Ellison Portrait Studio : About Us

About Susan Ellison

My interest in photography began in the 1980s while I was attending Southern Oregon State University. My passion for studying art and music was enhanced and I was inspired by photography. After learning basic photographic techniques and darkroom skills, I traveled to Europe with my hand-rolled black and white film. I captured roll after roll of images of European architecture, landscape, and local people. Cameras, lens, film and darkrooms have been a part of my life ever since.

While living in the High Sierras for eighteen years, I owned and operated a photographic portrait studio. Eventually, I returned to my hometown of Del Mar to continue my portrait photography career.

I am currently an active member of Professional Photographers of San Diego. I have studied and mentored under Professional Photographer Joyce Wilson in the San Diego and on the coast of Oregon. While living in the Sierras, I produced and marketed handmade, photographic greeting cards throughout Mammoth and Bishop. I also competed and won first and second place awards in portrait photography at the Tri-county Fair in Bishop, California.

I offer my photographic services at my studio conveniently located in rural Del Mar. I am also available to travel to your location. My time spent exploring the Eastern Sierras taught me well how to be a location photographer, how to organize equipment and how to set up scenes. Photographing nature and landscape, allowed me to develop a keen awareness of how to use natural scenes for portrait photography.

Nothing gratifies me more than a client thrilled with their images. One of my passions is to photograph people with their beloved pets. There is something magical in capturing the love between a human and their best friend. I view my work as art and as an expression of my client’s personalities. My primary goal is to give others what I would like to receive; a high level of expertise and creativity.

LIST OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Currently an active member of Professional Photographers of San Diego.
Obtained a Bachelor in Liberal Arts from Southern Oregon State University and a Masters in Special Education from University Of San Diego.
Studied and mentored under Professional Photographer Joe Chapnili in the Eastern Sierras.
Produced and marketed handmade, photographic greeting cards throughout Mammoth and Bishop.
Owned and operated a photographic portrait studio in the Eastern Sierras.
Competed and won first and second place awards in portrait photography at the Tri-county Fair in Bishop, California.
Before running and operating a portrait studio, I taught school for fifteen years in the Mammoth school system.