Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellie Rios.
Hi Ellie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
When I first got started into photography, I was taking photos mostly for friends to build up my portfolio. Even now we still all make jokes about how blurry my photos were in the beginning. Eventually, I realized that I wanted to try event photography. I went out to a drag queen show in Flagstaff where I talked to their president, Zane Jacobs, to see if they needed a photographer. It wasn’t a paid opportunity but it was an opportunity no less. I’m so thankful I did it. I meet my mentor Paige Lombardi where she added me as a second shooter for weddings. I learned so much from her up in Flagstaff. Everything was going great for me to learn photography up in Flagstaff until I got a call. My dad had a heart attack and was experiencing kidney failure. In that moment, I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to continue photography. I made a decision to move everything down to Maricopa to take care of my dad while my sister finished up her education at NAU. It took me a week to move into my father’s house, find two jobs and start a new life down in the Phoenix area. There were moments when I thought photography might not be in my cards. I was working as a manager at a restaurant while care taking for my dad. For a year, it was rough to get stable. We were on the edge of homeless so many times and handling financial problems while experiencing countless of surgeries and doctors appointments. Now my dad is healthy. I operate my business, SayEllie! in Tempe Arizona where I have my art gallery. I was able to graduate from South Mountain Community College with my Associates in Arts. I’m adding new members to my team. We now a videographer and a second shooter on the way. I partner with local business owners in the area from DJs to artists. I’m looking forward to seeing what SayEllie! does next.
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?
Absolutely not, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I’m so thankful for the struggles that comes with having a business. I’m incredibly grateful for my love ones, friends and business partners that have supported me in my business. My business wouldn’t be what it is today without them.
As you know, we’re big fans of SayEllie!. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I’m a photography business located in Tempe, Arizona. I’m always willing to travel anywhere from Flagstaff to Tucson. I offer my services for event photography, concerts, festivals, newborn photography, graduations, engagements, weddings and businesses. We do offer videography as well for event, concerts, festivals, engagements, weddings and businesses. We have a pop up photo booth for on site with 4×6 photos and frames.
What matters most to you?
My photography is a way for me to capture how I see the world. When people see it, I want them to smile.
Pricing:
- Engagement photography for two hours at $200
- Newborn photography for two hours at $225
- Wedding photography for 4 to 5 hours at $1,200 to $1,500
- Graduation photography for one hour at $175
- Portraits photography for one hour at $140
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sayellie.my.canva.site/
- Instagram: @say_ellie_
