Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Homan.
Hi Elizabeth, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
**My Story**
My love for photography began in high school at MacArthur, where I picked up a camera for the first time and learned the basics. I went on to TCU, where I majored in Ballet and minored in Photography, honing my skills through the university’s Photography and Art Department. During that time, I started photographing my dancer friends, capturing their headshots and action shots during performances.
After graduating in 1990 with a BFA, I moved to Austin to teach, choreograph, and photograph for a dance company. But when that path didn’t cover the bills, I decided to build something of my own. In 1992, with the support of my parents, I launched my photography studio in San Antonio. Just three years later, we designed and built our own custom studio on 2.5 acres.
I was driven to grow and learn, attending every photography workshop and seminar I could find. Those efforts paid off when I earned my Master Photographer degree from the Professional Photographers of America, becoming the youngest female in Texas to achieve this honor.
Fast forward 32 years, and we’re still thriving in the same location. Along the way, I married my amazing husband, Trey, and together we raised three boys. Our oldest son has severe special needs and requires total care, which has added unique challenges to balancing family and running a small business. But Trey and I are a solid team, navigating life together with love and determination.
At the heart of what we do is a focus on creating an experience and a finished product that will be cherished for generations. I believe this dedication to meaningful, high-quality work has been the key to our success.
In addition to running our studio, Trey and I have shared our expertise with photographers all over the world, teaching everything from our photographic techniques to the way we run our business. We’ve also been active in local, state, and national photography associations, volunteering on boards and committees to give back to those just starting their journey.
I’ve recently completed my fourth year as president of The Professional Photographers of San Antonio and will continue on for one more year as Chairman of the Board. Trey now serves as one of the co-directors of the world-renowned Texas School of Professional Photographers. Together, we remain passionate about inspiring others while preserving the art and craft of photography.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Our journey has had its share of ups and downs. The economy plays a significant role in our business, as photography is often considered a luxury rather than a necessity and can be one of the first things people cut back on during tough times. We’re fortunate to serve clients who have expendable income and deeply value the timeless importance of portraits of their families and loved ones.
Balancing family and business has never been easy, but we’ve always found a way. Over the years, we’ve adapted to the natural ebbs and flows of business, sometimes operating with a team of as many as 11 employees and other times managing everything on our own.
Trends in photography may come and go, but our work is intentionally crafted with a timeless quality that will forever be cherished on the walls of our clients’ homes. Keeping this enduring value at the forefront of everything we do has helped us stay relevant and connected with our clients, regardless of fleeting industry trends.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a photographic artist, and my mission is to tell the unique story of each of my subjects through my work. My goal is to create not just a photograph but a beautifully artistic representation of their story, crafted with the same care and detail as a piece of fine art. I specialize in portraiture, whether that is a portrait of a family, a child or any person, regardless of age. I also love to include furry family members as they can be such a big part of our lives.
The process begins well before the camera comes out. I meet with my clients to get to know them, learn about their ideas, and understand who they are. Together, we plan the details of their session, always “starting with the end in mind.” This means we discuss where their portraits will ultimately live—whether displayed prominently on a wall, preserved in a custom album, or showcased on tables or shelves.
The session itself takes place at a location of their choice, guided by my expertise in selecting the best time of day and setting for optimal results. But the experience doesn’t end there. We meet again to review the images and design their wall art, tailoring each piece to suit their home and personal style.
I thoughtfully guide clients in selecting pieces that will bring joy now and for generations to come. Finally, as the finishing touch, we personally install their wall art in their home, completing the process and ensuring their story is beautifully displayed.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The photography industry has faced challenges in recent years, with photographers seemingly on every corner. Many newer photographers are relying solely on online resources like YouTube for education. While there are some excellent instructors online, there are also many offering misguided advice, which can lead to a lack of depth in the craft.
Social media has also shifted priorities. Many in the younger generation no longer see the value in printing their photographs, leaving the most photographed generation in history with little to show for it in the future. Too often, photographers deliver only digital files, and cherished memories never make it to the walls of their clients’ homes. I’ve encountered this countless times, even helping clients create wall art from other photographers’ digital images because they didn’t know where to turn for quality prints.
My mission is to inspire newer photographers to discover the joy of completing their work by seeing it beautifully printed and displayed in their clients’ homes. There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing your art is bringing families joy and creating a lasting legacy. Finishing the process from capture to print is a fulfillment every photographer should experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.portraitsbyelizabeth.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artistic.images/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artisticimages.elizabethhoman/
