"The Scenestar Dozen" is where we feature fascinating culture cultivators. Meet photographer Emilie Elizabeth. She's been shooting professionally for 14+ years. Her focus is on music (usually press/promotional images or album artwork), fashion, celebrity, and – like every photog we know – personal projects when she has the time. Read more about her below!
What is the best and worst thing about your profession?
The best thing is being able to work in different environments on a regular basis with a pretty broad range of personalities and lighting challenges. It’s hardly ever boring. The worst thing is the lack of stability. A regular client might one day decide that they want to hire someone new on a whim and that can have a major impact financially and sometimes emotionally. It’s sometimes difficult not to take those decisions personally.
What is something you didn’t know about Los Angeles that you recently found out or realized?
Los Angeles Sheriff Jim McDonnell needs to gooooo.
(Editor note: This was answered prior to the midterm elections on Nov 6th.)
Where is your favorite place to eat in LA?
Although I’m always open to trying new places, I tend to be a creature of habit. My usual go-tos are Shojin for a nice dinner or Kitchen Mouse for breakfast or lunch. I started eating at Shojin a few years ago and became friendly with the owner and staff, which made such a difference with the overall experience. It’s always nice to be remembered and asked if you’d like “the usual”. I love Kitchen Mouse partially because it’s convenient, partially because I love Erica, one of the owners but mostly because it was really nice to finally have a healthy vegetarian option in the neighborhood.
What was the last good book you read that you recommend?
I’m a sucker for dystopian sci-fi and fantasy. I really enjoyed "Who Fears Death" by Nnedi Okorafor because it dabbled a bit in both genres without losing its unique identity. I have also been eagerly awaiting the final book in Patrick Rothfuss’ "Kingkiller Chronicle” series.
Have you ever seen a work of art that stopped you in your tracks?
Back in February, I had the chance to see the audio/visual piece “SKALAR" by Kangding Ray and Christopher Bauder. It was an incredible marriage of technology, music, and lighting and had a pretty profound emotional impact on me. On a surface level, it was visually stunning in a way that’s now referred to as “Instabait” but it was so much more than that. Kangding Ray’s score was incredible and there was a narrative that kept you drawn in visually.
What is the most remarkable movie you’ve ever seen and what was it about the film?
I saw Baraka for the first time about 15 years ago and I still have some of the scenes burned into my memory. It’s meditative, inspiring, disturbing at times, and extremely mesmerizing.
Name your pop-culture guilty pleasure.
I don’t believe in guilty pleasures. If you enjoy doing something, who cares if it’s not cool. For me, it’s Disneyland and most things Disney. I even collect Disney pins and trade them with cast members at the parks. Going on a Wednesday afternoon with a few close friends in the off-season has always been my favorite way to de-stress.
What is the most underrated album you’ve heard and what about it is special?
Who do you think is the best rock star who ever lived?
What is the scariest thing you’ve ever experienced?
Yikes… I’ve had a couple near-death experiences but they’re not that interesting. I’ve been doing Urbex (urban exploring) since high school. When I was younger, I would seek out the really spooky places and break-in at night with a couple of friends. We’d all do our best to act like we weren’t terrified but we definitely were. Especially when there was a possibility that we weren’t alone.
Where is one place that someone can visit in LA for free that is a must-experience?
It’s a bit of a trek, but I spent a lot of time at Mt. Baldy and the surrounding area of Angeles National Forest. So many beautiful views and relaxing hikes. But PLEASE pick up your trash!
What is the weirdest thing about LA?
It’s a massive city but everyone knows each other.
Emilie Elizabeth is a photographer. She has been published in Vogue Italia, Bello, ΠMagazine, Odalisque Magazine, StyleZeitgeist, BLU Magazine, among many others. Her photos of musician Ava Gore were recently featured by CuratedByGirls.com. She has heaps of new work that should be appearing in various publications and on her website and Instagram over the next month. Follow her at emilieelizabeth.com and @where_is_emilie on Instagram.
Leave a Reply