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

Hi Eva, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was gifted my very first camera when I was maybe 8 years old–a little Polaroid iZone–and I was hooked ever since. I began working at my town’s local newspaper in the Marshall Islands and photographed every event I could convince my boss to send me to. Sports, community gatherings, portraits, you name it, I was there with the paper’s DSLR in hand, dreaming of the day I’d have one of my own, but I never thought it could turn into a full-time career.

Fast forward to college when I sort of naturally fell into a photography major at the University of Washington after accounting didn’t work out and my original plan to be an international business major fell through. But even then, photography was never a “real job” that you could do… right?
So I started working at a travel company, then became assistant editor at a boating magazine where again, I convinced my boss to let me capture as many events as humanly possible. Next, the social media specialist for a luxury worldwide travel company where I traveled to Europe to photograph trips, photographing for myself and my own clients on the side as I’d been doing the last 6 years. Being a full-time photographer was only something I dreamed about. It was too scary to leave my salary and benefits for something I wasn’t even sure would work out. But being able to do what I love for a living, traveling the world, capturing photos for companies in the outdoor industry that value outdoor inclusivity and sustainability, and having a solid work-life balance was super tempting.

Then COVID happened, and I got laid off. No one was hiring, and I decided it was time I gave my full-time photography dream a real go. Starting a photo business during COVID? Not the best idea. It was slow going those first two years, but being able to put all my time and energy into that passion was a game changer. Now, 3 years into being full-time, I’ve established a solid client base, my airbnb and unique rental niche, and am working with my dream clients! I have the flexibility to take 4-month trips and travel the world for photography!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I capture adventurous stories for brands and Airbnbs that share my passion for outdoor inclusivity and sustainability. No destination or adventure is out of the question–I always joke that if I don’t have twigs in my hair by the end of the shoot day, I didn’t give it my all–and I love when I get the creative freedom to tell a brand’s, product’s, or services’ story in the outdoors, incorporating natural elements and adventure every step of the way.

There have been and are a lot of challenges and sacrifices I’ve had to make to be able to do this for a living. Living under the poverty line for the first year was nerve wracking and I wouldn’t have been able to do that without the support of my parents, friends, and partner. It costs a lot to own a business and I’m not saving as much as I would with a salary job. There’s a lot of uncertainty not knowing how much I’ll make month to month. I’ve learned that it takes a lot of hard work and determination and I had to learn how to take rejection and channel it into my business to make it better and grow creatively, but the benefits outweigh the costs by a long shot. Flexibility, freedom to travel, getting to do what I love and work with influential companies and creatives who share my values… it’s my dream come true.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m based in Seattle, Washington, so here’s my ideal week-long Washington adventure!

Day 1: Start close to home in Pike Place Market. It’s a staple for locals and visitors for its delicious food, street performers, and Puget Sound views. Don’t miss the gum wall and the fish throwing.

Day 2: Mt. Rainier National Park. It’s iconic for a reason–this volcano is absolutely gorgeous any time of the year. There’s year-round hiking, epic views, wildflowers in the spring, and plenty of adventure to be had. Don’t miss Elbe Junction for awesome local gifts, drinks, and ice cream.

Day 3: North Cascades National Park. Only accessible in the summer and early fall, this is a gorgeous lesser-visited park with towering peaks and backcountry hikes that’ll leave you breathless (both from elevation and the insane views). Go in the fall to find larches. If you have time, stay in the nearby cowboy town of Winthrop–it looks straight out of a Western. Or, swing by Birdsview Brewing on your way back to Seattle.

Day 4: Drive on a Washington State Ferry to Bainbridge. Spend the night and enjoy its wineries (Bainbridge Island Vineyards for a gorgeous atmosphere and Eleven Winery for the best pours), Bainbridge Island brewing, and award-winning eats before heading out to the Peninsula on Day 5.

Day 5-7: The Olympic Peninsula. Drive up to Hurricane Ridge for year-round adventure. The road takes you all the way up to 5,432′ for panoramic views of the Olympic Mountain Range. Then, go for a dip back down below in Lake Crescent before making your way to the ocean. If you have time, check out Cape Flattery to stand at the northernmost tip of the continental US and see some gorgeous coves and sea stacks. Don’t miss Shi Shi and Ruby Beaches and taking a stroll in the Hoh Rainforest as you make your way south along the coast. I’d recommend staying overnight in Kalaloch Lodge before heading back to Seattle on 101.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom has been my BIGGEST support throughout my entire photo journey. She’s been there for all the tears (happy and sad) and encouraged me every step of the way, even when I said I was majoring in photography… what mom says, “heck, yeah go do it, honey!” to an art major? She’s still the first person I call when I land an exciting gig, and she jumps up and down right there with me. She saw my passion and drive for photography before I did and believed I could do it even when I didn’t think I could. I wouldn’t be doing this without her love, support, and encouragement.

The Six Figure Photographer podcast has also been such a huge resource throughout my career growth. Go check it out if you haven’t yet!

Website: www.wanderinraw.com

Instagram: @evangelea

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evangeleaseelye

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@evaseelye

Image Credits
Eva Seelye

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