Photography is a growing business becoming high in demand due to the desire for high quality professional shots. Three students from Lincoln East High School have joined in on the photography trend and have made exceptional progress in their photography business. Junior Marin Olson, senior Elizabeth Elitzin, and senior Chloe Wolbert have impressively grown their businesses over the past couple years, with each having a different personal style of photography. From sports photography to senior portraits, these talented students continue to capture moments while sharing their passion and creativity.
Elizabeth Elitzin
Elitzin has had her official business since 2024, but she didn’t start photography solely for profit. She’s had a deep passion for this art form ever since she’s touched a camera, and viewers can see that through her unique and vibrant photos.
“Photography has always been a creative outlet for me,” Elitzin said. “I’ve found a love for a specific style that I can turn into a company. My favorite aspect of photography is the editing process. That’s where the real colors come out and you’re able to truly elevate your photos.”
Elitzin has found her rhythm for photography, and her website and Instagram (@eae.photo) showcases her colorful array of photos. She has taken everything from senior photos and couple shoots, to various activity photos for Lincoln East. She believes that part of the joy with photography is experimenting with different types, styles, and techniques in order to improve.
“I’ve seen progress through my quality of photos as well as the amount of people I’m able to take photos for,” Elitzin said. “This last month I’ve taken pictures for two weddings and a dozen seniors.”
Business has been booming for Elitzin’s photography company, but it did come with various challenges in order to be successful. Being a fresh face in the professional photography world can come as a struggle, especially when it comes to advertising and attracting customers.
“Some initial challenges were finding a client base,” Elitzin said. “However, I treat every first impression as a networking opportunity and I’ve been able to overcome that original buffer. My tips for aspiring photographers are to take risks. Don’t be afraid to get in front of the pep rallies or try out a new style of editing. That’s how you improve, by taking chances.”
Elitzin encourages people who are curious about photography to try it out and not be afraid of a little experimentation. It is a very rewarding career with the chance of expressing creativity while capturing precious moments.
Chloe Wolbert
Wolbert is a well known sports photographer at Lincoln East and has captured numerous sporting events such as football, basketball, cross country, and many more. Her involvement within the Lincoln East Yearbook (The Epic) helps encourage her sports photography. Recently, her skilled pictures have gained a lot of traction and can be viewed on her Instagram @cgw.photo.
“I got into photography through a mutual friend giving me her camera for a sporting event,” Wolbert said. “She has done photography for a while and I was curious what it was and how to work a camera. When I first started photography, I had to learn how to use a camera and how to perform it well enough to execute. Different cameras also mean different outcomes. I had to learn to get the best gear for the best photo which took a while to learn.”
Wolbert’s perseverance through those initial bumps led her to becoming a talented and experienced action photographer who has taken numerous pictures for Lincoln East. The best thing any aspiring photographer can do is practice and to not be intimidated by the challenges at first.
“I have seen progress through me upgrading gear, upgrading composition levels throughout my years of photography and growing my platform,” Wolbert said. “Growing my platform through social media and having people connect with me through there to have me shoot for them is one of the best feelings as a photographer. When you love your photos, so do others. Knowing when you get some of the best photos and people compliment your work and want you to extend your work out to them is one of the biggest compliments.”
The positive feedback for Wolbert’s work is a well deserved achievement due to her immense progress and dedication to the gig. She encourages others to dive into their curiosity of photography and just go for it.
“Join a photo class here at East,” Wolbert said. “Talk to your teachers, rent out a camera, and go to a game. Or even just take the camera home and shoot in your backyard. Photography is a learned experience, and without going for it, you will never have the chance to improve.”
Marin Olson
Olson is a fresh new face to the photography business and has already made her mark with her talented shots. Everything from seniors to couple photos—which are displayed on her website and Instagram (@m.olson.photography)—showcase her skills when it comes to the camera.
“I started photography because I wanted to help people preserve their favorite moments,” Olson said. “Life changes so quickly and knowing that I can create something they’ll be able to look back on and cherish is one of the things I love most about it. Photos have a way of preserving memories forever and knowing that I can create those lasting keepsakes for others is my favorite part of the job.”
Olson’s passion for capturing other’s favorite moments is what makes her so good at her job. But starting a business can have some challenges. Luckily, Olson is the type of individual to be persistent.
“One of the challenges I faced when starting my business was learning how to manage the small details that help my day to day activities run smoothly,” Olson said. “I’ve seen a lot of progress in my business through my work. Looking back from when I first started to now, it’s clear that trial and error has taught me not only how to take and edit photos more efficiently, but also how to run my business much more smoothly overall.”
One vital way to progress in this industry is by consistently trying new things and going out of the comfort zone. There are multiple adversities when it comes to running a business, but Olson displays that persistence will pay off.
“I think one of the most important parts of starting a photography business is learning to preserve,” Olson said. “There will be months when bookings are slow and others when you’re so busy you have to turn clients away. Sticking with it through both highs and lows makes the journey worthwhile.”
All three of these outstanding photographers from Lincoln East have portrayed what it’s like to be persistent and to try new things. Check out their websites and Instagram accounts (@cgw.photo, @eae.photo, @m.olson.photography) to see their stunning work and support Lincoln East’s talented photographers.
