Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisa Jimenez-Pate
Hi Elisa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started playing around with photography over 12 years ago when my husband gifted me a camera for Christmas. He noticed how much I loved capturing moments, and at the time, I was mostly photographing my own family and friends’ birthday events—nothing too serious.
After a few years, I started calling it a real hobby. I offered my time in exchange for practice, taking on super low-pay gigs just to put myself out there. By late 2018 and into 2019, I began to take it seriously. I practiced more, took on more small jobs, and really started to grow.
Then, in 2019, I had a vivid dream that I was meant to pursue photography—but not just as an “odd job for extra income.” I felt called to use this gift to bring joy to others in a meaningful way. Since then, I’ve always tried to keep Jesus at the center of my work. My passion has always been to create joy and lasting memories for families at all stages of life.
When you browse my work, it’s clear that my love and heart are in it. I cherish working with families, capturing their special moments, and in many cases, sharing the gospel or simply spreading kindness. This work isn’t just something I do—it’s something I do with heart. And if you ask my past clients, I bet they’d say the same.
I’ve been working hard at using this gift—seeing the spark of beauty in others—not only to help them see it too, but also by supporting my little family by staying home while contributing financially alongside my husband.
So here I am in 2025—continuing to grow with every step of this journey. This year, I’m embracing a new chapter, expanding into a ‘sub-brand’ alongside my passion for capturing family moments. A vision for female empowerment is taking shape, and I’m excited to see where it leads.
From weddings, to maternity, newborn, milestones, birthdays, anniversaries, and now female empowerment, I am getting deeper and deeper into sharing my love for creating and capturing joy in peoples lives every day! I love what I do and the people I get to do this with and for!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been easy at all. Like with any endeavor, there are always hurdles to get over.
2020, as we all know was rough. That was supposed to be my “big launch.” Covid hit hard and obviously, with photography, you need to see people in person to do the work. Things smoothed out a bit in 2021. We got pregnant that year, so by the end of the year, I had to slow down due to having a baby and navigating the physical aspect of it as well as scheduling with my husbands work schedule and baby’s nursing schedule.
2022 was better, but also as a nursing mom, I couldn’t be away from baby for more than 2-4 hours or I had to pump in between sessions, etc. I didn’t pursue many weddings during 2022 because of that “obstacle.” After that, my biggest challenges have been marketing and exposure. I’m continuously learning more about this as I dive into the ever-evolving world of social media and its algorithms!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I like to describe my photography style as true-to-life, bright, and vibrant, with a healthy mix of posed and candid images. It’s easy to follow and gives a clear idea of the type of photos I capture for my clients. And I specialize in everything family!
As a faith-based, family-oriented photographer, I’m passionate about creating and capturing sparks for people at every stage of life. I believe this unique approach sets me apart. People know what to expect when they reach out to me: an energetic, friendly experience from our first conversation to the final delivery of their images.
I’m proud of so much of my work, it’s hard to pick just one favorite. I’d honestly print canvases of at least one image from every set I’ve delivered!
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something that might surprise people is that I never went to school for photography—everything I know is self-taught! My degree is actually in Social Work. As I’ve mentioned before, my passion for people has always been at the heart of what I do, even though my studies were in a slightly different area. While photography is a completely different path from social work, it has been an incredible journey that still allows me to connect with people in a meaningful way.
Pricing:
- half-hour session: $175, 10 digitals
- 1 hr. sessions start at $250, 15 digitals.
- Customized sessions start at $450
- Weddings range from $750-$3,500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sparksoflightphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparksoflightphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SparksofLightPhotography
