Meet Elise Conway of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elise Conway.

Hi Elise, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I originally immigrated from Sydney, Australia where I obtained a degree in performance from one of the top leading performance schools. I was able to be sponsored as an actor to come to Los Angeles. I worked as a presenter for two major tv shows, landing some notable acting gigs in between all the while teaching acting on the side at a North Hollywood studio and doing private audition reads/tapings. I started with a very high booking rate for many years until one particular year I couldn’t seem to even get in the audition room. I had always been interested in photography as a hobby since I was a little girl so I was always taking photos of my friends and family. One day one of the top modelling agencies inquired as to who had taken one of their models photos and when they found out it was me they threw more unasked work my way. This was a pleasant surprise and it made me realise that this is something I could take more seriously and earn a decent income in. I started shooting more and more models building my portfolio. I luckily had a lot of high working model friends over the years that I would go on set with and who would use me as their photographer. I took it upon myself to take some photography lessons in lighting, camera technology and programs learning mostly with a hands on approach. I invested in better photography equipment and the jobs kept rolling in. Eventually I landed shooting e-commerce for the entire fashion district downtown L.A. which really gave me a taste for high earning ecommerce photography mixed with my original love for fashion and beauty photography. During COVID all sets closed down and I was forced to find other work. I luckily found a job in event photography where I still remain the lead photographer there on the weekends; where we do anything from weddings, to the Oscars and similar red carpet events. I have shot the likes of Matt Damon, Sophia Vagara, and Jon Voight to mention just a few over the years. After covid was then when I found my present job and most fulfilling one yet. I am the head of photography for ‘Loupe This’, one of the top leading watch auction houses not only in the country but around the world.

Alright, 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?
Like anything worth achieving there have been some challenges along the way. I had to shift my mindset and identity from actor to photographer. That was probably my biggest challenge. It wasn’t so much the photography, as I’m a quick learner with a natural eye for it. It was taking it seriously and feeling like I wasn’t letting go of who I was and who I based my life being around, that was the most challenging and beautiful journey for me. I still have an acting agent and do acting work when I feel like it’s worth it and that’s actually been more liberating and rewarding than I thought it would be. I love photography as my main job and the freedom it’s given me to truly enjoy both.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I currently work as the head of photography for ‘Loupe This’, one of the leading high end watch auction houses not only in the country but in the world. Our inventory is vast and high end. The watch lover demographic demands detailed and clear shots of the watches as they are big investments for them to bid on and purchase, along with each one having their own unique value for different reasons. At ‘Loupe This’ photography department it is our job to dismantle each watch with care to showcase their unique design and markings in a fashionable and aesthetically pleasing light, reassemble the watches and repackage them taking photos at each stage before they go up for auction.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Just start. Get up off your butt, pick up a camera, play around with it as much as you can, shadow as many people you admire as you can and start. People need and love free assistants. Don’t be too proud to assist someone, even if it means you’re starting from the bottom again, humble the ego and know that the climb can be quick and steady if you’re consistent of investing time, energy and eventually financially in decent equipment. Don’t be afraid to ask people you love for help or reach out to strangers to shoot. Again – people love free work. Walk into companies and put yourself out there. The worst they can say is no and I promise you, you’ll still be alive to see another opportunity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://EliseConway.com
• Instagram: Elise.conway