Start Where You Are. Use What You Have. Do What You Can.

This is one of Elana's mottos which has helped her throughout her career. Elana found photography through film school which led her to working with various theatre groups where she flourished capturing cinematic BTS moments showing the human side of various performances. Through her portrait photography, she focuses on having the subject be seen which she credits to her relationship building and trust. Having had social anxiety, Elana shares how playing a card game helped her push through and grow. She understands the power of networking: build relationships, not transactions. Your reputation enters the room before you do.Persistence is key to getting hired, but so is protecting your passion, body, and mental health. Keep doing what lights you up. Misconception? Not just anyone can do this. It takes skill, dedication, and heart. From working with theatre groups to film sets, to the National Film Board and maybe one day working on Broadway, a big thank you to Elana for coming on and sharing her story. You can follow Elana belowhttps://www.instagram.com/elana_emer/https://www.elanaemer.com/Follow Open Shutter for future show announcements!https://www.instagram.com/openshutteryoutube/like and subscribe:)