Photos by: The Elegant Elephant
Full Names: Laura & Joel Decatur
Ages: Average 32
Currently Residing: Richmond, VA to Denver, Colorado
Currently Listening to: Nikka Costa - Birds of a Feather
Equipment: Canon 1Ds II, 20D, various lenses
You remember when your Aunts used to come to visit and your parents couldn't wait to hand out the wallet sized, Autumn-leaved backgrounded photos she got at Walmart? Or better yet, the school pics of "the ghost face" in the background while you stared blankly into the camera? Ah, yes how I remember. I've known Laura Cook for 21 years. She and I grew up in the same apartment complex. Every summer it was trips to 7-11, Pizza Hut Personal Pan Pizzas and talking about boys. I remember she used to carry a camera with her while she took a photography class in high school. She used to take pictures of all the gang in the neighborhood. Little did I realize this elective class she took would lead her photographic career she has today.
Eventually Laura and I went our separate ways, but thanks to the technological advances that is the interweb, our paths have crossed again. It was as though we didn't miss a beat and memories of our adolescence came rushing back. It brings me joy to know she is happy and doing what she loves to do along with her wonderful family.
Laura and Joel Decatur of The Elegant Elephant have really made it their mission to provide their clients with some unique photography. I don't want to see my kid in a chair staring blankly with fake smile into the camera. I want my kid being shot as they are...free, innocent and expressive Laura and Joel hit this one on the head. I like that they focus on family portraiture, but it's progressive and edgy, not boring and stiff. Together with their son, Trust, they are pushing outside the box and showing the newer generation of families that they don't have to put on the same black shirts and khaki pants to prove they are a unit, but rather reflect and present themselves as the individual parts they really are.
When did The Elegant Elephant start and why did you choose this name?
We started out about 5 years ago when I noticed Laura was taking some really great shots. She has
a natural ability to find interesting angles and capture people in a realistic light. We discussed moving forward with a business and that led to Decatur Photography, our first name. After years of trial and error and taking time to find our strengths and focuses we decided it was time to reinvigorate the process and shake things up a bit. No one likes the same old thing and that is something we strive to achieve with our photography - something you won't find elsewhere. Laura is an avid elephant collector and that name just leapt from our thoughts. It was just something that fit well with our concept of a more raw elegance. It's also a conversation piece, so it helps when meeting new clients. It makes people want to ask about it.
You do a lot of portrait work and it seems you specialize in children, what makes you guys stand out in this genre?
We have had a strong focus on children since starting. Laura has always had a knack for earning the trust of children quickly. Once a decent level of comfort is established, real personalities come shining through and the opportunity for pictures that will spark so many memories than just the one in that one image. That is truly her gift in photography. It's her eye, as they say, and you will not find that anywhere else. That is the single biggest component in what we do. One other thing that I think separates us from the pack is our artistic approach. We combine a photojournalistic style of photography with a unique array of custom finishes. Each picture is processed individually while the focus is placed on the personality of the subject.How do you guys come up with the concepts for your shoots and how to motivate your clients?
Inspiration comes from everywhere, all the time. We are a design conscious and visually driven society so there is an unending collection of imagery and depth to pursue. Anything from movies, magazines, music, fashion, cities, moods, colors, etc...but above all else, the single biggest factor is the individual style and personality that makes us all unique. We are lucky in that our clients are already excited about getting pictures.. So, one thing that usually gets people even more excited is to show them our work and let them tell us what they like and don't like. Once they feel that their session is designed with their interests in mind it makes them relax and just enjoy the process.
Children are very difficult subjects to shoot but you all seem to have a knack at capturing them at just the right time...how does this happen?
This goes back to Laura's unique eye. It's one of those things that comes naturally to her. We typically have a consultation before the session. Laura uses this time not only to work out the details of the photo session but to also become familiar with the family, especially any younger children. This will give some foundation to build from come time of the actual shoot. Laura also builds some play time into each session. It's amazing what a child will do if you let them have a little space and relative control.
Do you find it hard to work as a married couple or is it fun and creatively stimulating?
Good question. It's funny, we have heard of a few other husband/wife photography teams, most very successful. They all say the same thing. It's not always easy to separate home-life with
the business side of things. But in other ways, it's very easy working with someone who you could second guess almost everything they would do. There is a certain flow that only married people can get into. I think we have reached a very good balance and as things change we are at a point where we can just fine tune and stay on top of it.
How do you all deal with difficult clients?
We pick their clothes for them (smile). No, we have had very few instances to even draw from. We have been very fortunate, in that, our clients are so appreciative of their pictures and truly research other photographers in order to find the right one. So, coming to us they pretty much know what to expect. But, when someone is having a bad day you just have to roll with it. We have all been there and a little (or a lot) of patience goes a long way for most people. It's a level of customer service that is rarely seen these days. We also try to define as much as possible in order to prevent misunderstandings down the road. Communication is key!
Who or what would you most want to photograph?
Laura loves working with children and high school Seniors and because of that her work shines. In the future, we would like to work with more celebrities and maybe some commercial/model sessions.What are some interesting shoots you guys have done?
We were invited to document both in picture and film the behind the scenes calendar shoot for an adult video star. That is easily the most interesting and fun photography project we have been involved with. Sometimes opportunities just present themselves and we are always looking for new and interesting projects.
I hear you are moving to Colorado...do you all plan on extending the business there?
Oh absolutely. We are extremely excited to get established in CO. Since we do a lot of location shoots, the backdrop that CO provides will give us endless new possibilities. One thing we hope to introduce sooner than later is the addition of a studio. That will also open up a whole new avenue in terms of creativity in a more controlled environment. CO here we come.
What is each other's most annoying habit?
The most annoying thing in general for us is finding a good balance between work and family life. Being together 24/7 is difficult under great circumstances. To find that balance while running a company and entertaining a three year old is challenging. We have had to create schedules and separate offices within our home. If we lose this balance, we are more easily annoyed by the other. It's not any one thing about the other that annoys us, it is everything in general. Laura is more fly by the seat of her pants and plans nothing. Joel is more organized and everything has to be scheduled and run smoothly. We are polar opposites. Most of the time this works and makes life interesting. Every now and then it makes us insane (smile).
For more info on The Elegant Elephant please visit their WEBSITE or leavea nice comment on their MYSPACE. Also, check out Joel's side project for artists and musicians, ELEGANCE & GRIT.
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