No two days are the same inside the walls of Newstead Studios and we are lucky to play host to an incredible array of photographers, stylists, brands, models, hair and makeup artists and creative minds in our photography studio. We chatted with Brisbane photographer Elisabeth Willis after her recent shoot in Studio 1 for The Myer Centre, to find out about her creative journey in the world of fashion photography.
How did you get your start as a photographer?
I always knew I was going to be a photographer of some sort. It started out as me wanting to photograph sports, then ballerinas, then finally (thankfully) fashion! During grade 11 I went to an art college every fortnight to learn about light and form and everything to do with film. I continued playing and experimenting throughout Grade 12 and ended up enrolling at the Queensland College of Art in a Bachelor of Photography, majoring in Commercial Photography. I haven’t stopped shooting since I graduated and am lucky enough to call it my full time job! Not that it ever feels like work 😉
Who in the creative world inspires you?
I love the work of Peter Lindbergh, Mario Testino and Lachlan Bailey, but inspiration comes from many different places.
Where are people most likely to see your work?
Probably on Instagram because it’s easy and everyone’s on it all the time but I don’t post as often as I should!
Most challenging shoot?
I had one shoot a while back where the stylist and I had given a really clear, even visual, description to the client of what the end product was going to look like but they just couldn’t visualise it and left the set for about an hour. Thankfully the client came back and decided to trust us and we ended up having a great day and a beautiful shoot!
Who are you dying to work with?
So many people! Top of my list at the moment would have to be Georgia Fowler (heaven), but also working with Pat McGrath would be a dream come true.
Your ideal environment to shoot in?
I love shooting outdoors – there’s so much more to play with and draw inspiration from.
iPhone, SLR or film?
Film – I find I take my time to get the perfect shot with film (rather than shooting a couple of options with digital) and I love that I won’t be able to see the image until I’ve had the roll developed, so it’s always a fun surprise when I get it back! I also think there’s a lot more feeling and caring involved shooting with film.
Favourite lens?
I’m loving my Sigma Art Series 35mm lens at the moment.
Where can we find you?
You can find me on Instagram @elisabethwillisphotography and on my website www.elisabethwillis.com
