Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Raab.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up outside of Seattle during the time of grunge. Art permeated much of the culture and inspired me to get out and see the world. I’ve lived in a lot of places, Rome, NYC, LA, and taken inspiration from each of them. I’ve studied both formally and informally. I taught myself retouching by scanning photos I’d processed in funky dark rooms, applied techniques in grubby warehouses that I’d learned in formal lighting lectures, trial and error of hanging shows and promoting them in various parts of the world. Art has always been a huge part of my life and photography my greatest muse. I’ve been lucky enough to turn both into a passion and a career.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Building a career as an artist is always a challenging endeavor. Not only in finding the balance of the love for your medium and the commercial viability of your skillset but also the increasing demand on digital content. But flexibility, versatility, and experience really make the difference.
Now, midway through my career, I’ve also become more sensitive to clients’ need for quality creative content, but also that they aren’t always necessarily prepared to fully maximize the potential of its usage. A few years ago, I began offering Design Services (print and web) to support both my own and other’s creative image content. Then expanded to Art Direction, and later Creative Direction services. This then lead into Project Management, R&D team development, and Archival Systems for Creative Content. And eventually, full Branding and Marketing Services.
Photography will always be my first love however. I’m a better photographer now than I’ve ever been, thanks to my clients, friends, and my incredibly supportive family. As well as my muses willingness to get outside the box and try new things!!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Elizabeth Raab Photography – what should we know?
I’m most known for automotive and conceptual portrait photography. My work is absolutely the result of hard work and skilled teamwork. Whether it’s a portrait of a motorcycle or a portrait of an architect, I approach all my subjects with the same joy and appreciation for their individuality and I strive to highlight that visually.
Commercially I’m Creative Directing on a really cool project, Ama Sea Beauty (www.amaseabeauty.com). A seaweed-based skincare line with its own sea farm, PharmerSea. The only facility of its type on the North American coast. It’s an incredible project on the forefront of sustainability while maintaining beautiful and effective products.
Personally, I’m really proud of my series Guerriere, featuring curvy women in positions of classical beauty and power. I feel like the body positivity movement is one of the greatest social changes in our lifetime. I photograph people of all walks of life, ages, sexes, sizes, identities, and personas. All of them subconsciously (and often consciously) impacted by the role media has played in their own ability for self-love and acceptance based on appearance.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Absolutely my clients!! Who see a kindred spirit in me and have supported me in bringing our own pieces of beauty into the world!! Of which would not be possible without my incredible team of assistants, makeup, hair, and wardrobe artists, who take the work to the next level.
My mentors: Sienna Reid and Dean Kaufman who help me to continue to see my path as my career advances. Kaytee Papusza, and Antoinette Marquez, my continued muses and collaborators. Benjamin James who is both a partner in business and friendship!
And of course, I would be nowhere without my husband Federico, who keeps me in perspective and is my greatest support in all of life!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elizabethraab.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethraab/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethraabphotography/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/elizabethraab
Image Credit:
ENR_01 – Model: Ally Baker Hair/Makeup: Danyale Cook Moto: Ducati; ENR_02 – Model: Tess Holliday Hair/Makeup: Dawn Tunnell; ENR_03 – Model: Devorah Reine Hair/Makeup: Chanel George; ENR_04 – Model: Ava D’Amore; ENR_05 – Model: Jenise Hair/Makeup: Danyale Cook Moto: Ducati; ENR_06 – Model: Analisa Durham Hair: Ariane Garcia Makeup: Chris Milone Designer: Papusza Couture; ENR_07 – Model: Lina O’Connor Hair Art: Danyale Cook Hair/Makeup: Elisabet Mascorro Stylist: Sean Panella Auto: Delahaye USA
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