Today we’d like to introduce you to Eleya Maureen.
Hi Eleya, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had a passion for travel, but I knew I needed to find a way to do it without breaking the bank. I started by attending photography workshops—my very first one was in the Virgin Islands, with 12 photographers and 6 models. The more workshops I joined, the more connections I made, and soon I was being invited on trips. Everything started to fall into place, and now I’ve been fortunate enough to go on hundreds of all-expenses-paid adventures around the world. I feel incredibly blessed and grateful for the amazing experiences I’ve had.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For the most part, trips are well-planned and usually include a guide throughout the journey. The toughest parts are often the exhaustion from long flights, limited sleep, early sunrise shoots, and late nights after full days of sightseeing. It’s especially challenging when airlines lose my luggage and I have nothing to model in. During a 15-day trip to Morocco, my bag was missing for 12 days—and buying new clothes wasn’t an option. Since then, I’ve learned to always pack essentials like makeup, face wash, and extra clothes in my carry-on. On my recent trip to Iceland, my luggage was lost again, but this time I was prepared—with warm clothes, makeup, a curling iron, and a coat all in my carry-on. That preparation made all the difference
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a travel model, I pride myself on being prepared and ready for any adventure. Some of my most unforgettable shoots have been alongside animals—I’ve worked with lions, tigers, bears, wolves, elephants, snakes, birds, horses, and more. My deep love for animals makes these moments truly magical. What sets me apart is my willingness to go the extra mile—whatever it takes to capture the perfect shot.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Yes, I’m definitely a risk-taker. Whether it’s climbing a rickety, rusted ladder with a 1,000-foot drop just feet away or balancing on a boulder for the perfect shot—I’m all in. I’ve stood beside a full-grown tiger, swum with sharks, traveled to remote third-world countries, and stayed in hotels made of mud and salt. I once hiked a six-mile trail in total darkness with only a flashlight, just to reach an arch by sunrise. If there’s even a chance to create a unique, unforgettable photo—you’ll find me there, ready to make it happen.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @eleya
Image Credits
Walt Weiss
Greg Griffin
Humberto Pasart
