Elle at Studio Menelaus, Nova Scotia Photography
Interview with Independent Photography Studio from Annapolis Valley
May 20, 2009
S101 : Firstly we'd like to thank you very much Elle for agreeing to do an interview for the photo buffs here at Suite101. It's very much appreciated!
Elle : No problem. I've always wanted to have the opportunity to speak with you!
S101 : Thank you very much. Tell me a little bit more about yourself, your portfolio, and what type of photography you offer to your clients.
Elle : All right – Well, I grew up in the Annapolis Valley, between Wolfville and Hantsport. My parents love to travel, so I find that I'm a very open person, since they used to take me with them out-of-country on business trips. It really opened my eyes to things.
My portfolio is mostly portraits, because I enjoy working with people and helping them bring out their emotions in photographs. As I said, I'm very open with people, so I'm available to do almost any kind of photography people can imagine. I have everything from weddings to artistic nudes in my portfolio, and I'm very proud of the work I've done so far. Expansion is the key though. There's always something new to explore.
I've thought about doing a coffee table book of Nova Scotia Churches, but that's been put aside for right now, as my partner Erica and I haven't discussed all aspects of it yet. It's something I'd love to pursue in the future though, as old architecture is gorgeous.
S101 : What do you feel separates your photography and skillset from your competitors and other artists?
Elle : Ah, tough question. I think that when I'm taking photos, it's more about what the client wants, and not what shots I want to take. Of course there's some compromise on occasion, but most of the time I just like to let my clients have fun with the session. I like having a good time with photography, which makes things very lighthearted and easygoing. I am naturally creative and think photography is an art form as well as an expression.
S101 : Wedding Photography in particular seems to be a growing industry for independent photographers like yourself. What do you think the most important things to capture are when shooting a wedding and if you have any stories to share, feel free.
Elle : Weddings are so much fun to be a part of. It's the one day that's all about two people and the love they have for each other. I've taken photos at one wedding in the last year, and it was a delight to run around the church, quietly sneaking peeks at moments that the bride and groom will remember forever.
The facial expressions, the love in the family's eyes.. it's all there to be captured. I think it's really important to take the usual 'down the aisle' and 'couple with family' portraits, but the real enjoyment comes from the candid photos. The ones no one expects, like the tear on the Mother of the Bride's Cheek, or the bride laughing when she walks out of the church with her new husband.
Photography isn't always about being serious, it's about finding a way to remind those two people and their families of the wonderful moments of that day. It's an honor to have helped craft and preserve those memories.
S101 : It's about sentiment and emotion and reflecting all of the above. Earlier, you had mentioned a partner, Erica. Do you co-operate as a studio of artists? What advice or lessons would you impart to other amateur photographers looking to make that big step into the realm of contract or paid photography?
Elle : Erica is an amazing partner. We're very close, and we always ask each others' opinions about our work. We contact clients together if it's for a band or for a wedding, but most of the portrait sessions are done by one of us solo, unless requested otherwise. I do most of my work out of the Annapolis Valley, while she's in Cornwallis.
Advice is always hard to give to other photographers. The way I worked my way into paid photography was building my clientelle, working on networking (facebook is a great place to start), and talking with other photographers. Offering your time and learning from more experienced photographers is always a great way to meet people and build your experience.
Building your portfolio from the beginning is a fun experience, and a great way for people to get to know you and your work a little better. Be flexible, it pays off.
S101 : A portfolio certainly does show the very best qualities of your work. Is there anywhere that our readers might look to find your best work or simply get in touch with you to book or discuss a custom shoot?
Elle : The easiest way to both get a hold of Erica and I and to view our work is Facebook. It's a great networking tool. I openly invite whoever would like some more information about our work to join our facebook group, 'Studio Menelaus', or to add myself, 'Elle at Studiomenelaus". We're open to any type of session, and we'll be giving a generous discount to anyone who cares to mention this interview in contacting us for a shoot!
S101 : Great to hear – and a wonderful opportunity for anyone looking for professional portraits in the Annapolis Valley or Cornwallis area, Nova Scotia.
Thank you very much for your time, Elle.
Anyone that would like to see some of Elle's work can find it at Studio Menelaus on Facebook, here.
Elle : Thank you as well. I look forward to seeing more of your work.
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- Creative and Artistic Photo Shoots : The Colour Study
- Fun Photo Shoots on A Budget, The Candy Shop
- Outdoor Photography, The Forest
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