Meet Elizabeth Grant

We were lucky to catch up with Elizabeth Grant recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Elizabeth, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

I believe my work ethic was instilled in me from a young age. My grandfather often said, “The harder you work, the luckier you get,” and that mindset has stayed with me throughout my life. Growing up, I was taught that we are responsible for what happens in our lives. We can’t blame others or make excuses when things don’t go our way. If we want something, we have to take the initiative to make it happen. For me, success looks different for everyone, but achieving my vision of success means putting in the hard work—because nothing worthwhile is simply handed to you.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m a journalistic wedding photographer who wants to capture each couple authentically. My background is in photojournalism, which I studied in school. I’ve always been fascinated by the challenge of telling a story in just a few frames. I stumbled into wedding photography in my twenties, initially taking jobs simply to pay the bills. But after working for a wedding photographer in Colorado, I discovered my passion for telling a couple’s story while tying in a creative element of portraiture and being able to explore different compositional and lighting techniques.

My goal is to document not just how a wedding looks but how it feels. I want my photos to evoke emotion—not just from the couple but even from strangers who view them. I strive to create images that let you truly feel the joy, love, and connection of that day.

What sets my work apart is my commitment to creating a relaxed and enjoyable experience for my clients. I take the time to connect with each couple, learning their story, their vision, and what matters most to them. This personal approach allows me to craft images that are not only beautiful but also deeply personal and genuine.

I truly enjoy helping other photographers grow. I’ve had many mentors during my career and I learn something new from each person. And with that, I’m excited to be offering mentor sessions this year. A full year mentorship with me where we dive into business elements as well as technical photography elements to make your business and work stand out in a seemingly saturated field.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Organization
I believe organization is one of the most important skills for any creative and business owner. As photographers, we often take thousands of photos during a single session or wedding, and without a solid organizational system, it’s nearly impossible to sort through and identify the strongest images. The same goes for running your business—organization is key. Clients are drawn to professionalism and thoughtfulness. They want to feel confident that their emails won’t get lost, their questions will be answered, and that you’re managing your time in a way that allows you to give them your full attention when it’s their turn in front of the camera.

Rest
Early in my career, I bought into the hustle culture—the idea that working until 2 a.m. and taking no days off was a sign of success. But the truth is, burnout came quickly and often. I’ve learned that prioritizing rest is essential for keeping your creative energy fresh. Stepping back allows you to evaluate your work with clear eyes and produce your best work. Rest isn’t a weakness; it’s a necessary part of staying inspired and balanced.

Know the Rules—Then Bend Them
While it’s true that art often has no rules, I believe it’s important to build a solid foundation first. Understanding the basics—like the exposure triangle and how your camera works—gives you the technical skills needed to consistently deliver high-quality images for your clients. You don’t need to know everything to start, but a fundamental understanding of your tools is crucial. Once you have that foundation, you can bend the rules and experiment creatively, turning those technical skills into unique, beautiful art.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

During busy season, I tend to feel overwhelmed easily. Between the amount of weddings and sessions and also trying to stay present with my family and friends, it can be a lot. Over the years, I’ve learned that the best way to combat this is to pause. Stop everything, take a step back, and refocus. I make a list of the tasks that absolutely must be done first, both personal and professional tasks.Then you start to go down that list, focusing on one thing at a time. It feels good to cross items off and feel productive. It’s also important to recognize what I can control and what I can’t. Letting go of the things outside of my control has been key to managing the anxieties that come with feeling overwhelmed.

In a world where so much of our lives and work exist online, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that clients expect us to be constantly photographing or editing, with no life in between. But we’re human. It’s okay to step away from work when it becomes too much. Taking a night off to relax, recharge, or even just watch a movie is not only allowed—it’s necessary.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://elizabethgrantphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethgrantphotography/