I am more than a family and wedding photographer, more than a vibrant adventurer and even more than an office manager at Quantum CT. My name is Elizabeth Galvan but most people call me Liz. I am a follower of Jesus, proud mother of two gems; my 16yr old daughter Yaira and my 12yr old son Yomar. I married my high school sweetheart and best friend, Otoniel of over 22yrs. I am also a mentor and leader of my church's youth group.
I am Elle.i.zee.
I have been fascinated with photography for as long as I can remember. From a very early age, I was the child that never shied away from flashing my pearly whites and was known to "photobomb", even before that was a thing! I remember having all kinds of disposable cameras growing up and truly enjoyed having fun with images.
My mother passed away when I was only 14yrs old and having very few photos of her to show my younger siblings and her future grandchildren, created in me an even greater passion and appreciation for this timeless art. It wasn’t until 2014, however; when I received my very first DSLR as a birthday present from my husband, that this passion began to take form.
When I first held my DSLR and began taking photos, I knew absolutely nothing of what ISO, aperture or shutter speed even meant, let alone what they were used for. I rarely knew where the shutter button on my camera was to be honest but I was determined from the very start to learn and grow as much as possible. Just two months after receiving my camera, I did my first wedding for one of my good friends and the rest is history. I continued shooting sessions for my close friends' maternity, family and even newborn portraits. After the first year I began documenting stories about my photography journey on my blog and have seen God's grace through my work time and time again.
Some people may think I share too much sometimes but I believe in being real and transparent. I believe our struggles and our process can inspire someone else so why not share it right?
Many people have asked me about my experience with this amazing art thus far. Here are just a few of the questions I'm asked frequently:
Q. Why did you decide to become a photographer?
A. It took me a while to get comfortable with holding a camera, let alone hear the term "photographer". I am merely a woman with a huge passion for capturing lasting moments with still images. Having my family & friends support has encouraged me to pursue and grow this hobby into a small business and I am so honored that you're even reading this.
Q. Why the name "Elle.i.zee"?
A. Elizabeth Photography seemed so plain and boring. While brainstorming on a name, I thought of Elle.i.zee because it is my nickname L-I-Z spelled out, as in (elle-(i)-zee). Many people still pronounce it as Alize' or Alizee though. Say it with me- Elle - I - Zee... that's not so hard right?
Q. What is the funnest part of being a photographer?
A. To be honest, snapping the photos is the most "fun" and simplest part too. I didn't realize; however, how much post-snapping work (about 80%) is actually done. How much time we dedicate to the shot as well as post-production of images is what separates a "photo-taker" from a photographer. I also enjoy meeting new people and getting to know them through our sessions. To me it is about the satisfaction on my client's face when they see their beautiful final product.
Q. What do you do on your down time?
A. Down time? What's that? Ha! Some of my friends have called me names like the Energizer Bunny, Speedy Gonzalez, Busy Bee, you name it! Sometimes I joke that God forgot to make an off-button on me but I am grateful for his daily light and inspiration to create a healthy balance in this, sometimes chaotic, life. Although I am constantly on the go, I do enjoy going on hikes with my family and enjoying our beautiful island scenery. Though I must confess, if I could sit home and binge-watch any show, it would be any and everything on Investigation Discovery. I am obsessed with crime shows! I even fiddled with the thought of becoming a forensic photographer many, many, many years ago - don't think I have the stomach for that now though.
Q. What is your daily drive?
A. My faith gives me balance and daily substance - I cannot live without God! My husband is seriously my biggest supporter guys. I know it sounds cliché but he is truly my best friend. We are both very family oriented; our children are literally our world.
Fun fact: My husband and I are born on the same day (yes same month and day), two years apart! I hated it at first because I wanted my very own special day-selfish, I know.
It took me many years, to finally be able to balance my photography business, full-time job (yes I still clock in to a 9-5) and church ministry while still finding time for those who matter most to me. Each day I strive to be better than I was the day before and the day before that. I come from a very hard beginning in life but that does not define me or my future. I simply work hard but have also learned that it is okay not to have it all figured out every single time.
Lao Tzu famously said, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step". Sometimes we are intimidated by what people might say if we do this or that but I truly believe that stepping out of your comfort zone is not a bad thing. You CAN fulfill your dreams and you CAN be happy-- you deserve it!
Favorite Quote:
"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life but by the obstacles which one has overcome" Booker T. Washington
~Thank you for coming on this photography journey with me. I truly appreciate each and every one of you who have followed me throughout the years and have encouraged me to continue growing and glowing!
Remember: Don't let anyone tell you, you are anything but amazing! Six years have passed by so fast and I hope to continue growing and learning for more years to come.
Let's Capture Life.... Together!
Elizabeth Galvan ~ ♥