Meet Elaine Freitas

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

Elaine, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

I believe my resilience comes from many chapters of my life. Moving from my beach hometown in Brazil to start a new life in the U.S. taught me how to adapt and find beauty even in the unknown. Building my photography business over the years has challenged me to keep learning, evolving, and trusting the process, even when things felt uncertain.

But most of all, I think working with mothers, babies, and women has deeply shaped my resilience. Every story I capture reminds me of the strength we carry — as women, as parents, as human beings. Seeing my clients face their own journeys with grace inspires me every day to do the same in my own life.

Photography is more than my job — it’s where I find purpose. And that purpose gives me the strength to keep going, no matter what.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Photography has been my passion and my purpose for over 15 years. I specialize in newborn, maternity, family, and women’s portrait photography. What’s most special to me is that I get to create lasting memories for families, capturing moments that will be cherished for generations.

As a former birth and postpartum doula, I bring a deep understanding of motherhood into my work. My studio is not just a space for photos,it’s a safe, nurturing environment where moms feel seen, beautiful, and celebrated. Every session is fully guided, allowing my clients to relax, trust the process, and enjoy the experience.

One of the most exciting projects I’m currently working on is my 25 Faces, 25 Stories campaign – a portrait series that celebrates women and their unique journeys. Each woman’s story matters, and through this project, I hope to honor their strength, vulnerability, and beauty. At the end of the campaign, we will host an exhibition showcasing these incredible women,it’s truly been a heart project for me.

Beyond the portraits, my brand is rooted in connection. My goal is to not just take beautiful photographs, but to create an experience where my clients feel empowered, confident, and deeply cared for.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three things have made the biggest difference in my journey:

1. Resilience.
Building a business, especially in a creative field, comes with many ups and downs. There were times of doubt, moments when I had to start over, and times when things felt uncertain. But choosing to stay focused, adapt, and keep going, even when it was uncomfortable, made all the difference. My advice: embrace the challenges as part of your growth. Every obstacle teaches you something.

2. Connection & Empathy.
Photography is not just about taking beautiful pictures, it’s about people. The ability to listen, understand, and create a safe, comfortable space for my clients has been key. When people feel seen and cared for, the true magic happens. My advice: focus on building genuine relationships. Care deeply about the people you serve, and your work will naturally become more meaningful.

3. Lifelong Learning.
Even after 15 years, I’m still learning. Whether it’s refining my craft, improving my business skills, or staying curious about new ways to serve my clients, continuous learning has kept me growing. My advice: stay humble, stay curious, and invest in your growth, both personally and professionally.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

My ideal client is someone who values not just beautiful photographs, but the entire experience of being photographed. Often, they are women or families who want to celebrate a special season in life, whether it’s welcoming a new baby, honoring motherhood, or simply preserving their family’s legacy through portraits.

They appreciate a personal, guided experience where they can relax, feel cared for, and trust that every detail will be handled. Many of my clients are busy moms who are used to taking care of everyone else, and when they walk into my studio, I want them to feel pampered, seen, and celebrated.

What matters most to my ideal client is the emotional connection to their images, they’re not looking for “just pictures,” but for meaningful memories that can be cherished for generations. They often love printed art: albums, framed portraits, pieces that become part of their home and family story.

Ultimately, my ideal client values connection, trust, and the legacy we create together.

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