MY ARTISTIC PROCESS
sadie's approach
I believe the key to creating personal and authentic galleries for my clients is to direct them rather than pose them. More often than not, I hear clients say things like, "we are so awkward in front of the camera," or "we don't know how to pose." By putting you in the same stiff poses that you see all over Pinterest, I'm not necessarily capturing you in a way that feels authentic. It's very important to me to get to know my couples and clients so that I know exactly how to make them feel comfortable and safe while working together.
By directing rather than posing, I capture the moments in between... the giggles, the forehead kisses, the quiet glances, and the soft touches. My hope is for each photo to evoke emotion within the viewer; I love including sunlight and warmth in my photos to make them feel golden and nostalgic. Cinematic photography plays with textures, different lighting, movement, and a combination of viewpoints, both up close and far away. Each gallery includes depth, color, emotion, movement, and detail.
photo by shawna b. photography
The process:
I. Send an inquiry through my website
Fill out the inquiry form on my contact page with as much detail as possible, including potential dates, the type of session you're inquiring about, and the vision you have. I will get back to you within 1-3 business days to further discuss your session and get you scheduled. Once you receive your client portal, I ask that you: review and sign the contract, fill out the questionnaire (if applicable), and pay the non-refundable retainer to secure your session date. Please note that your session time is not reserved until the retainer is received. The remaining balance must be paid 48 hours before the session date.
II. Work together and create art
Leading up to your session, I will chat with you again regarding details, props, aesthetic, etc to ensure your session feels authentically you and matches your vision. When we arrive the the session location, I will send you a message and meeting location. My fiancée & assistant, Molly, will accompany me to hold any belongings/bags/props, take behind the scenes videos and pictures, and to make sure you're feeling comfortable throughout your session.
III. Editing and gallery delivery
For typical portrait sessions (couples, lifestyle, families, etc), my turnaround time is 2-3 weeks. I will give you an estimated timeline at the end of our session, but each gallery turnaround time differs depending on the season. I will be in touch to provide updates on your estimated gallery delivery date. Once your gallery is complete, I will send you a message with the link to your finished gallery. Additionally, I send out three reminders with the gallery link: please do not further alter or edit the photos in any way, please download the images following the gallery guide rather than screenshotting the images, and please credit/tag me in any photos shared to social media.
The Sadie Elyse
Photography Team
Sadie Ellis
photographer
Sadie (she/they) is the founder of Sadie Elyse Photography and has owned her business for two years. She primarily specializes in couples, wedding, and lifestyle photography. Her business is built on the foundation of inclusion, diversity, and equality. Sadie hopes to inspire her clients to grow their confidence and feel beautiful in their own skin. She believes morality alignment is an important part of creating art and encourages every potential client to make sure their values align. Sadie has been featured in Sarze & Lybell Magazines and has just recently begun offering travel photography services. She can't wait to meet you!
Contact her at sadieelysephotography@gmail.com.
Molly Steen
assistant & second photographer
Molly (she/they) is an assistant & designated second shooter. She has worked alongside Sadie since she started her business in 2024. She has loved photography since middle school, when she received her first camera. Molly is known for her attention to detail, especially when capturing soft, sweet, and meaningful moments. Whether she is second shooting or just capturing behind the scenes content, Molly's positive energy and kindness is contagious. She loves meeting new people and making you feel comfortable and confident. Molly is also a licensed cosmetologist and can provide hair services as an add-on to any package.
Contact her at molly.sadieelysephoto@gmail.com.