Today we’d like to introduce you to Elissa Steele.
Hi Elissa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
When I was 14, a local photographer looking to mentor students interested in photography asked if I would like to work with him. That weekend he started teaching me how to control settings, and I practiced at home. From then, he would take me and two other high schoolers to volunteer sessions where we would work with MMA fighter Bethany Marshall, local dance studios, a local motocross track, and others. After a couple of months, my mentor moved and gifted me my first camera, a Canon Rebel t3i, where I kept furthering my skills and working independently. I loved working with the local dance studios, so I contacted some dancers I had worked with previously and scheduled more sessions. Over the years, I worked with anyone I could and built a portfolio. Once I had a strong portfolio, I contacted other local photographers and began working jobs as an assistant photographer and secondary photographer. I made a strong clientele, worked for local authors and other high schools, and participated in competitions. Once I graduated from high school, I moved to Jacksonville, and since then, I’ve focused on building a clientele here and networking through Jacksonville University.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Since learning photography, I’ve faced many bumps along the way. Only a couple of months after beginning my journey, my mentor moved away, and I had to continue building my skills and connections independently. While this was my largest setback, I continued pursuing photography and building my skillset. Once I had a consistent clientele, Covid hit. Quarantine was hard for many photographers, forcing me almost completely to stop sessions, so I did many photo challenges and focused on expanding my media presence through Instagram and Facebook. During this time, I submitted a photograph to my first competition and got an honorable mention and 10th place. When Quarantine was lifted, I moved to Jacksonville and had to rebuild my brand and clientele completely, and I still am. I’ve been networking with other local friends and photographers and working with Jacksonville University’s dance department. While there always have been and will be challenging times, I’ve tried to continue working with them rather than against them.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Since the first photo shoot, I knew I loved photography. I worked with many people, landscapes, and animals when I started. Even though I had other opportunities, I immediately started working with people as much as I could. Portraits are my favorite thing to photograph, and I’ve worked hard to be able to provide my models with photos they love. I enjoy creating vibrant photos for my clients that truly capture their love for each other and themselves. Growing up, I never enjoyed having photos taken of me because I wouldn’t say I liked how I looked. I can take away that feeling for others by being the person behind the camera. I dedicate my life to helping others see themselves in a new light.
What makes you happy?
When I began photography, I said, “why not” because it seemed like something that could only end well. I didn’t realize I had accidentally found what would make me happy. Photography allows me to help others in many ways. When photographing dance, I get to preserve another’s art; when photographing families, I get to preserve people’s love for each other; and when I photograph individuals, I get to preserve people’s best versions of themselves. I love showing my clients and models their photos and watching their faces light up with joy because they see themselves in a new light. I’ve always enjoyed helping people, and even though photography may seem like an unusual way to do it, it’s my way of doing it.
Contact Info:
- Website: steelephotographs.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steele.photographs/
