Elizabeth Snyder – Capturing Strength Through the Lens

Elizabeth Snyder’s story begins in an attic with a darkroom and a dream. At just eight years old, she watched in awe as an image appeared on a blank sheet of paper—a moment of pure magic, where light and time became art. It was the first time she knew, with absolute certainty, what she wanted to do with her life.

But dreams don’t always follow a straight path. Life threw Elizabeth challenges she never anticipated—hardship, single motherhood, and even a battle with cancer. And yet, through every setback, she found her way back to what mattered most: capturing the essence of strength, beauty, and resilience through her camera.

A Childhood Marked by Creativity and Struggle

Elizabeth grew up in North Tonawanda, New York, a small town with a complicated past. As the daughter of teenage parents, life was never easy. There were fights, financial struggles, and moments where survival took priority over dreams. But even in the midst of a turbulent household, she had an escape.

Her aunt, only eight years older, had been gifted everything needed to create a darkroom and a small portrait studio in her grandparents’ attic. One summer afternoon, she invited Elizabeth to help her set it up. The first time she saw a photograph develop in the darkroom’s chemical trays, it felt like alchemy—like real magic. From that moment, she was hooked.

Elizabeth knew photography was her calling. She exhausted every art class her school had to offer and even attended a trade school for cosmetology—not because she wanted to be a hairstylist, but because she knew hair and makeup would be essential skills for her future in photography.

But life, as it often does, had other plans.

Love, Loss, and Starting Over

Elizabeth married young, had two children, and put her passion on hold. Photography wasn’t an easy industry to break into, especially before social media, and she needed a stable income. So, she worked multiple jobs—doing hair, working at a bank, and even taking a job at a grocery store.

Then, everything fell apart.

Her marriage ended, leaving her a single mother with an empty bank account, no car, and two children who depended on her. She had to beg for rides, juggle bills, and make impossible choices—like deciding which utility to pay each month.

The breaking point came during a brutal Buffalo winter. With no money for food, she bundled her kids onto a sled and walked through the freezing snow to a food bank. That moment, dragging her children through the icy streets, was when she made a promise to herself: This is not going to be our life forever.

A Second Chance at a Dream

Determined to rebuild, Elizabeth worked relentlessly. She climbed her way up in the banking industry, eventually landing a stable position. But the job drained her—it was cold, impersonal, and soul-sucking. One day, a friend asked her, If money, age, and circumstance didn’t matter, what would you do?

Her answer was immediate: Photography.

That same friend sent her a link to a photography contest. She entered. And she won.

The prize? A professional camera, editing software, and a laptop—everything she needed to start over. Within a year, she quit her job at the bank and pursued photography full-time.

Building a Business on Empowerment and Authenticity

Elizabeth didn’t just want to take pictures—she wanted to capture people. The way they felt about themselves. The power they didn’t always see in their own reflection.

She specialized in women’s portraiture, boudoir, and professional headshots, working with clients who often arrived nervous, uncertain, even hesitant to be seen. But Elizabeth had a gift. Through careful coaching and conversation, she helped people drop their guard, guiding them into poses that felt natural, powerful, and deeply personal.

Her sessions weren’t just about photography—they were transformational.

Women who had spent years avoiding the camera left her studio seeing themselves in a new light. Corporate professionals looking for a LinkedIn headshot walked away with an image that captured not just their face, but their confidence.

And through it all, Elizabeth was still learning her own lessons in resilience.

Facing Cancer and Reclaiming Self-Care

Life threw another challenge her way—twice.

At 27, she was diagnosed with pre-cervical cancer, a condition linked to HPV. She underwent treatment and recovered, only to face a second, more serious diagnosis years later: thyroid cancer.

Doctors downplayed her concerns, telling her the growth might not be cancerous. But something in her gut told her otherwise. She fought to have her entire thyroid removed, a decision that likely saved her life—because when the tests came back, the results confirmed she had not just one, but two types of thyroid cancer.

For a long time, Elizabeth had put everyone else first—her kids, her clients, her responsibilities. Cancer forced her to reevaluate. She started prioritizing her health, her time, and her passion. She refused to let stress or self-neglect define her future.

The Book: Finding Purpose Beyond Trauma

Through her journey, Elizabeth realized something profound: trauma does not have to define you.

Her book, Finding Your Purpose Beyond Trauma, explores how pain and hardship can be transformed into strength. Featuring personal stories—both her own and those of her clients—it serves as a guide for anyone looking to turn struggle into empowerment.

She believes that art, self-expression, and creative passion aren’t just hobbies—they are tools for healing. Whether it’s photography, painting, music, or even hiking, she encourages people to find the thing that makes them feel alive—and to make time for it, no matter what.

Key Takeaways from Elizabeth Snyder’s Journey

1. Your past doesn’t define your future – Trauma and hardship are part of the story, but they don’t have to be the story.
2. Creativity is healing – Whether it’s art, writing, or movement, self-expression is vital for mental well-being.
3. Taking care of yourself is not selfish – You can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritizing your health and passion makes you stronger for others.
4. Opportunities come when you’re ready – When she re-embraced her passion, the right opportunities found her.
5. Empowerment starts with seeing yourself differently – Sometimes, all it takes is the right lens—both figuratively and literally.

Elizabeth Snyder’s Work Today

Elizabeth continues to empower her clients through photography, coaching, and writing. She helps people step into their confidence, reframe their self-image, and celebrate their journey—scars and all.

To book a session or learn more about her work, visit ElizabethSnyderPhotography.com or follow her on Instagram @ElizabethSnyderPhotographyLLC.

Her book, Finding Your Purpose Beyond Trauma, is available now on Amazon.