Meet your Little Manly Photographer, Elena

‘Elena made us all feel so relaxed – the photoshoot was such a fun experience’, say her clients. Elena’s creative eye and technical expertise, plus her fun, playful and warm nature and easy way with kids, guarantees gorgeous, flattering family photos. 

Hey Elena, let’s chat….

Interview by Janine Phillipson

What do you always carry in your camera bag, aside from the obvious?

Stickers to impress toddlers, lipstick and chewing gum. 

Best toddler tip

While driving, we listen to audio books in the car. It helps reduce the whingeing in the morning and helps my sanity.

Best parent hack?

One thing I learned as a mother: nothing stays the same forever (nor your clean home or young children). Everything is a stage, and it passes.

You shoot mostly outdoors – how do you deal with the everchanging weather?! 

I spend a lot of time on weather apps as I shoot mostly outdoors, so these get even more screen time than Instagram! I have three apps on my home screen – weather, wind and rain predictors. 

Meal of the day?

Coffee. The only thing I consume consistently.

Hobbies?

I love hanging out with friends, gardening and riding bikes with my two girls.

What did you study? 

I studied photography in London

What type of photography-related jobs have you had? 

 I was an associate and helped run a busy photography studio in London. I worked on some high-profile jobs like Top Gear, Sherlock and Attenborough shows, and the 2012 London Olympics for Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

I consider myself a portrait photographer first; however, I dipped in many genres of image making (fashion, advertising, corporate), but I find family photography gives me the most satisfaction and value as a creative. Because at the end of the day, that’s what matters, and the photos get more and more valuable with time.

What are your special photo skills? 

I have and use a drone to capture amazing location shots. I shoot underwater and in the water, which make beautiful and artistic pictures, especially maternity photos, and I love video - more on that coming soon. 

Any not-so-special skills?

Well, judging on the amount of car beeps I got the other day, maybe my driving. I have a white car which would be perfect for marketing material, but then I might get bad reviews for my driving…

What makes a great family photo?

Apart from the technical parts (light, composition) I think it is all about emotion and connection. Plus, it needs to be authentic to the creator and the sitter. For me as a creative person, getting a response and photographing families is so meaningful and has such value. I also ask myself, ‘what images would I like to have?’. Chances are the family would be very happy with them too. 

What makes a great newborn photo?

Newborn photography for me is all about celebration and reflection of the family. I feel that since I am out of the newborn stage myself, I can really relate to what sort of photos I would want to have to look back at. Apart from some sweet portraits of the baby, I like to focus on the connection between the parents and siblings with the baby (and pets if there are any). I also make sure I capture the close-up details like hands, feet or anything specific to the baby. 

What makes an authentic photograph?

I think as photographers, we get so consumed with the look, style and fashion of our photography which is fine, but I find we can easily lose touch with the actual people in front of us. Authentic photograph for me is the synergy between the photographer and the person being photographed – bringing out the best with each individual family.