Not What You Think | Hampton Roads Little Known Facts

Hi!

The other day I was talking to a fellow 'tog friend about photography business names and it came out that "Sarah Elle" is, in no way shape or form, my actual name. Cue the: tires screeching, cars crashing, heads whipping around whaaaaat?!

It's true. My name isn't Sarah Elle. My last name isn't "Elle." My middle name isn't "Elle." My maiden name isn't even "Elle." 

Truth:

I MADE IT UP.

Ok ok ok before you STONE ME for being an imposter let me explain:

As a lot of you probably already know my background and formal education is in clinical mental health counseling. When I was working with clients I was encouraged to change my online presence to anything but my first and last name so that it limited the ability for clients to "find me." Not a bad decision considering the goal of counseling is to help others through their own life struggles without bringing your own personal stuff in to it.  (And, truth be told, I have had clients find me on some of my other social networks; like LinkedIN)

So, years ago as I thought about changing my "online" persona to my real middle name, Elizabeth, I decided that was too easy and too boring and that I was going to be "more creative." I finally convinced myself that "Elle" was short for "ELizabeth" and thus Sarah Elle was created.

When I opened my photography business I liked the idea of a creative name and since I had already "created" one I decided to go with it! Lots of folks assume it's my middle name or even my maiden name but in reality it's just me with a twist ;)

So, there you have it. It's true, I'm not who you think I am. I mean, well, I'm still ME but my name isn't what you think it is. But it's not meant to be a secret- just...no one has ever asked before "WELL, WHY SARAH ELLE?" So I decided I'd just tell you myself!

There it is; the big mysterious history behind "Elle."

Best,
Sarah

And since we're talking about history and where Sarah Elle came from I thought I'd dig up this rockin' picture of me and my sister and show you a bit more of where I came from.
 I'm the ham on the right ;)

Kristin L. Class of 2014 | Hampton Roads Senior Photographer

Hi!

When I first meet with a Senior I try to encourage them to bring different aspects of themselves to a session: class ring, team jacket, college t-shirt, favorite pet, etc. but it wasn't until working with Kristin did I learn just how much the actual location of the session could bring out the Senior.

Kristin chose to have her session at Ft. Monroe. Now, I've shot on Ft. Monroe a number of times but I don't know it like she does; you see, Kristin grew up there. 

Until just a few years ago Kristin attended church there, went to school there, and even went to daycare there when she was younger (her mom offered to provide me with a picture of her getting her first Communion there but lucky for Kristin she didn't have it at the time- hehe)! To be able to capture her in her Senior year at some of the places that really helped to shape her into who she has become was so humbling and extremely special!

(This is the back of the church she attended. According to Kristin this door leads to the wash room-- I NEVER would have known that!)

Okay can we just talk a quick minute about these AWESOME shoes?! I absolutely loved them and have decided that now I NEED a pair.

How pretty is she?! 

Kristin it was so wonderful getting to work with you and I absolutely loved learning about how much meaning each spot held for you!

All my very best as you finish your Senior year and go on to college! I can't wait to see what the world brings for you :)

And when you decide to get rid of those shoes just let me know ;)

Best,
Sarah

A Little Bit of ME!

Hi!

I made the decision a while ago that I wanted to do a weekly blog post to keep you all in the loop-MY loop- and made the random decision that that day would be Thursday. Well...today's Thursday! All day today I contemplated what I wanted to write about and it finally hit me: I should tell you about ME. If you're reading this then that means that you follow me on facebook; so you already know that:

1. I have the sweetest little Yorkie named Charlie {Dog}

 

 2. I am a military spouse (yay mil families!)

3. I'm obsessed with my mustard yellow camera bag. I mean seriously...who takes their camera bag out for its own photo shoot??

and 4. I currently live (and shoot) in Virginia. But did you know that I'm also a licensed counselor? Or that I'm from Pennsylvania? Or that I have family members that live all over the world (it's true! Ireland, California, France, Michigan, etc.)? Or that my relationship with photography started 8 years ago?!

It's that last part I really want to tell you about: me and photography. 

When I was in High School I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life- to be honest, most days I'm still not sure what I want to do with my life (but that's what makes being a mil spouse so great, right? I get to change locations and goals every few years!). What I do know (and knew back then, too) was that I love photography. I love growing and creating and experimenting with different looks, editing styles, angles, lenses, etc. Ok now I'm getting off track....

So back to High School: At the time I was in a photography course and was in love with being able to tell the stories of the world around me through images. I decided to apply to a university known for their photojournalism program. I'll never forget the photography teacher I had at the time telling me "don't be surprised if they don't accept you; they're a really good program." Exactly what a kid needs to hear, right?

Well that only lit a fire under my behind and I was now more determined than ever to be accepted. I showed up for my interview equipped with my "portfolio" of images printed in 5x7's from my dad's computer to a room filled with super "artsy" looking kids with giant prints and official looking carrying cases. 

WHOA was I out of my league. 

But you know what happened? I got in! I guess that day it was my story that was told through the images: my story as a budding photog with some serious dreams.

Fast forward to now. Now I shoot with the very same camera body (I've upgraded to some super awesome lenses in the mean time); I shoot portraiture photography and not photojournalism; and through the help of some awesome photog friends I'm learning and growing and experiencing the business side of things. I like to think that I still tell stories through my images, though- the story of a person, a family, a relationship. 

I think from now on I'm going to call my style: photojournalistic portraiture. :)

What do you think?!

Best,

Sarah