How it started

Here I am at age 6. Perhaps my first self-portrait. I remember taking control of my mom’s point and shoot when I was in elementary school and begging for underwater disposable cameras for each summer vacation in Florida. And when my dad got a camcorder, I was obsessed. My friends and I used to make the silliest videos. I became determined to “refine” my photography as a middle schooler, being especially drawn to the macro photography in the pages of National Geographic. I wanted desperately to recreate these images, to get so close to something to study it scientifically and to see it intimately in a way few take the time to examine. I remember feeling confident that I too could make photographs like that. I wandered into my backyard with that simple point and shoot, and getting a close as I could to the honeysuckle, the boxwood, and ivy, I clicked away.  I was so excited to get the film back but was instantly disappointed at the blur staring back at me. My mom, recognizing my passion, interest and disappointment, bought me my first “real” camera - a used Pentax SLR. I think mothers are the best at that - nourishing curiosity and allowing exploration.

How it’s going

I am a dedicated visual storyteller. I believe in creating images that amplify our connection to the natural world and inspire action to protect our planet. I take on a handful of family sessions a year (lets hunt for fungi, feed your chickens and play in the woods), I freelance for SFGATE, I take on commercial work, and I am represented by Cavan Images. I hold an MA in Arts Policy and Administration from the Ohio State University and a BA in Anthropology from Wake Forest University. I shoot both in digital and on film, with a special love for instant film. By my side I have two super rad kids, two rescue cats, five silly chickens and the most wonderful life partner. On the schooling side, I hold an MA in Arts Administration, Education and Policy from The Ohio State University and a BA in Anthropology from Wake Forest University. In addition to being a photographer, I have also managed art galleries at Stanford University, directed creative programming for the Urban Arts Space in Columbus, OH, and built houses in Mississippi, Georgia, California and Honduras. If anyone wants to chat about the benefits of taking a year (or two) to serve with Americorps - give me call. I currently volunteer with Life Lab, an organization that cultivates children's love of learning, healthy food, and nature through garden-based education.

Contact: liz @ lizceleste . com