Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Ellinger.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Steve. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am an agency testing photographer, doing work for fashion agencies in Texas and New York. I am also a practicing architect. There is a huge overlap between architecture and fashion, and the photography thereof. Scale, texture, symmetry, color, design, proportion etc. apply to both. I think understanding that has been key to my success as a fashion and agency photographer. I started small, over 35 years ago, and was quickly noticed by leading agencies, and to this day focus my work on testing (basically portfolio updates) for the best agencies in Dallas and beyond. I also lecture and teach fashion and agency testing photography at events across the United States, and instruct at the Texas School of Professional Photography for an entire week each April in Dallas (Addison). That class is the largest agency testing class in the United States. Most all of my work is with professional models only, who have gained recognition as some of the best in the Dallas area. Much of my work, professional articles, and instruction has been widely published, resulting in my doing work in not only Dallas, but New York City as well. Many of those that I have photographed have gone on larger markets around the world, achieving tremendous success. I enjoy the Dallas area and Dallas agency market, as I find the level of talent and professionalism to be among the best anywhere!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Overall the road has been smooth, but not without a few struggles along way. I learned a long time ago that the best success is with established agencies and agency models. Having a full team on board, stylists, make-up artists, assistants, etc., and then a model no-show was very disappointing. I have had it happen, but never with a legitimate agency. Also, I am very hard on equipment, as I push cameras hard. Having in fail (always have a back-up) mid-shoot, or a memory card go south, is really frustrating. But overall it has been a labor of love, and a great expression of art.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Steve Ellinger Photography – what should we know?
Steve Ellinger Photography ONLY does agency testing and fashion photography. No weddings, no senior pictures, no babies, etc. I believe that one should find one thing, then do it better than anyone else, or at least shoot for that. I am most proud of the fact that I have been able to gain acceptance in this very specialized area of industry photography by the agencies and professional models. As far as I know I am one but only a few that incorporate then aspects of architecture and design into my fashion work. As a practicing architect, that is second nature to me, and is not something I see from anyone else.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My eye for “seeing” the photograph and the architectural composition and the elements of photography that make it work in unique ways. I have also achieved Certification as a Professional Photographer in the Professional Photographers of America, something that only about 2% of photographers ever achieve. Accomplishing that Certification (CPP) taught me a lot about what to do behind the camera.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.steveellinger.com
- Phone: 325.669.7555
- Email: sellinger4@suddenlink.net
- Instagram: @ellingerfoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Steve-Ellinger-Photography-118176431597155/
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