Today we’d like to introduce you to Elaine Farris.
Hi Elaine, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I moved to Utah in 2017, at that time, I worried that I won’t like Utah because I’d heard some stereotypes. I worried I won’t make any friends, let alone build a business from the ground up and not have family /friends around. Within a short amount of time, my business is growing slowly plus I get to make friends with most of my clients.
The Utah stereotypes don’t bother me anymore, in fact, people here are wonderful. In 2020 when the pandemic happened, my business took a plunge and that’s when I thought I had to change something. I started niching my photography style to Cake Smash / Baby’s milestone.
The pandemic’s like a blessing in disguise. After the lockdown, so many parents messaged me. They told me they had a birthday party planned but they can’t do it since the country limits the gathering. They told me they want to go big and celebrate it in my studio.
By going big, it means they want to capture their baby turning one in the best way possible. And that’s when I realized that so many 1-year-old kids missed their first birthday during the lockdown. They ended up “Partying” in my studio, got the baby’s portrait, had a cute cake smash setup, they smashed their cake and ate it too. The best part was, that these parents just showed up and I did the rest for them.
Since then, my cake smash photography business exploded. I didn’t expect the cake smash trend will go this far, but even after the lockdown is over, my sessions filled up quickly with cake smash sessions. I am so grateful that I am where I am, I get to meet new friends and get to hang out with babies too!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has some struggles along the way such as how to maintain the life-business balance. I had a hard time turning off my work brain or just being present with the family when I am not working.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a studio photographer. I specialize in cake smash photography, though I still take other kinds such as commercial photography, family, and newborns.
My peers call me “Cake Smash Queen,” even though I don’t feel like a queen, I am proud of my work! With the cake smash photography, I offer a custom package where I will build a set from scratch and make my client’s vision come into reality.
My photography studio offers all-inclusive cake smash sessions. From the backdrop/setup, outfits, snacks and drinks, all the props, and a beautiful and yummy gourmet cake. I strive to deliver the highest quality photos for your baby.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Yes, just be yourself. Do not be afraid to show who you are. Show up at gatherings/community meetings and be friendly. I believe people who have the same vibes will find you and those people could be your dream clients/friends.
Contact Info:
- Email: elainefarrisllc@gmail.com
- Website: www.elainefarris.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elainefarrisphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elainefarrisphotography
Image Credits
Elaine Farris Photography
