Today we’d like to introduce you to Elsa Galvan.
Hi Elsa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started photography in Eagle Pass, Texas, in 2015. It began as a fun hobby, and I quickly became obsessed and loved learning more and more about it. I finally left my comfort zone and turned it into a business, taking clients and making their ideas and visions come to life. I’ve always specialized in children’s photography, which I was passionate about. Creating those memories for my clients was the best. I had some on-and-off years, I took mental health breaks, but I’ve always gone back. One day I woke up and realized that Eagle Pass wouldn’t make my dreams come true. Today I’m living in San Antonio. I’ve started my business here and have gotten the best support and feedback. I may still need to be where I want to be, but I love where I currently am! I love every minute of it: the people, the opportunities.
Please talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned. Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all. From mental to physical and financial. Having your own business means working 24/7. It means people will judge you. It means paying out of pocket to keep investing. This business is extremely mentally draining and takes a strong-minded person to be able to make it happen. People don’t take you seriously sometimes. My editing computer broke down, and multiple clients were upset with me because I missed deadlines, even though I was doing everything possible. Some clients would still comment on my or their friend’s posts telling them not to book with me. It’s the worst and saddest thing when people view you as just a service, not an actual person.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in children’s photography. I’ve recently started loving doing more fine art portraits. I love baby portraits and 1st birthday cake smash sessions. Creating a set is one of my favorite things. Give me an idea or theme, and I’ll create something beautiful for your baby’s photos. I’ve had a cake smash photo featured in a Disney Family video and article in 2017. One of my proudest moments.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Don’t sell yourself short. Don’t lose yourself. There was a point where I was so unhappy and just depressed because I made my life all about my business and never stopped to take care of myself. I now know how to avoid getting burnt out and keep going.
Pricing:
- Cake Smash $250-300+
- Family portraits $200+
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Instagram.com/elsagalvan.photo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elsagalvanphoto?mibextid=LQQJ4d
