Eliene's journey: From photographer to successful academy founder

Meet Eliene: The passionate photographer behind Sunfield Academy

Eliene is a dedicated photographer and entrepreneur whose love for photography blossomed during her time in Africa. The incredible light she found there inspired her artistic journey. In Namibia, during her final internship after a year of volunteering in South Africa, she was inspired to capture the beauty around her. Traveling alone motivated her to document her experiences, and through practice, she learned to harness natural light. This is where her passion for light and photography truly began!

The birth of Sunfield Academy

Eliene quickly started her own photography business. She read, practiced, followed courses and workshops, and sought business coaching while exploring every book she could find. Through this journey, she realized that being an entrepreneur is just as important as being a photographer. She noticed that many photographers struggled to become successful professionals, which inspired her later to create Sunfield Academy. This initiative is designed for individuals with a strong passion for photography who also want to grow in entrepreneurship and mindset.

Sunfield Academy has a clear motto: they love to create challenges and adventures for hobbyists, professionals, and other creatives. They do this by offering a variety of online and in-person courses and training programs, both locally and internationally. The focus is on photography, personal development, marketing, and entrepreneurship. From beginner online courses like Basic Photography to a ten-month live program designed to help people become professional photographers, as well as The Level-Up program for those seeking new creative challenges, Sunfield Academy meets diverse needs.

Eliene’s focus and passion

As the founder of Sunfield Academy, Eliene thrives on variety and dynamic work. She believes that being stuck behind a laptop all day is not fulfilling. Her happiness comes from being active, supporting her students, collaborating with her team, and enjoying quality time with her family around a cozy fire.

She finds joy in witnessing the sparks of passion in her students. The energy that emerges when they take steps in their development is incredibly inspiring. Eliene also loves launching new projects and helping others grow in their personal journeys.

Challenges for new photographers

Many aspiring photographers express concerns about a saturated market filled with talent. However, Eliene knows the reality is quite different. In the advanced programs at Sunfield Academy, participants often find themselves receiving paid assignments shortly after joining, sometimes leading them to leave their regular jobs. It’s truly remarkable to see what unfolds when individuals follow their hearts!

Advice for new photographers

Eliene encourages new photographers to discover their unique qualities and remain authentic to themselves. She advises them not to hesitate to invest in their development, as the returns can be substantial. Following one's heart often leads to incredible opportunities outside the comfort zone.

The importance of customer experience

At Sunfield Academy, Eliene and her team focus on a complete photography experience, paying attention to every detail. Delivering photos is a crucial part of this process. They see Shootstack as an excellent platform for showcasing photos, ensuring they get the attention they deserve. For clients, it's a great way to view and enjoy their work, enhancing their overall experience.