Today we’d like to introduce you to Orisha Etuknwa.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Orisha. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have always loved arts; and photography is an art form. Since Highschool in 2007, I was able to be become section editor of the year book for two years because of my love and attention to detail. It was a very important time for me all those years ago because it helped me focus on something that made me happy instead of my reality at that moment. My reality was that I was a 17-year-old girl who had gotten pregnant, gave birth to a 23 weaker preemie who didn’t make it. Her name was Ayana. Art was my escape, it was a way I could delve into something different, it seems that I always find my way back to art. In 2012 I began writing more seriously and became a published best-selling author under Leo Sullivan Productions. I was a baby in the writing industry, but I took the title bestselling with ease writing 5 books that got 5-star reviews. I got diagnosed with Lupus in 2014 and it seemed to put a dim light on all the hard work that I had accomplished thus far. Writing was too hard for me due to the pain it caused in my hands and fingers.
I began getting extremely fatigued and life just has never been the same, everything was at a pause; even my progress in my bachelor’s degree. (bachelor’s in human services and psychology) which I only have 3 more classes to complete before I obtain the degree, Fast forward to when I decided to take up photography again, it wasn’t a surprise that I had just suffered another loss of a 17-week preemie in 2017. It appears when I have a loss in early 2017, I was scheduled for a kidney biopsy because the lupus was starting to affect my kidneys. Just before going forward with the procedure that had to stop because it had turned out I was pregnant. Unexpectedly of course. My husband (that same high school sweetheart from my 2007 loss) and I were shocked but were extremely happy, our happiness jolted to an end when the pregnancy was just too much for my kidneys and body.
I was dying and dying quickly and the medicine that was used to save my life ended up being the death of my baby girl, Grace. After Grace, I couldn’t shake the depression, the shock, the loss. Another loss. We had been successful and yes, we had 3 other children, but that didn’t negate that we didn’t have Ayana and Grace. I knew I had to begin doing something again! Photography it was! I had always had an eye for angles and lighting. I had always loved photography so it all came natural to me. I wanted to be able to capture moments of families and babies with my camera because we just never know when that will the last moment captured. I almost didn’t make it to 2018. I almost didn’t make it to be 28. However, I did; and while I’m here I am going to use my gifts and love for art because it essentially is my safe place as well.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Oh goodness, I think I pretty much answered this in my last answer. The business part has been easy. I love my clients, and I enjoy taking their photos. I enjoy their smiles and their love for the photos once they have received them,
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Ellen Sade Photography – what should we know?
I am known for two things. One being a bestselling author in Urban Literature under my pen name Ellen Sade. With my writing, I am known for twists and turns in my novels. My readers may think it’s going one way but then it goes a completely unexpected way. I am also known for putting a little lesson in every book. I am also well known for my photography work under Ellen Sade Photography. When It comes to my photography work; what sets me apart is my prices. I don’t believe in charging thousands and hundreds upon hundreds. That’s great for those photographers that choose to do that, it’s just not me area; not my niche. I prefer to be more on the affordable end. To be able to capture moments for those families that may not have the hundreds upon hundreds to spends.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My parents (Kathy Dale & Oris Boutte) have been extremely supportive of my success and always taking an interest in what im doing whether its writing or photography. My sister and best friend (Shara Davis & Sequoyah Bermudas) has always been a beacon of support and a real astounding mentor as well. My cousin and my sister in writing (Tonia Oden) has always been a nice support system as well being a self-published author herself. It’s always nice to have someone in the same industry as you to be able to connect with; even more so if they are family.
Pricing:
- My books are located on Kindle and do not exceed 2.99
- My photography specials are usually $60-80 for FULL photoshoots
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amazon.com/Ellen-Sade/e/B00D2HXEM4
- Email: ellensadephotography@gmail.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ellensadephotography
Image Credit:
Ellen Sade Photography
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