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

Hi Eliana, can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Hi, thanks so much for having me! I’m a full-time Jewish wedding, portrait, and event photographer based in Chicago, IL.

Photography started out as a hobby for me when I got a small camera as a gift when I graduated high school. During college, I did photography on the side and slowly grew my business by taking grad photos and headshots. After college graduation, I took a job in tech (and moved to Utah, but that’s another story), but soon was frustrated by the lack of creativity I was able to express at work. I made the decision to pursue photography full-time and I’m so glad I did!

As a photographer, my mission is to authentically capture the moments that are most important to you. I’ll use photoshop and computer magic only to remove distractions, never to alter the shape of bodies or create things that weren’t there. I follow what I call the “two week rule” – upon request, I will remove things that wouldn’t be there in two weeks anyway, like a pimple or a bruise.

As a business owner, work-life balance is something I’m constantly trying to manage. It can be hard to pull myself away from work, but I’ve learned that taking time & space away from my business refreshes me so that I can serve my clients even better! I’m on a mission to visit every coffee shop in Chicago, and I’m tracking them all on a detailed spreadsheet. I have more than 50 so far!

How do you think about risk?
It can be scary to take risks and invest in myself, but I’ve learned that taking risks is not only important but necessary in order to grow! I’m naturally risk-averse and really like to play it safe. When I quit my tech job in 2022, I had no idea what my future would look like and what it would be like to run a business full-time. It’s been more than a year since that decision and I’m so grateful I took the plunge! The investments I’ve made in my education as a photographer have more than paid off and I’m grateful I’ve had the opportunity to further my skills in a field that I love.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m based in Chicago but am in LA frequently to visit family! In LA, I would recommend hiking the Culver City Steps for a great view at the top, grabbing a bite at Nagilla Pizza, and visiting the Last Bookstore downtown.

In Chicago, some of my favorite spots are the Chicago Diner (it’s vegetarian!), the Chicago Botanical Gardens, and Elevate Coffee.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I’m especially thankful for my parents, who have been incredibly supportive of my photography journey. They’ve always encouraged me to follow my passions and instilled in me a hard work ethic. I am grateful for their support!

I am also appreciative of the incredible clients I’ve had the opportunity to work with who have trusted me with their most precious moments! I’ve fluffed wedding dresses under the chuppah, managed the crowd during baptisms and graduations, and soothed newborn babies who have just entered the world. I’ve had the privilege of being there to document some of my clients’ most special moments and it’s hard to describe the honor I feel to have been by their sides during these times. Thank you for trusting me to capture these memories for you!

Website: elianamelmedphoto.com

Instagram: instagram.com/elianamelmedphoto

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/emelmed

Facebook: www.facebook.com/elianamelmedphoto

Image Credits
Eliana Melmed Photography

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