Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Willson.

Hi Elizabeth, 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?

It hung in our foyer. For most of my childhood, it greeted me upon entry and wished me goodbye as I donned my coat at the front door. A photographic image. One that depicted a mushroom from earth level, illuminated in its yellow and orange hue. Rich in texture, layers of leaves and sticks, telling its story of thriving on the forest floor. I came to understand that my father had created this image as part of a photography course he took before I was born. It was matted and framed, displayed as art. It was art. It is art.

I recently discovered a “diary” from my middle-school years and happened to open to an entry from December 24, 1989, that read: “I got a camera, a book, an outfit… The camera is my favorite. I needed a new one badly.” At age 12 I realized a camera was an essential piece of my story…
Of course, I began by capturing life around me: opening Christmas gifts, friends cheesing at school, my brother acting silly. Snapshots. Pieces of life. In a fraction of a second, I had the power to capture experience and embedded memory.

As a college graduation gift my parents blessed me with my first DSLR and I soon became the de facto photographer for gatherings and special events (actually, some things never change…) With the birth of my children my eyes were opened anew to the wonder of life around me. I began to become invested in capturing the joys in our daily lives as the moments unfolded. This pursuit was accompanied by delving into online courses, connection to photography communities, and sharing my photographs online. A pivotal piece of this process was an in-person mentorship during which I was enlightened with the truth that I was not simply a “photographer” but an “artist”. I subsequently submitted and had my art printed in magazine publications further confirming my vision.

As my children grew and my time with them lessened, I began to seek the light and beauty in the creation surrounding me. I invested in creative lenses, delved into selective focus and intentional blur, and continued to observe and capture with a renewed sense of purpose and peace.

In recent years I have taken my passion forward through educating and connecting with others: teaching, mentoring, writing, and engaging with the beautiful artistic community through presentations and printed art in galleries. Now my photography is the art on the walls reminiscent of the values of my upbringing – that art is worth creating, printing, and sharing.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

Smooth? Straight? Narrow? All would be, “not quite”. As with all aspects of life, my photography journey has included its share of ups and downs. When my children were young, friends and family recognized my gift and began requesting I take portraits. At that time I was not employed outside of the home so I jumped into studio and on-location maternity, newborn, family and preschool photographs. What began as a hobby of capturing candids of my kids’ daily lives quickly morphed into a “business” of capturing portraits for others. It didn’t take long for me to become aware of the process of attempting to meet others’ expectations (you know, look at the camera and smile!) was removing the joy and creativity from my art. Unfortunately the “people pleaser” aspect of my personality kept saying “yes” when my artist heart was screaming “no”. Recognizing this dissonance and setting boundaries was a huge step in freeing my creativity to expand.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

Through the ins and outs of life, the ebbs and flows, art remains. I envision myself as an artist, one who creates with purpose. Dictionary.com’s definition of art is “the quality, production, expression, or realm of things that conform to accepted aesthetic principles of beauty, show imagination and skill, and have more than ordinary meaning and importance.” I invest in observation. In intentionally experiencing petals unfold, dew collecting on fallen leaves, sunlight breaking through trees in a forest. Through that process my eyes are keen to process the power of infusing my emotion into creating with the camera.

The ways in which I express my interpretation of the world include utilizing selective focus (meaning only a small portion of the image is in focus) while embracing various forms of blur available through the unique lenses I choose. In addition, I enhance the sense of movement and texture through incorporating layers both that exist in the natural world and ones that I create through techniques such as double exposures, intentional camera movement, and placing various items in front of the lens that add color and light (such as films and crystals). I combine these creative lenses and techniques with incorporating light and shadows to add depth, mystery, and storytelling to my art. I hope to create captivating photographs that inspire emotive personal connection.

One thing that sets me apart is my pursuit of intentional individual relationships. When I’m asked a question through a social media inquiry, I provide video responses. The small amount of extra time for another to see my face, hear my voice, experience my energy creates a relational element to my communication. Through connecting, fellow creatives believe in the ways their unique vantage point and story has power. I began a “Friday Live” series during which I go “Live” on Instagram for a few minutes sharing novel thoughts, pertinent things I’ve learned, ways to create, and photography prompts or inspiration. Through this dynamic presence others embrace my humanity, authenticity, humility, and light.

I am proud of the ways that, through my teaching, expression, energy, and art, others are freed and inspired to pursue their creativity. When a student reaches an “aha!” moment or shares that they haven’t used their camera in years but, after my workshop plan to explore their creative side again – those are moments I am filled with a sense of living my ikigai. This Japanese concept is the “reason for being” which is a connection and intersection of what you love, what the world needs, what you are paid for, and what you are good at. When my art embraces all of these is when my purpose is confirmed and I am filled with humble gratitude for the gifts and opportunities photography provides me.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?

One phrase I repeat often is “The world needs your beauty.” The world needs the unique way you see and capture life around you. The world needs your experiences. The world needs more and more light and authentic expression. It’s this philosophy that empowers me to keep creating (and I hope it does for you too!) It encourages me that even in the darkest of times, in the sadness and disappointment, you (and I) have the power to see the world with a lens of hope and impact others for good. Through sharing our art, others are lifted up, affirmed, and equipped to do the same. It is this lesson that has transformed how I approach sharing my creations. Instead of looking at perceived imperfections, how others may criticize or reject my art, or what any algorithm desires, I choose to view my art with a vantage point of its potential positive effects. Even if one person is impacted (today or 20 years from now!), my art was and is worth sharing. And yours is too! Keep creating. The world definitely needs your art and the unique story it tells.

Pricing:

• One Hour Mentoring – $100 (Discounts added when additional sessions are booked) Includes focused goals based on student’s knowledge, experience, gear, and preferences.
• Prints and Digital media available

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.elizabethwillsonphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethwillsonphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItsStillLifePhotographybyElizabethWillson
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@elizabethwillsonphotography

Image Credits

Personal Photo: Betsy Bender Photography
All other images: Elizabeth Willson Photography (captured and edited by me)