Meet Drew Elaine

We were lucky to catch up with Drew Elaine recently and have shared our conversation below.

Drew, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
My grandmother is an artist, incredible painter. Growing up she made art a big part of our life by showing my sisters and I the importance of creating something. We would always be painting, and I HATED it. I was awful. I couldnt draw, I couldnt paint, I felt I was bad at everything she handed us but on the other hand I had this burning desire to be creative and I always felt like I had something right in front of me and I couldn’t figure out what it was. In my late highschool days when Instagram became big I was OBSESSED with it, I would constantly go out with my iPhone and download all of the editing apps to create fun photos. I never took photos of myself or of others, but would take photos of things that inspired me. My grandpa had a collection of cameras and one day I picked it up to play around with it and the same week I purchased my first camera. I started off taking photos of objects, jewelry that my sister created and I realized… IM GOOD AT THIS? That turned into taking photos of my sisters, friends, coworkers and before I knew it I was charging for my services. I knew it was my purpose very soon after purchasing my first camera. To this day I feel like im on a high every-time I leave a photoshoot. I dream about it, and get visions of what I want to create.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a portrait & brand photographer! My absolute favorite thing is just creating badass photos for people. My FAVORITE part of the job is making people see themselves in a new light, and realize how beautiful they are. The biggest and most frequent compliment I receive is that I can capture peoples true authentic self, and I do feel that is ‘my thing,’ in a sense! I have started shifting into small businesses/ brand photography as its another way to show off peoples authenticity & passion for whatever their business is! I offer creator packages for those who want updated photos monthly or bi-monthly!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The first thing would be being able to communicate with people. I know this might sound simple but its a HUGE part of business, and communication and understanding are key to literally ANY relationship. The second would be dont be afraid to try knew things, get comfortable with fear because its something that never really goes away. Trying something new in your work could lead you into the direction you’re meant to. The third most impactful thing is learn to give yourself grace, especially when first starting out. If youre transparent about it, people KNOW youre still learning and you cant beat yourself up over the things you wish you did differently especially because everything is a learning lesson. If youre early on your journey, dont give up just because * some * people dont like your work. Its art, its subjective. If you stick to what FUELS you- your dream clients will find you.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal client is someone who chooses me for ME! Who sees my work and says “SHES THE ONE” and doesnt request for me to edit in a different style thats not on my page. I dont ever expect anyone to show up to a photoshoot 100% confident with no nerves but I do expect my ideal clients to come with an open mind and understanding that I am there FOR THEM. I love people who have unique concepts and want me to help their vision come to life. People who just want creative portraits or branding photos that arent just them smiling in an awkward pose… thats my ideal client!

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Myself, Drew Elaine Photography

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