Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Garay.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Elizabeth. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve always had a love for photography and the power to be able to hold on to memories. But it wasn’t until I was planning my own wedding that my passion for it grew.
When I was planning my wedding, I was on cloud nine. I didn’t realize how costly it can be, especially for my husband and I. We moved to Charlotte, NC in 2007 to start a fresh new life. To try and experience something different than living in Miami. We purchased our dream home and the day we closed, my husband now, proposed!
It was a dream come true! New home, a new fiance, everything was perfect! As I started to plan my wedding, we quickly realized we cannot afford the dream wedding I had always envisioned having. So, after many tears and heartbreaks, one of the vendors I had to let go of was my wedding photographer.
I didn’t realize then how much this decision would affect my life! I do not have any professional photos of my wedding day. I carry those emotions with me at every single wedding I do. I did have family and friends share what they captured of my special day but I will always have that void!
Fast forward to today, it’s been 8 years since I started my business. I LOVE my job and the people I get to meet everyday! I live vicariously through my bride and grooms. I love holding little newborns in my arms and creating those memories for new parents! I simply cannot imagine doing anything else!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nothing in life worth having comes easy! I’m sure we’ve all heard that before. Starting a business and making successful is not easy. The hardest part for me was getting used to not having a paycheck every two weeks. When you come from the corporate world you are conditioned to think and work a different way. You know no matter what, you will get paid. Becoming a photographer was easy, learning to RUN a successful business was not!
Once I found a system that worked for me I was able to reach my goals. I am constantly learning different ways to improve my business and photography skills. It has taken me over 5 years to get where I am today. I face different challenges every day but learning to overcome them makes me stronger!
Elizabeth Garay Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a wedding and portrait photographer. I love to be able to tell a story through my images. Whether it’s a bride and groom gazing at each other or a sleepy newborn baby smiling, I love to be part of creating that happiness for my clients to look back on for years to come.
My photography style is bright, soft and airy portraits. I love the last hours of the day with the beautiful golden light shining through my images.
At the beginning of 2018, I was able to finally leave my garage studio and open a storefront studio! It is a dream come true and one I thought would never happen. I have worked hard these last couple of years to be able to build a team and open up an official location. Separating home and work has been the best feeling!
The most important thing for me is to make sure my clients have a wonderful and memorable experience with me. I try my hardest to make sure they feel special and important to me. Some of my bride and grooms actually become friends. I love to see how their lives evolve from getting married to buying their first home and even having a baby!
Contact Info:
- Address: 17670 NW 78th Avenue Unit 106
Hialeah, FL 33015 - Website: www.elizabethgaray.com
- Phone: 305.209.3146
- Email: info@elizabethgaray.com
- Instagram: elizabethgarayphotography
- Facebook: elizabethgarayphotography
Image Credit:
Monne Photography
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