Canvas Rebel

I'm thrilled to share my latest feature article on Canvas Rebel! It was an honor to be approached by them to discuss my journey and the growth and success of my photography business. Reflecting on how far I've come has been incredibly rewarding. Check out my story by following the link or reading below.

Meet Elizabeth Incrocci - CanvasRebel Magazine

Stories & Insights

We recently connected with Elizabeth Incrocci and have shared our conversation below.

Elizabeth, appreciate you joining us today. So, folks often look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight – but that often obscures all the nitty, gritty details of everything that went into the growth phase of your business. We’d love to hear about your scaling story and how you scaled up?

My journey in entrepreneurship has been one of tremendous growth and fulfillment. From the outset, I pursued my dream career in photography with unwavering determination, even while juggling multiple jobs. Despite facing challenges, such as attending a photography college that later lost accreditation and funding, I remained steadfast in my pursuit.

Returning home and finding work as a waitress at a local private country club provided an unexpected opportunity. As I built rapport with club members and management, I began offering my photography services for club events and projects. This marked the reawakening of my passion for photography, leading me to provide family portraits, event coverage, and property photography for club members.

Through strategic initiatives such as donating packages to local nonprofits, leveraging Groupon deals, and networking tirelessly, my client base expanded rapidly. Every connection, whether resulting in immediate work or future referrals, enriched my journey. Eventually, I secured a full-time position with a photography company, but my entrepreneurial spirit beckoned me to take the leap into self-employment, coinciding with the joyous news of impending motherhood.

Embracing the challenge of balancing entrepreneurship and parenthood, I dove into full-time business ownership with fervor. Despite initial apprehensions, the gradual growth of my enterprise affirmed that I was on the right path. Today, as a successful business owner and devoted mother, I cherish the flexibility to nurture both my business and family.

Central to my success has been authenticity—forging genuine connections with clients and fostering enduring relationships. I reassure clients that with me, they gain not just a photographer, but a lifelong partner in capturing their cherished moments, from family portraits to documenting their life’s milestones.

In essence, my business is built on integrity, commitment, and a deep passion for the art of photography. As I continue to evolve professionally and personally, I remain dedicated to delivering exceptional service and creating lasting memories for my clients.

Elizabeth, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m thrilled to share a bit about myself and my passion for photography.

My journey into photography was sparked by an enduring passion for capturing life’s fleeting moments. From my earliest days, I found myself entranced by the power of imagery, always with a camera in hand to document the beauty of my close-knit Irish family. Revered as the “family historian,” I meticulously preserved our generational memories, from the timeless allure of old-school black-and-white prints to the vibrant hues of modern digital images.
The act of preserving life’s moments holds a profound significance for me. There’s something truly magical about flipping through family albums, each photograph a portal to cherished memories and beloved faces. The ability to transport oneself back in time through these images is nothing short of extraordinary. It was this awe-inspiring experience that fueled my desire to share the gift of photography with a broader audience.
It was during these formative years that I honed my craft, merging technical expertise with an innate ability to connect with people on a deeper level. This fusion of skills laid the foundation for my unique approach to photography—a blend of technical proficiency and heartfelt storytelling.

What sets me apart is my multifaceted approach to photography. I specialize in family portraits, event coverage, and property photography, catering to a diverse clientele with varying needs and preferences. Whether it’s freezing a joyous family moment, immortalizing a special event, or showcasing the beauty of a property, I pride myself on delivering exceptional quality and service.

At the core of my work is authenticity and dedication. I believe in being true to myself and my clients, infusing every shoot with genuine emotion and sincerity. I understand the importance of each moment captured, and I strive to create timeless images that my clients will cherish for a lifetime.

What sets me apart is not just my technical skill, but my unwavering commitment to my clients’ satisfaction. I go above and beyond to solve their photography needs, whether it’s finding the perfect location for a family shoot or ensuring every detail is captured at an event.

I take immense pride in the deep connections I’ve forged with my clients and the meaningful collaborations I’ve had with nonprofit organizations. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with numerous nonprofits, each with its own inspiring mission and impact.

One organization that holds a special place in my heart is the Emilio Nares Foundation, with whom I’ve had the honor of collaborating for over seven years. Through my lens, I’ve had the privilege of capturing the invaluable services they provide and the resilient children they support. One of the most rewarding aspects of this partnership has been offering my services to families facing unimaginable challenges. In particular, I’ve worked closely with families whose children are battling illnesses where recovery may not be possible. By providing them with cherished family photos, I aim to help preserve their precious memories and offer a source of comfort during difficult times.
Being entrusted with capturing these poignant moments is a responsibility I hold dear. The trust placed in me by these families and organizations is profoundly rewarding, and it drives me to continually strive for excellence in my work.

To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that when they choose me, they’re not just getting a photographer—they’re gaining a partner in preserving their most cherished moments. With hard work, dedication, and a smile, I’m here to help them create memories that will last a lifetime.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I prioritize staying connected with my clients and nurturing brand loyalty through genuine interactions and thoughtful gestures. Following each session, I ensure to deliver every gallery with a personal touch—a handwritten note and a warm smile. This small gesture of appreciation goes a long way in showing my gratitude for their trust in me.

Beyond the session, I make a concerted effort to maintain connections through networking with authenticity and kindness. Building genuine friendships and bonds with clients is key to fostering long-term loyalty. Whether it’s through casual conversations or meaningful interactions, I aim to make every interaction memorable.

Additionally, I leverage the power of technology to stay in touch with my client base. Sending out a monthly newsletter to my email list has proven to be a highly successful marketing tool. Through the newsletter, I can keep clients informed about upcoming mini sessions, share valuable photography tips, and highlight positive reviews. This consistent communication helps to reinforce brand awareness and keeps clients engaged with my services.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative lies in the profound impact my work has on others’ lives. It’s the little gestures of appreciation that mean the world to me, like a client liking an Instagram post, changing their profile photo to one of my images, or taking the time to leave a heartfelt review. Seeing my clients proudly display their images from our session, framed on the walls of their homes, fills me with immense joy and gratitude. Knowing that something I created has touched their lives in such a meaningful way is incredibly fulfilling.

Equally rewarding is receiving referrals from satisfied clients or even acquaintances. Each referral is a testament to the trust and satisfaction my clients have in my work, and it reinforces the value of the connections I’ve cultivated over time. These referrals are not just business transactions; they represent a genuine endorsement of my artistry and service, which is immensely gratifying for any small business owner.

Moreover, I cherish the wonderful connections I’ve made through my work. From documenting the journey of families from before marriage to multiple children and successful lives, to forming lasting friendships with clients, every connection enriches my life and reminds me of the privilege I have to capture precious moments for others. These relationships are at the heart of what I do, and they bring meaning and purpose to my creative endeavors.

Image Credits

The photo of me in black holding the camera is by Brandon Pease

Elizabeth Ireland Photography

A born and raised San Diegan, I'm not just a photographer capturing moments in this vibrant city – I'm a storyteller weaving the tapestry of its beauty, warmth, and diversity. With a loving husband and a bubbly two-year-old who inspire me daily, I understand the importance of preserving memories that resonate with the heart.

Specializing in family, event, and property photography, I have the privilege of freezing fleeting moments in time, from the laughter of family gatherings to the excitement of milestone events. Each click of my camera is infused with the passion and dedication I bring to my craft.

Beyond photography, I believe in giving back to the community that has shaped me. Through partnerships with local charities, I strive to spread joy and make a positive impact, one snapshot at a time.

My work has been recognized and celebrated in reputable publications such as the San Diego Reader Magazine and Metro Real Producers Magazine. These opportunities have allowed me to share my love for photography with a wider audience and continue to grow as an artist.

Whether it's capturing the charm of San Diego's neighborhoods, the love in a family's embrace, or the allure of a property, I am committed to providing exceptional service and creating timeless memories for my clients.

https://elizabethirelandphoto.com
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