Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisenda Farison.
Elisenda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My earliest memories of photography are walking around Yosemite National Park as a kid, with a bright red kid camera, taking photos of our road trip. I remember moments spent in our home office, looking at old photographs my parents took of us – cherishing memories I probably never would have remembered otherwise. I wanted to help capture more of those kinds of memories. It wasn’t until high school that I started to dive deeper into photography as both a way to relieve stress or anxiety and a way to force myself to find beauty in the everyday mundane life of a teenager. I was fortunate enough to have an incredible art teacher and friends who supported me deeply and encouraged me to pursue it further. I decided to study photography and make it my major at the college my dad worked at – California State University, San Bernardino. I learned quickly that landscape photography, as much as I enjoyed it, did not pay enough. I slowly started taking on weddings and other types of portrait sessions.
Over the years, I’ve continued to take on more and more weddings and sessions, slowly finding what avenue of photography I love most. Most recently, my favorite sessions have been of families. If I’m being honest, after my first family session back in 2011 I told myself I would never be a family photographer. It was so awkward – the parents cracked cringe-worthy jokes about making babies and their kids were young and hated the camera. However, becoming a mother in 2017 completely changed my outlook, not just as a parent but as a photographer. I became more aware of the moments that I myself would want captured as a parent. It was right before the pandemic hit that I decided I wanted to pursue photographing more families, and I have been very grateful for the positive response I have received from clients and the encouragement of my family and friends. I am hoping to take on less weddings over the next few years and be able to focus primarily on family lifestyle sessions.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have definitely been points in my journey where I questioned if I should continue doing photography or just didn’t pick up a camera for months on end. Because I studied photography in college, I found myself getting burnt out from all the projects we were constantly doing. I also really struggled to find my voice or have vision during that time. After college, I was worn out and only took on a couple of sessions and weddings for several years. Thankfully I couldn’t keep myself away and started pursuing it more after my son was born – it was a great way to have something to explore outside of being a stay at home mom. Because of COVID, most of my work last year was canceled or postponed. It was really discouraging to see other photographers continue working while I stayed home to protect our baby who was born in September 2020. I am grateful for that time though, as it gave me an opportunity to think through more of my vision for family and lifestyle photography and really appreciate human connection so much more. I’m eager to continue exploring both of those this year!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a family and small wedding photographer, focusing more recently on smaller families. Being a mother myself, I always try to use my own experience to help me create the images I photograph. What would I love as a mother to remember? The cuddles – yes, kids silliness – always, their desire to find the biggest rocks and play forever – absolutely. I feel I try to connect with kids whenever I can, whether that’s helping them find the biggest stick or singing along to the Blippie theme song. Sessions aren’t ever perfect, kids don’t always love the attention or having to stop and smile, but I strive to capture the few seconds they show their true selves.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I never realized how much I cherished photos with the ones I love till my nana (or grandmother) passed away. Each photo I have with her is so special, especially the one of the two of us on my wedding day. I know it’s easy to take photos on your camera phone but make sure to also get photos taken by someone who understands the importance your loved ones have in your life.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.elisendafarison.com
- Instagram: @elisendafarison
Image Credits:
Elisenda Farison
