We had the good fortune of connecting with Elisa Pittella and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elisa, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
My father was a painter and a sculptor, so I grew up surrounded by art. My brother was also a photographer. Our walls were adorned with artworks, not only by my father, but by other well respected artists. I pursued an artistic career because I had a strong desire to express my own truth. Growing up, I struggled to articulate my emotions. This is why I found dance and photography, so that I could express what I needed in a different way. Or maybe they found me?

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My own relationship with art and form started as a dancer. I love the shapes and free flowing moving images that dance creates. I picked up a camera when I was at a very low point in my life and it pretty much saved me. I became engrossed in capturing all sorts of images. I started with food photography and then later I moved into documentary family photojournalism. I love the idea of the beauty of truth, rather than the truth of beauty. There is a lot more that can be expressed to a viewer in an image full of raw emotion than there is in one full of perfect, symmetrical beauty. I soon realized I needed to tell stories through my art, for artists, but especially woman. I understood moving form, shapes, and kinesthetic energy, while capturing the truth within a story or a moment. I have always advocated for the progression of women in society and I aim to capture their strength, vulnerabilities and feminine power. My broader sense of humanity has evolved into a desire to communicate a natural moment within the client. I create a fertile ground for their own artistic expression to grow, which I try to capture in each session. This then becomes a lot more relatable and accessible to viewers. It’s what they understand, without necessarily consciously knowing why.

It hasn’t always been an easy ride. Having your own business and being your own boss means that you need to stay motivated in the competitive Los Angeles market. I had to start again when I moved from my home in Australia in 2019. Things here move very fast, so you need to keep up. There are days where I may have a lot going on in other areas of my life and I need to remind myself that I can’t expect to do it all in one day or one hour. So I pull back, reground myself and take one step at a time. Meditation, yoga and getting out into nature really help with this!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Honestly, there is so much to do it would be hard to choose. I’m all about nature so I would start hiking up along Franklin Canyon. You have the perfect view of my future dream house there ha! On another day we’d hike up to the Hollywood sign. That’s always a fun one. Coffee and brunch at Blueys Market and Cafe in Santa Monica. Love this place and they know how to make their coffee! I would have to take them to some of my beloved thrift stores, including Iguana in North Hollywood. Dinner and drinks at Castaway with those incredible views, or a good bowl of pasta pomodoro at Uovo, followed by a good dose of live music on Sunset strip! We’d do a few days at Disneyland, California Adventure Park and Six Flags, because it would be a crime to visit here and not go there! Of course, no L.A. trip would be complete without a Dodgers or Lakers game.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The late Terry Murphy from Kommune Arts in Australia. He took me under his wing and showed me how to use a camera and capture amazing art. My father, who inspired me with how he chose to express his own art. My loving husband, Carter Doyle. He is an inspiration of strength and resilience. His support and encouragement continue to be a huge instrument in my growth.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisapittellaphoto/

Image credit:
Main photo is taken by Ewelina Polnicka from @now_wecreate

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