Hi, I am Elaine.
I am a photographer based in Washington, DC and the surrounding Northern Virginia and Maryland areas. Growing up in China, I've always wanted to become a comic artist. I used to draw comic characters everyday, during class, after school, at home when I was doing homework. I was quite a perfectionist; my heart never stopped desiring for improvement, which is why I used to always destroy my best drawing and tell myself "you can't be stuck, you need to do better."
When I entered college, I started my major in 2D Design, but slowly I started hating my drawings. Eventually I gave in my dream for fear, fear that I will never produce any work I'm happy with, fear that I will never be able to compete with all the better artists out there, fear I will never be able to make a living out of drawing...I changed my career. However, a part of my heart and soul is still missing. I started picking up video production, which led me to filmmaking and portrait photography. I started applying techniques for drawing into photo shooting: composition, colors, and lighting. Gradually I realized that, photoshooting is no different from making art work.
When I know that my clients are happy about the pictures I've so carefully taken and edited, I know that my art is finally seen and my dream is finally coming true. David Lynch once said, "I love money, like everybody else. But if I had to choose, I will probably choose the things I'd like to do for free."
Reviews
“The entire process working with Elaine was so easy and comfortable. We felt really relaxed at the photo shoot and she guided us well during. Even before we booked her, we saw she had an eye for photography and we were right, we loved her photos so much and truly recommend you work with her!”
“Elaine is a true creative and all-around amazing person to be around. Within minutes of meeting her, she totally put me at ease and made me feel so comfortable. Her suggestions for poses and different expressions all felt very natural. On top of that, when I received my gallery - I was impressed with EVERY PHOTO she sent. I am so thrilled with the branding photos I took with her and look forward to working with her again in the future.”
“I’m so happy I used Elaine for our wedding/engagement photos! She truly made every moment easy, we never had to worry because she for sure knows how to capture every special moment! We are a shy couple who is not used to taking photos so her amazing, easy going attitude helped us feel a little less anxious :) supper affordable prices and can’t wait to her services for future events!”
“I had a great experience working with Elaine. She had a great balance of choreographed poses and acceptance of trying our suggestions. This made the shoot very fun and comfortable. She does a great job of capturing flattering angles with proper lighting. I would definitely recommend her to a friend for professional photos.”
“Elaine was truly a crucial part of our wedding, and she made our dreams come true on the wedding day. She made the entire experience from engagement photos to the actual wedding day seamless. She was responsive, flexible, creative, professional and kind. She made us feel comfortable through the whole process as myself and my husband can be awkward in front of the camera. On the day of our engagement photo session, our initial location to take photos was too crowded and Elaine was already prepared and ready”
