Today we’d like to introduce you to Elena Hodges.
Hi Elena, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The arts have always been a passion of mine.
I was an extremely talented young realistic artist, then I discovered photography around 12 years old. The moment I could start in high school, I jumped to take a photography class, during which I was awarded multiple scholastic photography awards when I was just 16 years old and have spent over a decade honing in on my craft.
The last five years, I’ve specifically niched down into capturing weddings and couples and today, I travel often to Oregon (where I grew up during my formative years), California (where I grew up as a younger kid), Utah and all the way to Florida!
It also has been extremely useful that I learned to speak Spanish!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has absolutely NOT been easy. Regardless, I do this because it is just my favorite thing to do. I loooove photographing and documenting each person’s unique love story. This art just is so much fun to capture.
The most time consuming struggle has been finding my specific style of shooting and editing in post, I really have fallen in love with how I do things now and no doubt I’ll always keep improving and adapting, but I really do believe I have nailed down my craft.
Another struggle I consistently face is marketing myself to the right type of clientele, not everybody is a good fit for my style of work, but I do believe that my style of work can work for anybody who would like to work with me.
As you know, we’re big fans of Elena Bekah Photography. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am a Utah based destination wedding and traveling couples photographer for real couples in love.
I specialize in luxury and fine art weddings, including couples, engagement and bridal portrait photography.
I personally feel that I am most set apart by who I am as a person. That sounds real basic I know, but truly, every single couple I’ve ever worked with has sincerely felt my genuineness and passion for hyping couples up during their sessions to create stunning art together!
Additionally, I empathize deeply with people, I always have. I understand as well, very intimately how difficult it is to be in front of my camera lens. Like “most people”, I am not a “model” nor have I always had the confidence to be in front of the camera lens. I have been working extremely hard on my health over the past year and it’s helped my mind and my body to lose excess waste I was carrying. I know what it feels like to feel gross, not a part of yourself, or to not even recognize yourself in the mirror. I understand.
In my business and work, I am so incredibly proud of my professional, artistic eye and my ability to learn and adapt quickly and to edit romantic, timeless imagery.
To best reach me, inquire through my website elenabekah.com which also includes my starting prices depending on what type of photography work you’re looking for.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I feel like I am a pretty open book, but you could say that people may not know or think that I cherish friendship. What I mean by that is not only in my personal life, but in my professional life as well. ‘ve become close friends with many of the couples I’ve worked with and I stay in touch with all of them. I would do anything to help my friends as much as I possibly can. I’d like to always be someone to turn to in time of need, someone to feel welcoming and warm.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elenabekah.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenabekahphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenabekahphotography/
