Elyssa turned her side job of taking pictures of weddings and networking in the wedding industry, which she did on weekends, into her full-time career.
This series is a showcase of some of Wedding Maps’ top photographers. We feature photographers of other genres as well. If you would like to have your work showcased, please contact us.
What’s in Elyssa’s Gear Bag?
Sony Alpha a7 III (x2)
Sony FE16-35mm f/2.8 GM GM Master
85mm f/1.8
50mm f/1.8
135mm f/1.4
90mm Macro for Ring Shots
Multiple flashes of light at the Godox/Flashpoint
Manfrotto Lightstands
MagMod Modifiers
Snacks, sunscreen, wipes to repel insects, water and more essentials.
Click here to start the interview!
Interview With Elyssa Kivus
What is the best camera lens for you?
Sony’s 16-35mm G-Master. I use this lens for capturing the dance floor, which is the highlight of the wedding. You can also create dramatic wide-angle photos with it.
Tell us about your photography experience so far. When did you start?
In my teens, I took pictures with the 35mm camera of my great aunt. After graduating from journalism school, I studied photojournalism at college. I had few job opportunities in 2009 as a newly graduated journalist. Instead, I chose to attend law school.
In the two years that followed, I spent nights and weekends building my photography business. After a few years, I was able to make enough money from weddings and portraits that I decided to quit my law practice.
Which is the most rewarding aspect of being a photographer?
You can’t help but feel good when you are surrounded by people who are happy and joyful. Show them they are beautiful.
Which part of being a photographer is the hardest for you?
It is impossible to photograph every beautiful moment that happens at a wedding. This occurs in multiple places, simultaneously and every second. I have a hard time accepting that I will miss certain moments. To capture the best moments, you must work very hard.
Who are your favorite photographers?
Erika Mann, James Nachtwey, and Stacey Axelrod (one of my journalism school friends) who is an animal photographer. I love her adorable cats and dogs.
What inspires you to take photos?
Everything. Everything. Everything. Walks, movies, cartoons and brightly colored or well-lit objects.
Which of the following are key factors to your success in this industry?
Dedication and practice are equally important.
Apart from weddings, what type of photography is your favorite?
I love Boudoir, because women are so amazing. It’s a great way to reveal facets of them that you might have never seen before.
What is your last word?
The seven years that followed were smooth. It returned in the last year. I’m doing better than my doctors had expected.
I am fortunate to have a brand that allows me to only work with good couples. When I found out that I would have to undergo six weeks of radiation therapy, my couples supported me and didn’t want to see another photographer.
I’ve learned that time is valuable, not only in the sense of a frantic culture. The time you have together is limited. It is important to have pictures of your celebration.