Meet Elayna Hixon | Photographer & Videographer

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

Hi Elayna, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I have found that when you own your own business or are pursuing a path that isn’t very “traditional”, there are a lot of influences telling you to give up. Including yourself. A lot of people think that because you work for yourself and are doing what you love, it isn’t hard. I have been told many times that photography isn’t a real job and people ask me all the time “so what else do you do?”. You have to push past all of that and recognize that you are doing something you love and that is all that matters. If you are working toward a goal you have been wanting for a long time, take a second to look at how far you’ve come. If you are happy, don’t let anything or anyone change that. If you’re not happy, you can fix that!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I was about 16, I was introduced to photography by a girl I waited tables with that summer. I became interested in cameras and photos so fast and since that day it has been my biggest passion. I love being creative and being able to capture moments that can live on for years and years to come. It has been a hard road as I tried going to college three separate times and it was never right for me. For years I had so many people tell me that photography can’t be my career and I can’t make “real money” with it. I knew in my heart that photography is what I was meant to be doing. I did it on the side as a hobby for a long time, then in November of 2020, I decided to just take the plunge and go full time. It was the best decision I ever made. It has been tough trying to figure out all of the business details and there is a lot of backend work that goes in, however, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I love my job and it makes me so happy that I get to be such an influential part of people’s wedding days. One of the biggest days of their lives. I just want to make my couples happy and document that happiness to enjoy for the rest of their lives.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Downtown Fort Collins has so many great places to see and visit. You can walk for blocks on blocks and never get bored. Jax Seafood is delicious, and definitely a must in my opinion. The best thing about Colorado is all of the scenery. Anywhere you go is simply beautiful. Spend as much time outside as you possibly can and you won’t be disappointed.

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?
My big sister Shaylee Hancock has been a huge influence on my life and career. She is such a business and success-driven person. She pushes me to get out of my comfort zone and trust that I am capable of whatever I put my mind to.

Website: www.elaynarosephoto.com

Instagram: @elaynarosephotography

Facebook: Elayna Rose Photography

Other: Pinterest: @elaynarosephoto