Vendors I Love: ELSIE GOODMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
I met Elsie working on a fun wedding out in Montauk. I loved her positivity and collaborative spirit. And then I was introduced to her work - and just WOW. Does this photographer know how to capture LOVE! Without further ado, I am so excited to shine some light onto ELSIE GOODMAN PHOTOGRAPHY!
What was the path that led you to become a photographer?
I've loved photography since I was little. My mother and grandfather passed down vintage cameras and I not only fell in love with film but the idea of freezing these fleeting moments (though I don't think I articulated it like that when I was 8!) In college I studied advertising and business. And after I graduated, I worked as an event planner until I was laid off due to COVID. I took up a part time job as a ceramicist, and was filling my days making ceramics and listening to podcasts. One day I stumbled on a podcast about wedding photography and after listening I just felt this calling. I told myself I'd give it a year to try it full-time and here we are!
What excites you about weddings?
I love meeting my couples at such a high point in their lives. I don't take it lightly that they let me into this experience, and allow me to guide their day with full trust. I get to be with their most important people in their lives. It fills me with so much gratitude to be able to capture the special connection my couple has with one another. But I also appreciate the connection shared between parents, siblings, cousins, best friends and loved ones.
What do you look for in a couple?
Someone who works with me for me, and trusts my process. I make it really clear to my couples if they can't trust me completely, I am not the photographer for them. I don't just show up and create perfect photos for Pinterest. I need them to allow me to get to know them and to be able to be present on their wedding day. I'm at a really good point now where I feel people resonate with my work and I'm able to say ‘no’ to clients I feel won't be a good fit.
What is the greatest compliment you’ve ever received?
Whenever people tell me they can feel my photos. It really is the best feeling to know you've created an image that holds emotion.
What do you desire for your business?
I'd love to branch back out into planning. I was an event planner before covid and loved it. I am a logistics queen and just love being realistic about how things will play out and ensure they are going to play out in a smooth way that works for everyone. My ideal situation is having a business that plans intimate weddings, destination or local.
What are you grateful for?
I'm really grateful for my family and friends. When I told my parents I was going to start a photography business, they couldn't have been more supportive. Everytime I question my work or my ability to run a business, my friends are right there to listen and bring me back to reality. I am super hard on myself. Therefore, it's nice to be surrounded by people who force me to stop and reflect on how far I've come.
Any recent cause for celebration?
I just booked an intimate elopement in the Amalfi Coast for next spring! I am just over the moon about it! It really is my ideal celebration. I feel like things are really coming to fruition in this year of my business. I know I'll only continue to grow.
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