Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellen Turcan.
Hi Ellen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Since I was a little girl, I’ve always loved being part of everything creative. In school, I was that student who participated in every event, helped organize celebrations, and brought ideas to life. I was part of a folkloric group called Odolean, where we sang at concerts and rehearsals filled with music, laughter, and tradition. Those memories brought pure joy to my childhood and shaped how I see art as something that connects people, emotion, and story.
Photography has always been part of me I loved both being photographed and capturing the world around me. But when adulthood came, life took me down a different path. I began working in the corporate world, in the hotel industry. Even though it wasn’t the creative life I had dreamed of, I’m deeply grateful for that experience. Working for a large corporation taught me structure, discipline, and how to connect with people from all backgrounds lessons that I carry into everything I do today.
But my heart always belonged to art. One day, I decided to follow that calling. My husband believed in me completely, and with his full support, I started studying photography, earning my certifications, and learning everything I could about light, storytelling, and emotion.
Then came motherhood a new and beautiful chapter. I thought life might slow down, but instead it gave my dreams even more meaning. I continued to create, to learn, and to photograph even through long nights and early mornings. I realized that art isn’t something you pause; it’s something that grows with you.
For almost a decade, I lived in Jackson, Wyoming a breathtaking mountain town that changed my life forever. Surrounded by wildlife and untouched nature, I discovered my love for fine-art and wildlife photography. I learned from incredible mentors who showed me patience, depth, and how to see light as poetry.
Now, in Texas, where the sun burns bright and life moves fast, I decided to open my own home studio a place filled with warmth, creativity, and love. My home-based studio welcomes anyone who wants to capture timeless, soulful images photographs that tell real stories and hold emotion you can feel.
Coming from a small country like Moldova and building everything from scratch here in the United States has been the greatest journey of my life. I love this country with all my heart it gave me a chance to dream, to grow, and to build something of my own. I’m grateful every single day for the opportunities, for the people who believed in me, and for the life we’re creating.
I work hard every day , not because I have to, but because I love what I do. I believe in effort, in growth, and in never giving up on your purpose. Every photograph I take carries a piece of that story a story of resilience, gratitude, and love for both the art and the life I’ve built.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has definitely not been smooth. My husband and I don’t have outside help, so everything we’ve built has been with our own hands and late nights. I remember being pregnant for nine months and still out doing photoshoots, carrying equipment, and editing long hours while taking care of my other two little ones. Balancing motherhood with building a business has been one of the hardest challenges from sleepless nights with a newborn to showing up for clients the next day with energy and creativity. There were times when I felt stretched thin, and times when finances were tight, but those seasons taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of believing in the bigger picture. Every challenge has made me stronger as a mom, a wife, and an artist, and it gave me a deeper connection to the families I photograph because I truly understand how precious these moments are.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work is all about storytelling capturing the beauty of motherhood, the connection of families, and the art in everyday moments. In Dallas, what sets me apart as a photographer is the care and precision I put into every image. I professionally retouch and edit each photo using advanced tools in Photoshop, making sure the final result looks polished but still natural and full of emotion.
I’m also proud to give back through my work. Every year, I offer complimentary mini Christmas sessions for children with disabilities and their families it’s my way of bringing joy and lasting memories to those who deserve to feel celebrated. For me, photography isn’t just about beautiful pictures; it’s about creating meaning, connection, and moments that truly last.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
For me, honesty means showing up as I am a mom, wife, and photographer doing my best every day. I don’t pretend that everything is easy, and I think people appreciate that. My clients trust me because they know what they see is real, both in my personality and in my work. That truthfulness makes my photos more meaningful and my business stronger.
Pricing:
- Complimentary Christmas Minis for children with disabilities and their families (by appointment)
- Maternity & Family Sessions: starting at $499 (includes 1-hour session, full professional editing, and online gallery)
- Brand & Studio Portraits: starting at $350 (includes pre-session consultation, multiple looks, and retouched final images)
- Family sessions starting $499
- Cake smash / Milestone starting $550
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.ellenturcanphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenturcanphotography?igsh=MWp3dWtsYTB0bXhwaQ==
- Facebook: Ellenturcanphotography
Image Credits
All pictures are mine Ellen Turcan Photography
