Meet Ele Perez | Realtor & Photographer

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

Hi Ele, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
starting my own businesses was both a practical and deeply personal decision. I’ve always been someone with a strong creative vision and a desire to have more control over how I work and connect with people. That’s what led me to build two businesses that align with both my passions and strengths: real estate and photography.

Let me start with Ele Perez Photography. Photography has been a huge part of my life for years. It began as a creative outlet, something that gave me peace and joy, but over time I realized it had the power to move people. I saw how meaningful it was to capture someone’s essence, or document a once-in-a-lifetime moment, like a wedding or the birth of a child. That emotional connection was what pulled me in. I wanted to create a business that didn’t just offer a service—but an experience. My thought process was: if I could bring joy and confidence to others through images, and build a business around storytelling and beauty, why not take that leap?

On the other hand, real estate offered me a completely different but equally fulfilling opportunity. I was drawn to the idea of helping people during one of the most important transactions of their lives—buying or selling a home. What I loved about entering the real estate world was that it blended my people skills, my eye for design and marketing (thanks to photography), and my desire to build wealth for myself and others. It’s not just about properties—it’s about problem-solving, strategizing, and creating a personalized, trusted experience for clients. I saw a need for authenticity in the industry, and I knew I could bring a fresh, client-focused approach. Starting my own real estate business allowed me to work with integrity, build strong relationships, and create a brand that’s really me.

Another key part of my thought process was freedom—both creative and financial. I didn’t want to be boxed in by traditional structures or rely on someone else to decide my worth or how I should spend my time. Starting my own businesses gave me the flexibility to grow in multiple directions, to experiment, and to build something that’s mine from the ground up. It’s not always easy, but the growth, the learning, and the relationships make it so worthwhile.

In both businesses, the goal is to make a meaningful impact—whether it’s capturing the most important day of someone’s life or helping them take the next step in their journey with a home. That deeper purpose is what drives me every day.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Art has always been a part of me—it’s how I understand the world, how I process emotion, and how I connect with others. Whether I’m behind the lens or holding a brush, I’m always chasing the essence of a moment: the quiet, honest, in-between things that often go unnoticed. That’s what drives my work, and I think that’s what sets me apart.

In Ele Perez Photography, I don’t just aim to capture what something looks like—I try to capture how it feels. My background in lifestyle and portrait photography, along with years of working with diverse clients—from international brands to local families—taught me how to blend storytelling with aesthetics. I’m proud that my clients often say they feel seen, beautiful, and truly themselves when they work with me. That’s everything to me.

What I’m especially excited about now is expanding more deeply into fine art and painting. I’ve been experimenting with themes that are meditative and rooted in nature, using elements like cacti, ink wash techniques, and bold color overlays. I love the contrast between simplicity and vivid emotion. It’s a reflection of how I see life: calm but colorful, soft yet strong.

Getting to where I am today has definitely not been easy. I’ve had to rebuild from scratch more than once—moving countries, changing careers, and even starting over financially. There were moments when I questioned if it was all worth it. But every challenge taught me something invaluable: resilience, patience, and the importance of staying aligned with my purpose, even when things don’t make sense yet.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that there’s no perfect time or path—you just have to begin, stay consistent, and trust that your vision will grow along with you. I’ve also learned that asking for help and building a community around your work is essential. You can’t do it all alone—and you’re not supposed to.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about me and my brand, it’s that my work is deeply human. Whether I’m capturing your wedding day, painting a memory, or helping you find your next home, I bring heart, intention, and artistry into every experience. My journey is about more than just creating beautiful things—it’s about making people feel something, feel seen, and feel at home—both in front of the camera and within themselves.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Long Beach to Palos Verdes
Morning – Long Beach

Brunch: Start with a fresh, laid-back breakfast at Chez Ellie’s in Long Beach—known for its delicious pastries and cozy vibe.

Explore: Take a leisurely stroll around Rainbow Harbor and visit Shoreline Village for some cool shops, galleries, and views of the water.

For a bit of art and culture, check out the Long Beach Museum of Art. The coastal views from here are perfect for some creative inspiration.

Midday – Long Beach

Lunch: Grab lunch at The Attic, a vibrant spot serving Southern-inspired comfort food like mac ‘n’ cheese and fried chicken.

Activity: Take a walk down Second Street in Belmont Shore—this area has cute boutiques, unique stores, and a relaxed vibe to enjoy with your bestie.

Evening – Palos Verdes

Sunset: Drive to Palos Verdes for the breathtaking cliffs and ocean views. Stop at Point Vicente Interpretive Center for amazing views and a chance to relax by the sea.

Dinner: Enjoy an intimate dinner at The Loft Restaurant & Bar at Terranea Resort. This spot has delicious food and sweeping ocean views—it’s perfect for sunset dining.

Day 2: South Bay – Hermosa, Manhattan Beach & Santa Monica Pier
☀️ Morning – Hermosa Beach

Brunch: Start your day with a fresh and healthy brunch at The Source Café in Hermosa Beach. Enjoy bowls, salads, and cold-pressed juices.

Explore: Take a relaxing walk along Hermosa Beach Strand, the beachfront walking and biking path. You can rent bikes or cruisers to take in the coastal views.

Activity: Head to Hermosa Beach Pier and explore the shops, or grab a coffee at Coffee Connection right by the pier for a casual morning vibe.

🌞 Afternoon – Manhattan Beach

Lunch: For lunch, try The Strand House in Manhattan Beach—offering delicious food with a stunning ocean view. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a laid-back, stylish meal by the beach.

Explore: After lunch, stroll around Manhattan Beach Pier and the downtown Manhattan Beach area for boutique shopping and more coastal views.

Relax: If you’re feeling like unwinding, grab some ice cream from The Manhattan Beach Post or head to Denny’s Ice Cream for something sweet while enjoying the beach breeze.

🌅 Evening – Santa Monica Pier

Drive up to Santa Monica: After a chill day in South Bay, head to Santa Monica Pier to catch the vibrant energy of the area. It’s just about a 30-minute drive depending on traffic, but totally worth it for the fun!

Sunset & Dinner: Arrive in time to watch the sunset at the Santa Monica Pier, where you can enjoy the view, take some pictures, and maybe even hop on the Ferris wheel for a fun ride!

Dinner: Enjoy a seaside dinner at The Lobster, located right at the pier, offering amazing seafood with an oceanfront view. The lobster rolls here are highly recommended.

Post-Dinner Fun: After dinner, walk around the pier or along Third Street Promenade for shopping and street performances. It’s a perfect place to finish the evening with lively energy.

Day 3: Getty Center & Downtown Los Angeles
Morning – Getty Center

Brunch: Start with a delicious and hearty brunch at The Getty Center’s Restaurant. The views are stunning, and the food is just as impressive.

Explore: After brunch, take your time walking around the Getty Center. The architecture, art collections, and gardens are all breathtaking. It’s a mix of culture and relaxation in one spot.

Midday – Downtown Los Angeles

Lunch: Head to Grand Central Market in downtown L.A. for a wide selection of food vendors—grab anything from tacos to pho to artisan sandwiches. It’s a lively atmosphere, perfect for a midday stop.

Explore: Visit The Broad Museum (if you love modern art) or take a walk around Olvera Street for a taste of historic LA. You can also stop by The Last Bookstore, a must-see for book lovers.

Evening – Downtown Los Angeles

Dinner: Head to Bestia in the Arts District for an upscale, yet approachable dinner. The Italian food is absolutely delicious, and the vibe is cool and trendy.

Post-Dinner: End your adventure with a rooftop drink at Perch in downtown Los Angeles. The views are amazing, and the ambiance is perfect for reflecting on the week’s adventures.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely—no journey is ever truly solo, and I feel incredibly grateful for the people who’ve supported me through every twist and turn. First and foremost, I want to dedicate this shoutout to my boyfriend Maurice and my parents.

My mom has always been my biggest cheerleader. She’s the one who constantly reminds me to trust my creativity and intuition, even during times when I second-guess myself. She sees possibility where others see uncertainty, and that unwavering belief in me has been a huge part of why I keep pushing forward, especially in my photography work.

My Dad deserves a lot of credit too, even if our styles are completely different. He’s the definition of discipline—“put your head down and get to work” has been his mantra my whole life. And while he can be hard to please, that work ethic and no-excuses mindset have definitely shaped the way I approach business. He’s a reminder that creativity needs structure to thrive, and that showing up daily matters more than waiting for inspiration to strike.

And Maurice, my partner in life and now, honestly, in business too—he’s been such a light. He brings positivity when I’m caught in self-doubt, and always encourages me to keep going even when things feel overwhelming. His support isn’t just emotional—it’s visionary. He’s actually one of the main reasons I’ve been inspired to start my third company, which is currently in the works. He saw the potential before I even allowed myself to dream it.

So yes—my creativity, my hustle, and my drive are a part of me, but they’ve absolutely been nurtured, challenged, and uplifted by the people I love most. I wouldn’t be where I am without them, and this shoutout is all for them.

Website: https://eleperez.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eleperezphotography/

Linkedin: https://www.instagram.com/elena.perez.real.estate/

Image Credits
Tom Barette captured the photos of me