Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Matheny.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Elizabeth. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
As I was transitioning out of the Marine Corps, I sat for hours thinking to myself, “Since I can’t stay in, then what do I wanna do with my life?” The Marine Corps was supposed to be my lifetime career, but with such little notice, my whole world flipped upside down in just a matter of weeks, and I was thrown to the wolves to decide what to do with the rest of my life. I have struggled with severe anxiety for as long as I can remember and my only outlets were through art.
My mother would always tell me how beautiful the photographs that I would take on her dinky point and shoot camera were and she constantly would tell me “You have such an eye for photos!” I guess I just never took her compliments seriously back in early high school. Then it was time, I only had a couple of months left in the Corps, and I remember all the talks I had with my mom back in high school, and then it clicked. I wanted to pick up a camera again.
When I started thinking of becoming a photographer, I wasn’t scared, something just felt right. Almost instantly I started doing my research on cameras and was seeking advice from my fellow photographers that inspired me most and ordered my first camera and lens just a week later. I started asking my friends to let me take their photos for free just to figure out what inspired me. Looking back, I can’t help but laugh at how clearly new I was, but I never let it get to me.
I had my first free shoot with two very close friends of mine in January, marking just shy of my first year as a professional photographer. I would sit around and YouTube videos for hours just to learn how to use Lightroom and although it was a rough road, I finally found who I was as a photographer/the style and feel I wanted to portray in my photos. The thing that I love the most about what I do is the ability to not only deal with my anxiety by putting my heart and soul into an art form but also creating this beautiful memory that my clients will enjoy for the rest of their lives.
I think it is so important to capture every leading moment in life because one day, the little things will not be so easy to remember. All you will have left are the faded memories and pictures. Life doesn’t stop for anyone, so catch those little moments while you can. When I pick up that camera, everything in my life becomes ok. And my clients are some of the most supportive, loving people I have ever met. If you love what you do, you’ll never have to work a day in your life, and that’s the plan.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
One of my biggest struggles has been finding my own style. I didn’t want to just buy presets offline and tweak them to my liking and call it good. I tirelessly spent months tweaking my own editing style until I finally had created my very own presets from scratch. I am so very proud of myself for that, but it’s just a small piece of such a big picture.
Considering my husband and I so used to the comfort, financially, of being dual active duty, getting out and starting my business took such an extreme toll on our finances. I felt guilty for so long for not bringing in enough money to allow us a comfortable lifestyle, but I truly believe everything happens for a reason, and you have to go through hardships to value the good times. I am so glad I persevered and can now comfortably do what I love most and give my clients the best experience possible.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I LOVE, LOVE. That is the simplest way to put it. All the way from those first butterflies in your stomach to spicing it up over the years. I. Am. Your. Girl. I specialize in Couples, Engagements, Weddings, and Day After Sessions. I strive to ignite that spark in my couples. I want them to leave our session feeling like they just had their first kiss all over again.
Nothing makes me happier than delivering their gallery and getting their excited, gitty responses. I live to truly give my couples an experience that not only is enjoyable but genuinely brings them closer on a whole new intimate level. I will literally be y’alls hype girl behind the lens. I want everyone to have their five seconds of fame and to feel refreshed and more confident than before we met.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success isn’t measured by the amount of sessions you have booked, the amount of followers you have, or even the amount of money you make. I have and always will wholeheartedly believe that success is measured by the amount of lives you touch just by being you.
The amount of people you are able to help feel beautiful when they struggle with self-confidence. The amount of people you can connect with and be there for when they need you. If you are not making a positive impact on someone’s life, or even the world, what is it all worth?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elizabethmatheny.photography
- Phone: 254:702:7751
- Email: elizabethmathenyphotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/elizabethmathenyphotography
- Facebook: Www.facebook.com/Elizabeth-matheny-photography
Image Credit:
Lauren Lewis Photography
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