First, tell us a little about yourself. What is your background, how long have you been a photographer, and what type of photography do you specialize in?

Hey! I am Elizabeth Austin-Davis! I am from Cleveland Heights, Ohio. I am a wife, a mother of two small children, Jamison (five) and Janelle (three)! Because of my husband's job, my little family has moved a couple times over the last four years, and we are excitedly looking forward to settling in Atlanta, Georgia! I specialize in shooting weddings and traveling to different cities to do so.

Why did you get into photography, and what inspires you?

Originally when I started photography I thought I wanted to be a fashion photographer it wasn't until I started on that journey that I realized it was not something that was food for my soul. It wasn't until I was asked to second shoot a wedding with a friend of mine from high school that I was introduced to weddings. I was really driven by the fact that I would be a part of a family’s happy time and help document their family memories.

Can you give us some insight into your shooting techniques when shooting film? What are the top 3 most important elements when you shoot film?

My number one priority when shooting is making sure my exposure is correct so that I have the type of skin tones I like when my lab is scanning my film. My top three important elements are the position of my subject to the sun, metering for the shadows, and analyzing the details. I would also add that the emotion from my subject is also super important to me. I like to have a blend of editorial and joy in my photos.

Why do you shoot film? Any advice to others interested in working with film?

Honestly, I shoot film because it makes me a better photographer. Over the years the art of slowing down has made me be able to hone in on the details. My advice to any photographer would be to try to shoot a roll. You'll be surprised how many photographers have never shot film before, but I always say is the foundation of photography and where it started and you can't go wrong by learning how to do it.

What are your biggest influences as a creative?

My biggest influence for shooting film is definitely hands-down Jose villa. Reading his book when I was first starting my career made me realize how important it was expand and define my voice as a film photographer. Also over the years I've gotten to meet him and I honestly will say that he's a super kind person and I think in today's world being great at what you do and being gracious while you do it is just as important. So I'm definitely inspired by his work but also him as a human being.

Any recent photos, shoots, upcoming projects, or photography plans that you're excited about and would like to share with us?

Because of Covid-19 the majority of my weddings have been moved to 2021 and I am shooting a lot of engagement sessions and editorials to fill in the time. So I would have to say I'm definitely excited to shoot anything at this point - it's been a long quarantine!

What’s your favorite photo or session you’ve ever taken on Fujifilm?

My most favorite session that I ever did was an editorial in 2019. This editorial is super important to me because it was full circle for my business. Five years prior, I shot my very first editorial at the same location with the same model. We went back to celebrate how far we both have come in our businesses.