‘Click, Click!’ The sound of a shutter closing as senior Ellie Lane snaps a shot for her friends’ senior photos. The glorious 11 story building is no novice when it comes to housing some of the most creative people to walk this earth. Lane is no different. With her unique eye for detail, and flexibility when it comes to a wide range of photography styles, Lane’s work has gone beyond the norm.

After her friend asked her to take her senior photos, she was so proud of her work that she was eager to share it with the world. Lane immediately went to instagram and made her photography account: @elanephotography, which gained traction almost instantly. The follower notifications and DMs started piling up quickly but it allows for opportunities that she wouldn’t have had otherwise. “I’ve always loved capturing things that look aesthetically pleasing to the eye,” she said. “I enjoy capturing joy and freezing, framing those moments that matter.”

One of the biggest factors in aiding a creative eye is the type of equipment used to produce eye pleasing photographs. From Canon, to Nikon, to Polaroid, choosing the right equipment is challenging, especially when just starting out. Luckily for Lane, she’s found out what works for her. “I currently use a Canon Rebel 100 and the lens that comes along with it,” she said. “But I am hoping for more wide angle lenses so I can take photos of the sports in the spring!”

‘We all started off somewhere,’ a simple reminder that beginners need when starting off new. Even with a loaded skill set like hers, Lane didn’t become skilled overnight, she practiced and practiced and now is able to turn something she loves into a side gig. Lane advises anyone waiting to step into the world of photography to not give up when it comes to just starting up. “Don’t compare yourself to others in the same way you would in your everyday life,” she said. “Your work is not going to be the best right away. Practice makes perfect.”

Who knew that such a simple hobby could turn into a side hustle? Lane has proven time and time again, client after client, that her talents are endless. With her bookings filling up at an exponential rate, it is safe to say that Ellie Lane is an expert at what she does.