What makes Elena Gera  with Focus On The Moment Photography a good neighbor?

In a fascinating episode of the Good Neighbor Podcast, host Skip Mauney interviews Elena Gera, a Bristol-based wedding photographer with an extraordinary background. Elena's journey from war photojournalist to wedding photographer represents an inspiring transition from documenting tragedy to capturing joy. As the owner of Focus on the Moment Photography, Elena specializes in wedding photography across Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina, with a particular focus on the beautiful backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains.

Elena's approach to wedding photography is deeply rooted in her photojournalistic background. Rather than staging perfect shots, she concentrates on capturing authentic emotional moments that tell the complete story of a wedding day. This includes genuine laughter, emotional vows, and all the beautiful chaos that makes weddings so memorable. Her shooting style is described as relaxed and playful, focusing on the emotional core of every moment. This photojournalistic approach allows her to document weddings as they naturally unfold, preserving fleeting yet deeply meaningful moments that couples will cherish forever.

What makes Elena's story particularly compelling is her transformation from aspiring war photographer to wedding specialist. After graduating from the International Center of Photography in New York City, Elena initially pursued a career in photojournalism, covering political protests, natural disasters, and global events. One of her most intense experiences was covering the Arab Spring in Egypt in 2010, where she found herself in dangerous situations that made her reconsider her career path. Despite the professional respect photojournalism commanded, Elena realized she wanted to surround herself with joy rather than tragedy. A friend's wedding request became the pivotal moment in her career when she discovered the profound impact wedding photography could have, especially after witnessing how photos of the bride's grandmother, taken shortly before her death, became precious family treasures.

Elena also addresses common misconceptions about wedding photography during the interview. Many people assume photographers turn weddings into endless photo sessions, but Elena emphasizes her documentary approach that allows couples to enjoy their day. She also clarifies the economics of wedding photography, explaining that the apparent hourly rate fails to account for the extensive time spent on editing, client communication, and business operations. Additionally, successful wedding photography begins long before the event, with Elena building relationships with couples to ensure she understands their preferences and vision, ultimately creating a comfortable experience that produces better photographs.

On a personal note, Elena shares her love for ice hockey, playing in an amateur league with her husband Andrew. Originally from Moscow, Russia, Elena grew up during the Soviet era when travel outside the country was heavily restricted. After the fall of the Iron Curtain, she embraced opportunities to travel, eventually visiting 46 countries before settling in the United States 12 years ago. The transition to life in America presented challenges, from building a professional network to navigating the business aspects of photography in a new environment, but these experiences have given Elena profound empathy and resilience that enhance her approach to wedding photography. Elena's unique perspective allows her to notice people who might otherwise be overlooked at weddings, creating inclusive photographs that capture the full spectrum of human connection.

To learn more about Focus On The Moment Photography go to:

https://www.focusonmoment.com/

Focus On The Moment Photography

(833) 777-4686