When I was young I thought I wanted to be a writer.
storyteller.
what i really wanted was to be a
Telling stories is, at the core, why I am a photographer. Don't get me wrong, I love being able to capture beautiful photos, and the pride I feel when I deliver galleries makes me feel like a superhero, but it's the stories that get me. It always has been.
When I started playing with photography it was a whirlwind. I recreated photos I saw online and spent afternoons in my backyard with my camera, a tripod, and a remote, taking innocent (read: bad) photos that, somehow, still filled me with inspiration. Where could this go? What else could I create to top what I just made? And how amazing was it that I could put visuals to the words I wrote?
Then I found the magical world of photography, and soon, fine art photography.
I've always had an overactive imagination. I was writing stories and poems far before I ever picked up a camera. When I started I had no idea what I was doing. It was just a kid being a kid, writing stories about knights and poems about a love she didn't know. But something was missing. I could see the imagery in my head, but no one else could. It bothered me!
storyteller.
First, a timeline:
I got my very first camera (a Kodak point and shoot) when I was 10 years old.
Registered elliechavezphotography.com
when I was 13.
Had my first portrait session at thirteen and a half (with my photography teacher, Sabrina).
Had my first paid session when I was fourteen.
Kept going. Wasn't good for a long time.
Found (and fell in love with) fine art photography at 15.
Took really, really cliche photos for a really, really long time.
Honestly, I'm still figuring it all out as I go.
so, all of this talk about fine art photography...
Fine art photography, first of all, is subjective. What I interpret it as is my own interpretation based off of my years of practicing and being inspired by other fine art and surreal photographers.
but what is it?
but what is it?
Frankly, because it means working with someone who cares about not only the artistic quality of your photos, but the emotion and story they are portraying through the littlest details. I pride myself heavily on being able to be in tune with who I'm working with, and being able to share their story in the most unique and artful way that I possibly can, because that is when the magic happens.
It's also the most raw form of storytelling and expression I've ever found for myself. It relies heavily on symbolism while leaving enough room to put yourself in each photograph. It allows you to connect instantly upon viewing. I've been practicing it as a way to express myself and let my emotions be shown in a way that makes it obvious enough to be therapeutic without having to lay it all out on the table! So at this point you might be wondering, why in the world does this matter!?
Delivery is the easy part! Within two weeks, I'll deliver your photos via an online gallery. For full sessions, you will get full access to your gallery and be able to download right away!
Delivery
04.
Fun! And not just for me, but for you, as well - I promise! We'll know each other, meet up, wander around a beautiful location, and take photos to showcase how amazing you are.
shooting
03.
Once you're on the calendar, it's game-time, baby. I like to schedule Zoom or phone consultations so we can get to know each other, and discuss details about your session or event.
booking
02.
From the first point of contact with each other, I will be striving to build a connection with you. My logic is if we connect first, then you can easily connect with the camera!
Connection
01.
what is it like to work with me?
now onto the nitty-gritty...
More importantly...
More importantly...
who am i as a photographer?
Gentle is the first word that comes to mind. I'm here to guide, but also to let you be your beautiful, unique self. Laid-back is the second word that comes to mind! In our space of a photoshoot, my goal is to make everything as seamless as possible. At the end of the shoot, I want you to relish in how fun and easy it was. And if you want to come prepared with poses, or photos you love and want replicated in my style, that is absolutely fine. If you want me to birth it all from my imagination, that is also absolutely fine! This is our collaboration together and I want you to be portrayed authentically. If you want to hand the creative freedom to me, please do! It’s what I’m here for! But most importantly, the experience is meant to be fun, carefree, and easy. That is, without a doubt, what will create photos that will showcase you and your story authentically and clearly, which is my ultimate goal when working with someone.
let's be friends