue to fail. I am glad I tried so many different things before I realized where my heart is.

Funny things is, I had a time when I HATED family photography and that is now my main focus. What I learned is that it was how I was approaching family photography that was the problem, not family photography itself. 

Friend, don't rush the process. Be patient with yourself. Sure, maybe someone you follow seems to be an overnight success, but I would venture to guess that they aren't. ;) These things take time. 

I want to invite you to come to Seattle and hang with me for a day for my Family As Art Workshop. This is the only in person learning experience with space that I will be offering this year. 

This will be a day filled with so much soul searching and learning. We will have two shoots, one newborn and one sunset family shoot. We will talk about how to craft a meaningful and authentic brand that your families will love. Most importantly, you will learn how to infuse your work with emotion and connection, turning your work into Art. 

If you know me you know I am an open book! This will feel like you are hanging out with old friends and really diving into why the heck you got into this business anyway. 

I hope to see you here in Seattle in August! It's going to be amazing! 

In person not in the cards? Not a problem, I have you covered. Check out my online workshop that starts in May. 

Allison and Cody | Seattle Maternity Photographer

It is always so much fun to meet a couple for a maternity session before we meet for their newborn session. It really allows me to get to know them better before I come into their home during such a transitional time. 

I met Allison and Cody at the beach. It was a sunny but chilly winter evening. Allison looked absolutely gorgeous in her black dress, hat, and incredible blue booties. Pregnant women will always fascinate me. What incredible work their bodies are doing never seises to amaze me. It is no small feat to grow a human with your body and I think it should absolutely be celebrated and maternity photography is a wonderful way to do that. 

I can't wait to meet their baby soon. 

Community Is Powerful

Hi friend! I hope you are having a great week. This week, I don't have any hot tips for you. But I have a very full and heavy heart. For a few reasons that if you care to read I would love to share. 

Last month a fellow photographer in the community was suddenly and unexpectedly diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. What? How? Not fair. She and I have only known each other in the online space, however this feels very personal for me. Why? Well, she is me. And perhaps she is you too. She is a photographer. She is a mother of three. She is a wife. She is a human. I tend to be one who wears my heart on my sleeve and who easily absorbs others troubles. And after being a nurse for 10 years it became easy for me, something I did and carried. But this hit me hard. It hit a lot of us hard.

Alix found out her tumor was the size of a lemon so she coined her cancer as Alex's Lemon and has been bravely blogging about it. Yesterday the global community of photographers that I am so proud to be a part of rallied for her. We all took a photo with a lemon in it to brighten her spirit and to show her that we are in fact behind her. Weather that be with positive energy or thoughts, or perhaps prayer. I could quite literally feel the energy vibrating around me yesterday and it made me cry on multiple occasions. At the end of the day she received amazing news. That the cancer is much more treatable and that her life expectancy went up in a huge way. Again, tears. Energy is powerful. Faith, however you define or practice it is powerful. We are powerful. 

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT ALIXSLEMON

Never be afraid to jump into a community. Never be afraid to be kind. Never be afraid to give.You never know when you might need to tap into that energy from all around the world. 

On a lighter note but from the same sentiment my best friend Bre Thurston and I hosted our third retreat this past month in Austin, TX. Holy moly! That city is so rad! 

But again, I was reminded about the power of community. We laughed, we cried, we ate too much, and we bonded. Each incredible woman there had a breakthrough which is magic to watch. Just being about to help foster these communities and help guide through this very complex process that is being an artist brings me a joy and fulfillment I didn't' know I needed. 

Then, this past weekend I had the honor of speaking at The Reset Conference. It was so invigorating to be surrounded by so much talent and positive vibes. Best of all, I ended up having the best time making friends with a few gals who I felt like I had known my whole life. I have been feeling a little down all week and I think it is because I know I won't be able to see many of them for a long time, which is hard. :( 

So enough from me. I just wanted to reach out to you, my people and say, I hear you, I support you, and I am you. We are all one in the same, just on a different part of the path. 

Much love to you all! 
XoXo,
Elena