Today we’d like to introduce you to Elysia Janae Gonzales.
Hi Elysia Janae, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started in the hallway of our apartment, trying to take first birthday photos of my daughter. As a single mom, money was tight, and at the time, cake smash sessions weren’t nearly as popular as they are today. But I was determined to create something special for her.
At the time, I had just finished school to become a dental assistant and followed that career path for a while. But in 2013, I decided to go back to school at a local community college to study photography — my passion had never left me. In 2014, my best friend and I officially launched our business. We photographed her children, my daughter, and friends and family — just learning and growing as we went.
Eventually, my best friend stepped back to focus on her growing family. I chose to keep going. I was working full-time as a licensed insurance representative, going to school part-time, running my photography business, and raising my daughter on my own. It wasn’t easy, but I believed in what I was building.
In 2017, my uncle — who I was very close to — passed away unexpectedly. While helping plan his funeral, I realized I only had two photos with him: one from when I was around 3 years old, and one with my daughter when she was a toddler. That moment hit me hard. It reminded me just how valuable photos truly are — not just for memories, but for legacy.
In 2020, I made the leap. I left my full-time job and committed fully to my photography business. I also picked up a part-time role photographing newborns in the hospital — right before the pandemic hit. When COVID shut everything down, I used the time to pour into my business. I worked on my website, studied marketing, listened to podcasts and YouTube tutorials, and gave it everything I had so that when the world reopened, I could hit the ground running.
Now, photography is my full-time career. I specialize in posed newborn portraits and custom-themed cake smashes, and I’ve been lucky enough to turn my hallway hobby into a thriving studio that I’ve proudly run for over five years. I now rent my studio space to other photographers who are just beginning their journey, and I’ve started mentoring as well — helping others grow their skills and confidence the same way I once needed support.
I also continue to invest in my own growth by attending workshops, mentoring with other photographers, networking, and going to photography conventions and summits whenever I can. Staying inspired, educated, and connected with the photography community is a big part of how I continue to push myself — not just for my clients, but for myself as an artist and business owner.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — but every challenge has shaped me into who I am today. Like many small business owners, COVID took a major toll on my work. Sessions were put on hold, and the uncertainty was overwhelming. It affected not just my business, but my mental and emotional health too — especially as a single mom trying to keep everything afloat.
When I started, I didn’t know anything about running a photography business. I had to figure it all out on my own — how to build a website, how to market myself, how to manage social media, how to price my work — all while raising a child on my own. I went to community college, took online courses, invested in workshops and mentorships (which definitely weren’t cheap), and slowly taught myself everything from the ground up.
Balancing motherhood, learning the ropes of entrepreneurship, and constantly growing creatively hasn’t been easy — but it’s been worth it. Being a single mom has pushed me to work even harder, to set an example for my child, and to show that you can chase your dreams even when the odds feel stacked against you.
Now, looking back on where I started — photographing in my hallway — to running my own studio and mentoring others, I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come. Every struggle has made me stronger, more resourceful, and more connected to the families I serve.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I specialize in posed newborn portraits and fully customized, themed cake smash sessions. I absolutely love working with families to capture those sweet, meaningful moments — from a baby’s first days all the way to their big first birthday celebration.
One of the things that really sets my business apart is how personalized each session is. For cake smashes, I design every set from scratch based on the theme the family chooses — Whether it’s a basic theme or something super nostalgic like our recent Rugrats smash, I love bringing those ideas to life in a fun and memorable way. Each setup is a mini celebration created just for that child.
What I’m most proud of brand-wise is the journey itself. I started out taking photos in my hallway with nothing but a dream and a basic camera. Now, I’ve had my own studio for over 5 years — a space I also rent out to new photographers just starting their journey. Supporting others and being part of their growth is something that means a lot to me.
More than anything, I want people to know that my studio is a place where everyone is welcome. I also offer special pricing for families on assistance programs and payment plan options because I truly believe that everyone deserves to have beautiful memories, regardless of their circumstances.
My goal isn’t just to take pretty pictures — it’s to create a relaxed, joyful experience for families and deliver images they’ll treasure for a lifetime.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Absolutely! I’m always looking for ways to grow, both as a photographer and a business owner. I follow several photographers who inspire me — some I’ve mentored with personally, and others I’ve found through platforms like TikTok and YouTube. There’s so much amazing educational content out there now, and I love that it’s become so accessible.
One photographer who had a big impact on my journey is Dawn Potter — she led the first newborn workshop I ever attended, and it really helped lay the foundation for how I approach newborn photography today. I also try to attend photography conventions and summits at least once or twice a year. Continuing education keeps me inspired and connected to the photography community.
In terms of resources, I used to listen — and still occasionally tune in — to Sprout Studio’s podcast and Brooke Jefferson’s podcast. Both offer great insight into the business side of photography, which is just as important as the creative side. I always walk away with a few new ideas to implement in my own work.
Networking with other photographers has also been a huge part of my growth. Whether it’s chatting in person or connecting online, I’ve learned so much from seeing how others work, trying different approaches, and finding what fits best for me. We all have our own path, but I truly believe we grow faster when we learn from each other.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Elysiajanae.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/photosbyelysiajanae
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/photosbyelysiajanae
- Other: https://TikTok.com/picturesquestudios
