Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Zuluaga.
Hi Elizabeth, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story begins with my roots planted in the sand of Southern California. Born and raised in Los Angeles, the sunshine is where I truly belong and always will.
I am a branding and commercial photographer specializing in lifestyle, fashion and sustainable based brands. I wasn’t always this niche based nor did I know that my editorial style could have a lot more purpose than creating pretty photographs. It took a few years of shooting full-time for me to realize that in order to make a living, I didn’t have to shoot weddings, families or newborns. I was desperate to carve out my own path and create work that was artistic, feminine and infused with my unique perspective. I decided that my passion for entrepreneurship, fashion and styling could serve other business owners, specifically women, and that’s how I ended up designing this new trajectory for myself.
Being able to communicate emotion into art is a superpower and I truly believe it’s mine. The ability to see people for who they are and celebrating their goodness. That’s what my work is about and what clients know they will get from me, always. I absolutely love what I do and I’m so excited for all the things to come.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As a first-generation kid with a family who is originally from Medellin, Colombia, I was raised to have a strong work ethic and to value stability over anything else. Go to college, get a job and reap the insurance benefits. I did that for nine years post-graduation, all while feeling empty inside and lost. I always knew I was destined for more, but didn’t really have any guidance in how to accomplish my dreams of being an artist. At some point, I had to face the realization that if I wanted it, I was going to have to figure it out and find mentors, shoot for free if I had to and try my best to get to a place where I could support myself with my craft.
I started second shooting for anyone who would have me, built my portfolio for free by photographing my friends (thank you friends!), and put myself out there as much as possible. Eventually, I gained some traction and started getting some paid shoots under my belt. It was an exhausting and really hard, but to be honest, I felt alive! I felt like I was working towards something I knew was going to make me so happy.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
There are one million photographers out there and to be honest, that can easily make anyone feel like this journey is futile. When I was younger, I used to feel that way, but over the years I’ve learned that there is only one me and what I want to say through my work is unique and it matters. No one else can do what I do and I can’t do what anyone else can do.
I’m not afraid of color, I’m not afraid to use street fashion as a focal point in my shoots and I’m not afraid to infuse my love of fashion photography into my branding work. I’m also very hands-on with all my clients, helping them prepare for their shoot with wardrobe, styling, conception and basically every single little detail. That’s what I feel sets me apart and why people want to work with me.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
One of my biggest mentors is my friend and photographer, Andria Lindquist. Back in 2015, I started working as her associate full time and it changed everything. I owe my confidence in business and the ease in which I embrace my strengths to her. She really taught me the ropes to not only running a successful business but how to hone your craft. She taught me how to really own what I do and grab life by the balls.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elizabethzuluaga.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellyzuluaga/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-zuluaga-2496798/
