Meet ELY HOLBOROW

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

Hi ELY, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Confidence and self-esteem are like muscles—you have to work at them regularly to see growth! For me, it started with embracing my uniqueness and trusting in my abilities. I’ve always believed that everyone has something special to offer, and when I focused on my own strengths, it helped me stand taller and believe in myself more. Photography has also been a powerful tool in this journey. Seeing the world through my lens, capturing moments of beauty, joy, and authenticity, helped me realize the value of perspective—mine and others’. Over time, surrounding myself with positive, supportive people and celebrating even the small wins made a huge difference. Every challenge and new project allowed me to grow a little more confident, and that’s what I hope to pass on to every client I work with!

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’m passionate about capturing moments that truly reflect the unique beauty and personality of each person or business I work with. As a photographer, I specialize in portrait photography that not only tells a story but also empowers my clients to feel confident and shine in front of the camera. What excites me the most about my work is being able to collaborate with other small businesses and individuals, helping them showcase their best selves to the world. I believe that photography has the power to elevate brands and bring out the inner confidence we all possess, and I love being a part of that process.

Recently, I moved to San Jose, CA, and have had the pleasure of working with members of the local country clubs across the Bay Area, capturing their portraits and getting to know the vibrant community here. It’s been an incredible experience, and I’m excited to continue building relationships in this new chapter!

My goal is always to create a relaxed and fun environment where people feel comfortable and empowered. Whether it’s a personal portrait or branding for a small business, I’m here to help bring out the best version of you in every shot!

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?
Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: adaptability, empathy, and continuous learning. Being adaptable allowed me to embrace new challenges, like moving to San Jose and working with a fresh community. Empathy helped me understand my clients’ needs, allowing me to create a comfortable, confident space for them. Continuous learning has kept me on my toes, always improving my craft and staying up-to-date. My advice for those starting out: embrace new experiences, connect deeply with others, and never stop seeking opportunities to learn and grow.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely! I’m looking to partner with small businesses in San Jose who are ready to elevate their social media presence through authentic, eye-catching photography. I believe that great visuals can tell the story of your brand, and I’m here to help you connect with your audience in a meaningful way. What makes me unique is my ability to create a relaxed and empowering environment during our shoots, ensuring that you and your team feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. If you’re looking to take your brand’s visuals to the next level, I’d love to connect! Let’s collaborate and create something amazing together.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Julian Arceo

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