Today we’d like to introduce you to Ely Holborow.
Ely, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2017, I took an intro to digital photography class as an elective course to fulfill an art requirement for my Associate’s Degree because I had always been interested in photography. It was only supposed to be one class, but then I got hooked! I took a few more photo classes and continued with my education for my degree while continuing to pursue photography as a hobby but before long, it became a side gig and now my full-time career. The more I shot, the more I fell in love with not only the art I was creating but how I was helping others around me shine and feel their best! My heart for people is how I realized I wanted to become a portrait photographer. I’ve worked on the other side of the camera as a model myself part-time for a few years, allowing me to see a different point of view which helps me share posing and safety tips with others.
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?
I was scared to quit my job and dive into photography full-time, no doubt. But there was no way I was going to let a little fear get in my way. I left my full-time job as a behavioral interventionist at the end of September 2022 to finish my Associate’s Degree and launch my photography business. I. no longer had a consistent income, a boss to tell me what to do, coworkers to turn to, or anyone who could truly relate to my situation. Over the past ten months, I have dedicated my time to learning how to run a business for the first time on my own. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I was quickly overwhelmed with trying to master everything from finances, marketing, editing, and had to learn quickly how to manage. I come from a lower-income family, so the thought of giving up a good-paying job for something inconsistent seemed really risky. My hard work is beginning to pay off working with amazing models and families. I even get to celebrate my first year as a full-time photographer by going a destination wedding I was chosen to shoot!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Over the years, I have learned that wherever I end up, I find myself lifting other people up. I have an upbeat personality and I use the light within me to help others shine! Through photography, I have found a way to use my talents to support and empower the people that come across my lens. I make art with my client and use it to emphasize their inner beauty. I like to take the time to get to know my clients so I can provide a photo experience crafted to them and their individual needs, which creates a bond and builds trust between us. Not only as a photographer but as a woman, I always emphasize the importance of model safety and make sure my client is comfortable during our time together. I believe a photoshoot should be a whole experience, not just taking pictures, so I do my best to take time to learn about every aspect of my business and how I can provide the best service possible.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
To the aspiring photographers out there, don’t be afraid. Go out there and keep practicing, keep learning, and keep an open mind. Show your art to the world unapologetically; it deserves to be appreciated!
Pricing:
- Portraits $200+
- Engagement $300+
- Newborn $300+
- Maternity $250+
- Maternity & Newborn Packages $500+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.povphotoshoots.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/my.pointofview.photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PointofView.Photoshoots
- Other: linktr.ee/ely.holborow
Image Credits
Images shot by me, Ely Holborow Insta: @my.pointofview.photography
