We had the good fortune of connecting with Elaine Torres and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elaine, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk had and still has the lead role in my life and career. My life was changed completely by it and my whole career was created out of it. I was born in a small but beautiful island with strong creative genes, but the career options for creative people were (and are still) limited. I always felt misplaced in school, specially when I was finishing my degree in accounting. For me there was no other choice than to take the risk of following a career path that had no guarantee of being successful. And that meant that I needed to take the leap and move to another country, get another degree (this time in art), start all over again from zero and give the dream a chance. The thought of never knowing what could have been, or staying unhappy and unfulfilled, was worst than the possibility of failure. Taking risks has opened big doors for me both personally and professionally, and something that I learned along the way is that taking monumental risks is not for everyone, and that is ok. What’s important is to acknowledge that you have that “itch” in your heart, and take steps to feel fulfilled in whatever you’re doing. Taking a risk for a better life is an act of love, for ourselves, our future and everyone in it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a commercial, editorial, and portrait photographer with a conceptual approach. My style is based in color and organized studio lighting designs. I’ve been working freelance here in LA for the past 8 years and although it hasn’t been easy, I wouldn’t have it any other way. The main challenge I encountered here was finding my voice in a massive sea of creatives that also moved here to do the same thing you’re doing. It took me a while to learn how to trust my vision and how to do things differently without fear of rejection. Having a unique art that stands out from the masses is treasured professionally. If your work is unique and different from the rest , you’re in a good path to find success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a nature lover so I always take my friends and family to hikes and good road trips. The hike to the Wisdom Tree is one of my favorites, and a trip to Joshua Tree, Yosemite and/or Big Bear Lake always does it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout is dedicated to my mother Inés Negrón. Having a support system from day 1 is vital to your development as a professional, and I’m lucky I had them over the years to support me in the good and the bad times this crazy journey brings.

Website: www.elainetorres.la
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_elainetorres_/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_elainetorres_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElaineTorresPhotography/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgzmllE1LRYeY34RDagTzEg

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