Meet Ayshia Calderon | Wedding and Elopement Photographer

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

Hi Ayshia, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
If I were to be honest with you, there is never going to be an end goal for me in my photography business. I am always trying to learn new ways and techniques to make my business stronger. When I accomplish a goal, a new goal pops up that I want to try to achieve. I do have to say, owning and maintaining a business can be difficult at times, especially when you are new to finances and scheduling. So, depending on which occupation you’re in, your line of skills could be really popular in your area and extremely competitive. That can make it hard to set out a list of goals since everyone around you is already planning on achieving the same ones. I always strive to be different in order to stand out, and I do that by means of research on the latest trend(s) in my field of work, being outgoing and fun. I constantly ask myself what I could change about who I am personally and how I could handle my business a lot more professionally. It is hard to think about where I want to be at the end of my career since I can’t see the future and what it holds for me. I try my very best to better my business with one day at a time, making it where I am one step closer to my goals. I love learning and growing, especially when it comes to becoming more professional and well known. Thus, I hope to never end my career and to never not have goals in mind.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My photography promotes fun, laughter, movement and intimacy. Don’t get me wrong, I love traditional poses, but my vibe is all about being yourself and having the best time with your partner. It usually gets to the point where my clients even forget that there’s a camera in their face during the whole session, because they are so focused on each other and the love they both share. When I introduce myself to my clients, I make sure that they know I am their cheerleader and friend. I never want to come off as a business owner and someone who is just there to make money, but to make memories. I am proud that I have been able to make great friends just from being their photographer. One message about hiring me as their photographer turns into us being close and life long friends. It wasn’t easy getting to where I am today in my business. I have dealt with several bumps in the road trying to maintain a career in this field and bettering myself as a business owner. There were several mistakes made when I first started as a photographer, but there have been kind and patient people in my life who’ve backed me up the whole entire way down this journey. Learning from all of the mistakes and setting goals in life have helped me to get to where I am now. Having a schedule and planning ahead has helped me to stay organized and successful. I am all about sappy and heartfelt moments, unforgettable weddings and intimate elopements. I capture stories and memories of couples who have a deep love for each other, that want their story to be told. I am always ready to pack my bags to go on a crazy and fun adventure to explore the world along with my clients, so they can never forget about their special and beautiful day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I absolutely love being outdoors and traveling. If my friend visited my home town for a week, I would take him/her on all of my favorite hiking trails that lead to beautiful and unique waterfalls. It is always great seeing their reaction when they see a waterfall in the desert! I have several good spots here in Tucson that are perfect for stargazing, and that would also be another adventure I would take my friend on. I have had to do tons of scouting sessions due to my photography business, so I know the best spots for photos and picnics here. Tucson is also known for its great Mexican food, so I would have my friend try all kinds of different entrees. You can’t find Eegees anywhere except for Tucson, so I’d make sure that was next on the list of things to try. It’s especially good on a hot summer day! If my friend wanted to travel outside of Tucson, Sedona would be the first location to hit up and explore. The red sand and cliffs always leaves my friends in awe! Arizona is genuinely a beautiful and unique state, so I would make it a huge goal of mine to check off most of the places on their bucket list.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There has been a lot of support from my family behind my business and who I am as a person. My dad owned two businesses in the past, so he taught me a lot about responsibility and professionalism. I grew up being a people-person, so that also helped me to be more outgoing and open. My husband has been a huge support since he was the one who wanted me to push forward in my business, by means of turning my hobby into an awesome job that I would forever love! But there is one person in particular who helped me tremendously. Her name is Monica Brown and she is a wedding and portrait photographer. She took me under her wing and taught me how to be behind the camera. How to communicate with my clients and how to edit and take pictures. She was the best mentor I could have ever had.

Website: ayshiaelorahphotography.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayshiaelorahphotography/