The growing age of digital media has created a high accessibility (as well as demand) for things like portrait photography. That’s why Elle Williams, an undergraduate business student at the University of Utah, has been turning her passion for capturing special moments into a business.
Elle Williams Photography began relatively recently back in her hometown of Parker, Colorado; she didn’t begin taking photos seriously until the spring of 2023. However, her drive and motivation to turn it into a real skill have certainly brought her opportunity and success.
“I had always wanted to do photography but had never had a camera or experience or anything like that, but everyone needed grad photos during that time,” Williams said “I practiced as much as I could and then sort of dove in headfirst. I just said, ‘This is gonna be my job this summer.’”
Building from the ground up, Williams began gaining more experience and getting the word out about her business by taking photos for her friends as well as those who would be needing senior portraits in the class below hers. Through tools like networking around her town, consistent practice, and being active on social media, Williams was quickly able to build herself a steady customer base.
“It was so fun,” she said. “I decided that I loved entrepreneurship and wanted to make it a part of my college experience.”
Having initially been drawn to the University of Utah because of her love of outdoor recreation – citing snowboarding, backpacking, and climbing as just a few of her hobbies – Williams also followed through on her plan to grow as an entrepreneur. After hearing about some of the opportunities offered within the David Eccles School of Business – among them being the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute – Williams has already heavily involved herself in the Lassonde community. Within her first year of school at the University of Utah, Williams accrued experience as a Lassonde Founder, a regular photography contributor to the Lassonde marketing team, as well as a resident at Lassonde Studios.
“Working and living here has brought me such a community. I’m always seeing and working with people I know,” Williams said. “I’m learning a lot from this place, and it honestly feels like home.”
Williams has loved getting to learn more about how to take her passion for photography to growing heights, and also feels optimistic about the lessons she’s learned since beginning her time at Lassonde.
“I really love photography – and I love the connections I get to make because of it. I have met so many people and it is amazing having the opportunity to make them so happy with what I do,” Williams said.
Her business has continued to grow. She has recently had clients from out of state fly in for photos, and her photo business continues to open doors outside of just taking portraits. “It has introduced me to business, people, clubs, conventions, and even nature,” she said.
Learn more about Elle Williams Photography on Instagram @ellebellephotos.
