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

Hi Elisabeth, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
I’ll tell you a story that is one of the highlites of my life, so far, In 2017 I went to a friends wedding in Mumbai, India, and after the wedding I travelled to local shelters for children in Mumbai, Kolkata, Dhaka, Bangladesh and Kathmandu, Nepal and photographed and photographed the children.
The children had been rescued from trafficking, child labor, child marriage, homelessness and other atrocious circumstances.
I took some beautiful pictures of them, they’re some of my favorite pictures so far.
When I returned, I made a GoFundMe campaign and raised $2000 that I donated to the organizations.
I made a book called “The Lucky Ones” that I gave the people who donated $75 or more.
(The books cost about $40 on Blurb.
I got permission to come and photograph the children.
I made the connection through people I knew, it started with ECPAT, and organization that fights child trafficking worldwide, they connected me with the local shelters in the cities I mentioned,
The children were delightful and made me feel so welcome.
We all really enjoyed the experience.
None of them spoke English but communication was never a problem.
I’ve always been an adventurer, and this time my adventurous nature was beneficial to so many.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a photographer, and what sets me apart is my ability to capture the magic. I both see and capture everyone’s individual beauty.
Im also really good at making people feel really comfortable,
I make the photoshoot a really fun experience for my subjects.
I’m excited when it all comes together, the light is just right, the people are in the perfect position with the right expressions. Magic is when preparation meets luck.
But it’s not that hard to create if I’m “in the flow” and trust my intuition.
My biggest challenge is getting work, and getting paid enough for the work that I do get.
I’m on a website that charges per lead, and that’s where I get all my work. It’s definitely worth it.
I’m still overcoming the challenge of making a good living on doing what I love.
Life as an artist is a constant process, it’s never over, it never finishes.
I’m so grateful I get to do this.
There is beauty everywhere.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love the diversity of L.A. I’ll definitely take them to El Matador beach on a weekday, and then go for a hike around the Lake Hollywood area, I’d take them to Griffith Park. Pan Pacific Park is a great Park for a stroll, and it’s right next to the Grove, where you can stroll around and do some shopping.
In terms of nightlife, I have no idea. It’s been too long.
I love eating out though, one of my favorites is Angelini Osteria on Bevery Boulevard. The best Italian ever.
Urrth cafe is a favorite lunch spot, and Salt & Straw has the best Ice Cream.
The old Farmer’s Market next to the Grove has the best little restaurants.
Enjoy!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to thank all my friends from all over the world.
So incredibly grateful for you.
A special thanks to Hanne.
You were a bright light in this world, So grateful for our friendship,
for all the love and laughter that we shared.

Website: www.elisabethgranliphotography.com

Instagram: elisabethgranli

Linkedin: Elisabeth Granli

Facebook: Elisabeth Granli

Yelp: Granli Photography

Youtube: Elisabeth Granli

Other: Thank you for the opportunity!

Image Credits
James Creighton

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.