Today we’d like to introduce you to Elsa Judkins.
Hi Elsa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always loved photography, I remember picking up my parents digital camera at 8 or 9 years old and playing around with it. When I was 12, I saved up my money and bought my first point and shoot camera. I would get so ‘artsy’ with the shots. In 2018 I started going to college for Graphic Design. One of the required classes was a photography class. I borrowed a DSLR from a friend of mine, and fell back in love with photography. I purchased my first DSLR camera as soon as I could afford it. I would practice on my friends and family, anyone who would let me. In 2019, my sister-in-law asked me to second shoot with her for a friend’s wedding. I was SO nervous, but so grateful that I said yes because it led me to my passion today. I officially started Elsa Judkins Photography in 2020, which turned out to be a terrible year for weddings. But I kept going, taking all the free classes I could, and eventually investing in some online classes to educate myself further. I swapped to mirrorless cameras in 2022 and never looked back! I am currently going into my 6th year of wedding photography. I couldn’t imagine a more dream job than photographing people on the happiest day of their life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think wedding photography is never a certain thing, while there will always be people getting married, you never know what they want to invest or if they want you. It’s been easy to put my self worth into my work, and then feel dejected when people don’t want to work with me. I’ve focused on putting my trust in God and having faith that my people will find me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a wedding photographer! My approach is natural and laid-back. I include a mix of documentary style images with some posed and fine art photos. I create photos that feel timeless. I don’t follow too many trends, so that when you look back at your wedding photos in 50 years, you can remember exactly what everything looked like and how you felt in that moment. I love capturing the love, joy, and emotions that come from a wedding day. My couples always say that they had no idea how to pose, but that I always make them feel comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera. I don’t take life too seriously, so I love to make people laugh and feel like their best friend, even if I only met them an hour ago. I can adapt to any venue and any weather, rain or shine.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Podcasts:
Passion With Purpose – Nathan Chanski
The Vendor Guide – Emily Hancock
Doing Life Differently – Katelyn James
The Heart and Hustle Podcast – Evie McLeod and Lindsey Roman
Books:
Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elsajudkinsphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elsajudkinsphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elsajudkinsphotography
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@elsajudkinsphotography
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/elsajudkinsphotography
