Meet Elizabeth Sechrist

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elizabeth Sechrist a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Elizabeth, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

To keep my creativity alive, I constantly seek inspiration from various sources. I follow other photographers and artists, attend workshops, and stay updated with new photography techniques and trends. Traveling and exploring new environments also spark my creativity, as do personal projects that challenge me to think outside the box.

Collaborating with other photographers on styled sessions or just meeting to network and discuss ideas and inspirations always opens my mind to new ideas.

Engaging with the community through volunteering at animal shelters and rescues not only feeds my passion but also provides unique, real-life stories and subjects that keep my creative juices flowing. This continuous learning and exposure to diverse experiences help me bring fresh perspectives to my work.

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 photographer specializing in pet lifestyle sessions. My journey into photography began when I was just 7 years old, and I received my first real camera at about 10. This early passion for capturing moments has stayed with me throughout my life. Combining my love for animals and my skills in photography has allowed me to create a unique niche where I can truly capture the individual souls of pets, their unique personalities, and the bond they share with their owners.

What excites me most about my work is the ability to create lasting memories for pet owners. Each session is a new adventure, filled with the unpredictability and joy that pets bring. I aim to highlight not just their physical beauty but their spirit and the love they share with their families. This aspect of my work is incredibly fulfilling and drives my creativity.

My background in the veterinary profession has provided me with a deep understanding and empathy for animals, which I bring to every session. This experience allows me to connect with the pets I photograph on a deeper level, ensuring their comfort and capturing their true essence.

In addition to my photography sessions, I volunteer with animal shelters and rescues, offering professional images of adoptable pets. These images play a crucial role in helping these animals find their forever homes. Knowing that my work can make a tangible difference in their lives is incredibly rewarding.

Looking forward, I have set an ambitious goal for my business: within the next three years, I plan to donate 10% of my profits to local animal rescues. This commitment aligns with my passion for helping animals and gives my work an added layer of purpose.

One of the most significant, life-changing experiences in my journey was losing my heart dog suddenly without any professional photos. This loss emphasized the importance of capturing precious moments with our pets. Two years later, I lost another dog but was thankfully able to get professional photos with him. This experience reinforced my dedication to ensuring others have these cherished memories.

I am continually evolving and exploring new ways to improve my craft. Currently, I am excited about expanding my services to include more creative and themed pet sessions, offering clients even more personalized and unique keepsakes. Additionally, I am planning to launch a series of workshops to help pet owners capture beautiful photos of their pets at home.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. I am passionate about what I do and look forward to continuing to create beautiful memories for pet owners and support the animal rescue community.

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 qualities and skills have been particularly impactful in my journey:

1. **Passion and Perseverance, Empathy and Understanding**:
– **Impact**: My passion for photography and animals has been the driving force behind my work. This passion has kept me motivated through challenges and inspired me to continually improve craft. My background in the veterinary profession has given me a deep empathy and understanding of animals. This has allowed me to connect with pets on a deeper level, ensuring their comfort during sessions and capturing their true essence.
– **Advice**: For those starting out, find what truly excites you and let that passion fuel your journey. Perseverance is key. There will be obstacles and setbacks, but staying committed and pushing through will help you grow and succeed. Cultivate empathy by genuinely caring about your subjects, whether they are animals or people. Take the time to understand their needs and emotions. This will not only improve your work but also build stronger relationships with your clients.

2. **Technical Skills and Continuous Learning**:
– **Impact**: Mastering the technical aspects of photography has been crucial. Understanding lighting, composition, and camera settings allows me to create high-quality images consistently. Additionally, continuous learning keeps my work fresh and innovative.
– **Advice**: Invest time in learning the technical skills relevant to your field. Take courses, attend workshops, and practice regularly. Stay curious and open to new techniques and ideas. The more you learn, the more versatile and confident you will become in your craft.

3. **Collaboration over competition and Keep Creating**:
– **Impact**: Building relationships with other professionals and collaborating on projects has opened doors to new opportunities and provided invaluable support and inspiration. It has created a supportive community where we can learn from each other and grow together. Continuously creating work, even when it doesn’t receive immediate recognition or sales, has been crucial in refining my skills and building a portfolio that I am proud of.
– **Advice**: Focus on building a network of like-minded individuals in your field. Seek out opportunities to collaborate rather than compete. Sharing knowledge, resources, and support can lead to mutual success and innovation. For those early in their journey, keep creating. Even if no one buys it or compliments it, one day someone will love it. Persistence in your creative process will eventually pay off and resonate with the right audience.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to embrace these qualities and skills wholeheartedly. Passion will keep you motivated, empathy will help you connect with your subjects and clients, and strong technical skills will ensure your work stands out. Collaboration will build a supportive community around you, fostering growth and shared success. And above all, keep creating—your dedication will eventually be recognized and appreciated.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

The number one obstacle I currently face is imposter syndrome.

Overcoming imposter syndrome involves a mix of self-reflection, external validation, and support from loved ones. I remind myself of my journey, the skills I’ve developed, and the positive feedback I’ve received from clients and peers. Celebrating small wins and milestones is crucial.

My husband is my biggest supporter, always encouraging me to evolve my creativity and believe in my abilities. His constant support and belief in my potential help me push through moments of self-doubt.

I also find it helpful to connect with other professionals in the field, sharing experiences and understanding that many others feel the same way at times. This community support reinforces my confidence in my abilities. Additionally, setting realistic goals and acknowledging that growth is a continuous process helps me manage feelings of inadequacy.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Headshot: Jebb Graff Photography
All other photos: Elizabeth Sechrist Photography

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