Let's go!

I'm the gal behind the lens, and the founder of paige elizabeth photography. 

If I'm not working you can usually find me exploring new towns, eating sushi, or cuddling with my pup and cat. Explore my blog to learn more about me, my couples, and even learn a thing or two!

Hey, there! I'm Paige.

I’m going full time!

Well y’all, my secret is out. I am SO. FREAKIN. EXCITED to share with you that I am officially a FULL TIME entrepreneur! I can’t believe I even just typed those words. This is so surreal.
If you’ve followed me from the beginning of my A Little Rusty Shop days (and I mean way back when I was selling lace covered mason jars…bless my heart) or even if you’re new around here and just started following along recently, you’ve probably heard me talk about my journey a little bit. But you likely don’t know the whole story, so here it goes.
In 2013 I started “A Little Rusty Shop” with big dreams of opening my own store one day. I love antiques and unique finds However what started out as a way for me to go “junkin'” (one of my favorite things to do to this day) and flip the items I found, ended up with me wanting to keep 90% of my finds! I realized after a while, that my boyfriend couldn’t call me a hoarder anymore if I rented it all – HA. 😉 This was around the time that specialty rental companies were becoming more popular in the US, and I’d noticed that the Eastern Shore didn’t have a vintage/specialty rental company. So ALRS Rentals was born.
ALRS holds a very special place in my heart. It was my first solo venture as an entrepreneur. My family and friends helped me out a TON, but it was my first dream I seriously pursued. I loved every second of scouring for new and unique vintage finds. I longed for the days I got to go to “work” setting up beautiful lounge areas and details for my clients on their wedding days, parties, or events (I say “work” because it never felt like work to me – I loved every second). I’m a perfectionist who loves to decorate, so it was perfect for me.
However I also had a full time job, and I took on too much. While my family and friends were helpful beyond words, it was MY business. It all fell on my shoulders. When there were days I couldn’t find anyone to help me, it was me lifting my old heavy couches out of the small room in my parents barn, and out into my truck. By myself. I was burnt out. Beyond repair. It got so bad, and I am ashamed to admit this, but I stopped responding to emails. I couldn’t mentally deal with the thought of renting anymore. I was constantly stressed out. Always on edge, and felt like I couldn’t catch up with my own life. It was a bad time for me mentally. In 2017, what would have ended up being the most profitable year for ALRS, I made the tough decision to close. And my oh my am I so happy I did that. Keep reading and you’ll see why..
ALRS opened up amazing doors for me. It connected me with some incredible business owners, clients, and friends. It also gave me the opportunity to utilize my love of photography. Something I had kept to myself my entire life. I have always loved taking pictures. My Mom had a DSLR when I was a kid and I used to try and swipe it so I could go explore on my farm and take pictures of random things. Or would play “photographer” with one of my friends modeling. I’ll have to find some of those picture one day – lol. However when ALRS came about, I knew I needed to start learning how to get better at photography, because I needed content. I wanted my business represented from my own point of view. The day Billy got me my first camera (Lorelei, a Nikon D5300) on Christmas Day 2016, was the day my life changed for good.
It took me months and months to work up the courage to take “real pictures” of another human being. I’d always looked up to professional photographers in this dreamy how-on-earth-do-you-make-such-magic-happen kind of way. Never ONCE considering I could do that myself. I’d started studying photography here and there as a way to take better marketing pictures for ALRS, and slowly they started to get better. Several of my friends and family members asked me when I would start taking pictures of PEOPLE. I was like excuse you? I don’t do that. Part of what kept me from moving forward sooner was that I had so many friends that were photographers. My own sister had pursued photography at one point. I never wanted to be “that friend” that was trying to do what they were doing…somehow I thought that made my dreams and desires less valid. Boy was I so wrong. I called up one of my best friends and photography idols one day, Leah Adkins, and told her my fears. She told me I was crazy and that if I wanted to do it – to DO IT. There was no reason not to. She gave me the pep talk I needed and coming from a close friend who was also a photographer, I needed to hear that. I don’t think she knows how much she helped me that day. After that, I just had to pluck up the courage to actually take pictures of PEOPLE – HA. Luckily one of my best friends stepped up to the plate. She came to me and said she’d model for me…it was about time I give it a try. I needed to just do it already. I nervously agreed. (Only because she was my friend and I knew she wouldn’t judge me if I was terrible.) I took her to a beautiful creek near where we lived, and brought one of my favorite chairs because for some reason, having something I knew better (like a chair, apparently?) made me feel better. I remember coming home from that shoot, uploading the pictures, and when I saw this one I’ve posted below, I thought “wait..I think I can do this”.
I was on cloud 9. As much as I loved my rentals, I had just enjoyed myself more than anything I’d ever done professionally. Fast forward to a couple of months later and I had dove head first into photography. I never once looked back. July 2017 was when I officially launched “Paige Elizabeth Photography” and I spent every spare moment I could studying, taking classes, and shooting, shooting, shooting! I practiced as much as I could. I saved every penny from my shoots so I could upgrade my gear or attend a class or workshop. And I haven’t stopped loving every second. I am constantly wanting to learn more, to try more, to do new things. I know with every fiber of my being that I have finally found my calling.
The past year and a half have been a serious whirlwind. My hard work paid off and it wasn’t long before I was truly working two full time jobs between my day job at the hospital and my photography business. This fall wedding season was the busiest I have ever been and I honestly can not put into words how thankful I am, however I also was close to burning out the way I burnt out with ALRS. I knew I couldn’t let that happen, but I wasn’t quite ready to leave my job. It was time to build a team. I hired my sister, Sarah Anne, as my virtual assistant to keep the business side of things running during the day, until I could get home from my day job and get back to work at night. I also hired an editor, Annie Velenovsky to help me with editing! If it weren’t for these two amazing ladies, I am really not sure if I’d still have a business at all. I was so mentally and physically exhausted. I went over 6 months without a single day off. Think about that y’all. Every spare moment I wasn’t at my day job, I was working on my business, or thinking about things I needed to be working on for my business. I’d come home from working 8 hours only to work another 8 minimum. I was getting an average of maybe 5 hours of sleep a night MAYBE, and this is coming from a gal who NEEDS her sleep.
In November I attended the Creative at Heart conference and for the first time in my life, was surrounded by people just like me. People who didn’t always know their path right from the beginning. Who constantly want to, NEED to be creating. Who simply don’t work well under a boss, and longed to be (or already were) their own boss. The incredible women I met there made me realize that I was the only one holding myself back. That fear of letting my family or friends down shouldn’t keep me from pursing my dreams, and that if I’ve come this far in just over one “official” year and a half, then I absolutely can go full time, and I can do it NOW.
I came home from that conference with my mind *almost* made up, and I prayed and prayed the whole way home asking for God to just give me a sign. I’d do whatever He wanted. I’d stay in this job I didn’t enjoy and spend another 6 months working my butt off if I needed to. But lucky I didn’t have to wait long because God showed up in a big way for me the very next day. I took his signs to heart and told my whole family that day I was quitting my job. Every. single. one. of them was 100% behind me. I’m crying all over again just remembering it. I put in my notice the next week and on December 21, 2018, I walked out of my day job for the very last time and was officially 100% self-employed. The tears are so real, y’all.
I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for my amazing family and friends who have been there for me this whole way. I’d be lying if I said they all were on board from the beginning, but they always supported my idea and drive to prove them wrong. And it didn’t take long for them to see that I was doing this, one way or another. Their love and support, during all if it, has gotten me to where I am today. They were there for me when I came home from shoots so excited to tell anyone about what happened. They were there for me on the days I was grouchy because I’d had to pull an all nighter, then go to work the next day, only to come home and work more before I could go to bed. They were there for me with food on the days I forgot to eat. They were there for me on the days I came home in tears because I was so stressed out from working constantly. They were there for the all of it, and I will never be able to thank them enough.
But of course, this blog post wouldn’t be complete without me mentioning my INCREDIBLE clients. My clients have truly changed my life. They have given me the chance to follow my dreams, and have become some of my most amazing friends in the process. They have given me grace when I’ve needed it most, and have trusted me to capture their most precious memories. We’ve laughed, cried, fallen down (really that was just me), eaten great food, and enjoyed times together I will cherish for the rest of my life. I will never, EVER, get over the fact that God has given me a gift that allows me to build these relationships with such amazing humans.
If you’ve read this far, let me say a personal thank you to you. Chances are you’ve been following my journey for a bit (if you’re new and read this whole dang thing you are a true hero) and I could not be more grateful to you for taking time out of your life to be a part of mine. That may seem weird if you just follow along with me on Insta, but you truly are a part of my life and have had a very positive impact on it. I hope you continue to follow along this year – because things are about to get real good y’all.
I can’t wait to dive into 2019 with my FULL FOCUS on this business, and on serving YOU to the very best of my ability. I have so. freaking. much. planned for y’all. Thank you for being here. Thank you for your support. I mean every word of this when I say: You have changed my life.
I love you all! Here’s to 2019!
XOXO,
Paige
This post is dedicated to: Mom, Dad, Sarah Anne, Kyleigh, Billy, + Grandma. And to all my close friends who have stood by my side and supported me every step of the way. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without each of you. I can never thank you enough. I love you.

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- michelle + sean

From the moment we met Paige and Sarah I knew it would be a lifelong bond! They are the kindest most genuine humans you will probably ever meet. Not only do I cherish our relationship, but it makes for incredible photos because you can be completely comfortable and your authentic self when in their hands. I have a medical condition and Paige was my #1 support (next to my husband) during our engagement shoot and entire wedding day. She takes magical photos, and on top of that acts similar to a bridesmaid - helps with your train, has snacks if you feel a crash coming LOL! I never felt stress and if I did it was short lived because she truly had our backs! Additionally, we are a “covid couple” who postponed 2x and she met that challenge with the utmost compassion, understanding, and flexibility. Paige Elizabeth Photography will be the best decision you make. Don’t walk - RUN to book! She has this incredible ability to capture the candid moments and your day exactly how it happened so the memories are stored forever. They blow any expectation of photography out of the water, and will become you and your family/friends for life to capture all the important moments.

"The best decision you make"

- Claudia + chris

Paige was an amazing photographer for our engagement and wedding pictures! We got along with Paige immediately and she made us feel very comfortable in front of the camera. Paige is very genuine and fun and our guests noticed this as well. The wedding party had fun joking with her during portraits and our guests loved that she danced while photographing the reception.

Paige kept track of the schedule once we started the portraits which allowed us to focus on our friends and family and having fun. She also looked over the tentative schedule during the planning process to ensure we had enough time for each part of the day.

Paige gave us clear expectations for when we could expect the finished pictures and delivered hundreds of high quality pictures within those timeframes. We love Paige’s documentary style photography that captures the moments as they unfold rather than staging them.

We would recommend Paige to anyone looking for a photographer and we will definitely be booking her again in the future!

"Genuine and fun"

- amanda and mo

I have hired Paige for several things, but she SLAYED my wedding this past September! Not only were my pictures amazing (which I knew they would be), but she was phenomenal with shot ideas and even breathing techniques to help keep me calm right before the walk down the aisle. Photos came back super quick and we will be ordering prints from her soon! HIRE THIS WOMAN!!!!

"SLAYED"

- michelle + sean

From the moment we met Paige and Sarah I knew it would be a lifelong bond! They are the kindest most genuine humans you will probably ever meet. Not only do I cherish our relationship, but it makes for incredible photos because you can be completely comfortable and your authentic self when in their hands. I have a medical condition and Paige was my #1 support (next to my husband) during our engagement shoot and entire wedding day. She takes magical photos, and on top of that acts similar to a bridesmaid - helps with your train, has snacks if you feel a crash coming LOL! I never felt stress and if I did it was short lived because she truly had our backs! Additionally, we are a “covid couple” who postponed 2x and she met that challenge with the utmost compassion, understanding, and flexibility. Paige Elizabeth Photography will be the best decision you make. Don’t walk - RUN to book! She has this incredible ability to capture the candid moments and your day exactly how it happened so the memories are stored forever. They blow any expectation of photography out of the water, and will become you and your family/friends for life to capture all the important moments.

"The best decision you make"

- emily

Paige is the absolute best photographer you could have! We took our engagement photos with her and was blown away how at ease she made us feel and how amazing the photos turned out. When she sent us our sneak peak photos from our wedding, our mouths dropped. They were better than we could have ever imagined! I still have family members talking about how much they loved her. She is also not afraid to kick everyone off a deck to get some night time pictures if they are in the way hahaha! She is truly the best. BOOK HER!

"Better than we could have ever imagined!"

- Sam + Ryan

Paige is the best! We met first when we booked her for our 2019 wedding and engagement. She was our first vendor booked and obviously our favorite. We just knew we HAD to work with her. She is incredibly understanding, warm, and always smiling. She does her best to feel like family and make your shoot full of ease. She completely understands when people feel “awkward in front of the camera”. We’ve continued to use her through the years, taking anniversary shots, mini sessions, and most recently family photos as our family grew. We have loved watching her succeed over the years and having her document our successes as well :) book her!

"Book her!"

- Sydney + andrew



"I WAS NOT READY! 

Paige, these are absolutely everything and have helped us relive the most special day. You not only captured all of the sweetest moments but somehow all of the FUNNIEST and most memorable moments that we are all still laughing about. Have no idea how you were so many places seemingly at once but we are forever grateful. 

Thank you for making us feel so comfortable and celebrated throughout the entire process. We'll be looking at these photos forever. I only wish we could do it all together again!"

"I was not ready!"

- Mackenzie

Paige has been such a gift to our family over the past 3 years since we started booking her as our photographer. From family sessions, to boudoir and maternity- Paige has always nailed our vision. I have GLADLY recommended her to friends for their weddings and beyond, and everyone has been thrilled with Paige’s work. Not only is she an amazing photographer, but an awesome person. I felt like we were fast friends which made me even more comfortable in front of the camera. If you’re looking for a photographer, look no further!!

"such a gift"

- text from makenna

"..THANK YOU is an understatement. You made our wedding, you captured EVERYTHING, and to think that you were a one woman show blows my mind. You were everywhere and captured every single detail. I knew when we booked with you that we wouldn't regret it, we are so pleased with everything. We are so happy and can't wait to share all the pictures with our whole family. I can't wait to TRY to pick our favorites and display them all over our house. Just know that you will be in our lives for a while, hopefully capturing our kiddos one day!...Thank you for being you and for sharing your talent with us! We are overwhelmed with all that you have given to us!"

"THANK YOU!"

- texts from rachel 

"OMFG"
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME"
"These are INSANE"
"Holy shit I'm dying"
"OMMMGGGG"
"I'm legit obsessed this is amazing!!!!"
"Holy f**K I cna't stop staring at them" 
"You are insane"
"WE ARE DYING OVER HERE"

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME"

- Megan

Absolutely amazing to work with!!
I've followed paige for years,admiring her work and was lucky enough to work with her this past summer for what was just a couples shoot, turning into a surprise engagement shoot. Paige and her sister were such a joy and SO easy to work with! Paige makes you feel so comfortable infront of the camera. She truly feels like a friend and we are so lucky to have her shoot our wedding in 2024. Her work is beautiful so please do yourself a favor and book with paige Elizabeth 

"Truly feels like a friend"

- Morgan

I first met Paige in 2019, she came with our wedding photographer as a second shooter. She made not only myself, but my husband and our wedding party feel instantly comfortable and like we had known each other for years. Paige then did our maternity pictures in 2020. Not only is all of her work incredible, but the smile that she has when she is behind the camera is so bright that you cannot help but myself when you are having your picture taken by her. She is great at making poses not seem staged and the way that she communicates with you while she is taking your pictures is so calming. Paige is so talented and the passion that she has for her work is truly inspiring!

"Instantly Comfortable"

- Brittany

PAIGE PAIGE PAIGE! I'm crying! These are gorgeous! Thank you so much for these - we always love your work. Can't wait to schedule our next session with you! 

"Can't wait to schedule our next session.."

- Lindsey + emmit

Thank you thank you thank you. You are honestly incredible. You are the best third wheel ever!

"Best third wheel ever!"

- makenna + andrew

Paige, you are INCREDIBLE! You have such a gift, you are so good at what you do. Thank you for these pictures. I can not stop drooling over them. I can’t wait to share them! Thank you so much!! 

"INCREDIBLE"

- Melissa + max

So completely blown away, I can't wait to share more!" 

"Completely blown away"

- samantha + ryan

"These are the most beautiful pictures I have ever seen in my life. You are a wizard (yes the HP kind) with a camera - it was meant to be in your sweet perfect hands. Thank you so much for yesterday and for everything. We are so so lucky to get to have you and your talents capture the best day of Ryan’s and I’s lives"

"You Are a Wizard"

- HALEY + BRANDON

"OH MY GOD PAIGE YOU F*@%KING KILLED IT...Thank you so much for capturing everything. We are so grateful for you!"

"OH MY GOD"

- Krista, 2020 PEP Senior rep

"Paige is one of the kindest people I've ever met! When it comes to senior pictures, I'm so glad I chose her. She was quick with our photos, always gave us sneak peeks, and hyped us up during our whole shoot! Wish I could be a PEP Senior Rep forever!" 

"I'm so glad I chose her"

- Kelsey + gavin

"Paige made our engagement and wedding photo experience unforgettable. She was professional, fun, and did an amazing job capturing our personalities in our photographs. Great turn around time. I cannot say enough great things about this woman!!!"

"Unforgettable"

- jen and shane

"PAIGE! I just got a chance to completely look through all of the photos. They are absolutely stunning!!! Thank you so much, you captured everything perfectly!"

"Captured Perfectly"

- courtney, 2020 PEP Senior rep

"I genuinely could not be happier with the experience Paige provided me with this year. I was super nervous to be in front of the camera, but my shoots with Paige literally felt like hanging out with your best friend while simultaneously taking photos. Paige sincerely cares about each and every one of her clients, and that is made so evident by the hard work she puts into her craft. I’ve learned so much from watching Paige run her business and I am in awe of how much she loves what she does- and how incredibly talented she is at what she does. Not only did I gain breathtaking photos of my Senior year that I will keep close to my heart forever, I also gained a friend, and to me that is priceless. If you’re thinking about booking a shoot with Paige, do it now- you’ll wonder where she’s been all your life. 💕"

"Could not be happier"

- Gabby + Kyle

"Literally sitting here crying because your pictures are so amazing. I’m absolutely in love they are perfect. I love your style of candid and how you get the perfect shot...The hardest thing for me to choose was our wedding photographer, it took me the longest time. And we 1000% made the right choice. You did amazing. Thank you so much!"

"Absolutely in love"

- Baby, 2020 PEP Senior rep

"You're literally the best at what you do...I love them all!"

"The best"

- Tori + aaron

"BEST. PHOTOGRAPHER. EVER...Don't know what we would have done without you!"

"BEST. PHOTOGRAPHER. EVER"

- hannah + ross

"Paige is phenomenal. From the very first meet up, I knew that she was going to do everything in her ability to make our day something special. She is so easy to work with, and really plays to the strengths of the couple. My husband and I are awkward and we laugh at everything, and she let us be ourselves and really captured our personalities in the pictures. She truly went the extra mile and brought so much energy to our day."

"Phenomenal."

- Chelsea + seth

"We had a blast with Paige, and have the most amazing photos to show from it. We are blessed beyond belief that we met this wonderful human and that she provided us with photos that will adorn our home for years to come. Through grateful tears, THANK YOU for your work. We are so happy to have a friend in you."

"The very best day."

- Keeley, 2020 PEP Senior rep

"Paige is one of the most kindest, hardworking, selfless, people I know. I’m am not a confident person at all, but when I did my shoots with Paige she would make me laugh and feel confident. One of my favorite parts of my senior year was being able to get to know her, and do my senior casuals with her. She is not only a great photographer but a great person💕"

"She would make me laugh and feel CONFIDENT"

- Alicia + Justin

"From personal experience, I can say that Paige is incredible to work with. She was the best photographer we could have asked for! We highly recommend her!" 

"Highly Recommend"

- Tori + otto

“Paige is an outstanding professional with AMAZING photography skills. My husband and I LOVE her, and we were so delighted with our experience using her services on our special wedding day. Paige has a way of making you feel so comfortable in front of the camera and the photography she creates is absolutely top notch. Thank you Paige!”

"So Comfortable"

- morgan + skye

“Paige is just the best. She (sometimes literally) bent over backwards to make our day and everything before our day go absolutely perfect. There aren't enough words to explain how thankful we are for her AND her beautiful work. I can't imagine our wedding day without her and will most definitely be recommending her to everyone in the future.”

"Aren't Enough Words"

love notes.