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

Hi Elizabeth, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I grew up in old town Katy all my life till I graduated high school. My first introduction and interest in photography happened when I was a young child, my Dad worked with photography for his job at the time. I remember him taking a lot of pictures of my brother and I as we were growing up. As I got older, I took a photography class in high school, where I learned on a 35 mm. Also while I was in high school, I was discovered by a local modeling agency at a concert. I was always told I could be a model because I was tall and skinny. The agency accepted me in their modeling school and had my first professional photo shoot to have pictures made for my portfolio. I remember that it was the first time in my life that I actually felt beautiful. Up until then, I was a 5’9″ lanky girl with knobby knees, and thick brunette hair- at least that’s all I saw when I looked in the mirror. The photographer and makeup artist saw something else; they somehow managed to bring a confident girl in front of the camera. I didn’t know the professional side of photography and posing for the camera. Although when the shoot ended I went back to my painfully shy form and I was amazed at how the photographer was able to capture and preserve the beauty and confidence I had felt for only a few short hours. It was then; I found my love and passion for photography.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I believe my art goes beyond the art that is created within itself. What I have learned over the years is, it’s the people that are standing in front of me and my camera and making those memories. I feel like I can naturally make others feel at ease while in front of my camera. I like to connect to my clients on a deeper level by getting to know them and making the experience a positive one. The concern I get the most is, I don’t like to take pictures and I am totally awkward! I love to meet those people and completely change their mind if possible to create an experience to when they can walk away and say that was great and I feel beautiful!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were to come visit me for a week, I would love to take them down Allen Parkway where Jane Gregory Garden is located. In my opinion, it has the best view of the Downtown Houston skyline. It also offers a beautiful park with sprawling trees and walk ways. From there, I would drive down Navigation to The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation to enjoy some Mexican food. I love seeing the tortillas being made and having a margarita there. Another favorite of mine is having Chicago style pizza from Star Pizza. Another favorite is Memorial Park and McGovern Centennial Gardens which is located in the Museum District, it has the best oak trees, art and science museums, a beautiful reflecting pond and gardens. Last but not least, I would take a drive out to Galveston and enjoy the beach and the strand. As a photographer, these are my favorite places to take photos at. It offers beauty, history, and space to move about to capture the moments.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I couldn’t be who I am today, if it wasn’t for Ryan Beuke, my husband. I remember the day I mentioned that I wanted to pickup a camera and start a photography business, he was very skeptical at first, as he is naturally; but he said, are you sure? Yes, I want to start my own business taking photos. He started researching about photography classes and best starter cameras to work with. From there, he bought my first camera from Costco, and I started photographing my friends and family for free until I could build a portfolio. And I ended up teaching myself how to use a DSLR camera. With his techy background and business oriented self, he helped get my business off to a great start and continues to encourage me to do better and be better at my craft!

Website: www.elizabethbphoto.com

Instagram: Elizabethbphoto_LLC

Linkedin: Elizabeth Beuke

Facebook: www.facebook.com/elizabethbphoto.com

Image Credits
My Headshot is done by Julian’s Creations, Instagram: julians_creations
The photos that I provided are: Elizabeth B Photography, LLC

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.