Wow, one look at the work of wedding photographer Elizabeth Austin Davis and you’ll be inspired. Her photos strike just the right balance of natural and artistic, while capturing the true spirit and emotion of her subjects on their big day. Even though weddings are fast-paced and photographers often only get one chance to get the shot, Elizabeth’s results are exquisite. Her use of light is masterful, and each image makes you stop and wish you were there.
We love your work, Elizabeth! And we’re thrilled to include you in our “UNLIMITED — Conversations with Changemakers” series, made possible through a partnership with Fujifilm.
Elizabeth Austin Davis is a northern girl with a southern heart. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, she began her career in high school taking graduation photos of her classmates. While in Alabama pursuing her undergraduate degree in business at Tuskegee University, she continued to follow her passion of photography, and in 2013 was able to successfully launch her photography business.
Since then, she has been named one of the 30 rising stars of wedding photography in 2019 by Rangefinder Magazine, one of the top wedding photographers in the world by Harper’s Bazaar and one of the top wedding photographers in the US by Brides. Her work has been featured on the cover of Rangefinder and in Brides, The Knot Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, Martha Stewart, HGTV, Black Bride Magazine, and many more.
Liz is also a film photography educator who has taught at WPPI, Showit United, and The Hybrid Co. Her ability to artistically translate her couples’ love through images has been a catalyst in developing her unique style. See more of Elizabeth’s work at elizabethaustinphotography.com and on Instagram @elizabethaustinphoto.
Q: Tell us about your early days as a photographer and how you’ve gotten where you are today.
A: My journey with photography started with my father and my uncle. Growing up they always had cameras in their hands. I remember asking my dad to hold his clunky film camera and loving the sound as it took a shot.
I never knew the possibilities of being a photographer — it wasn’t until after I graduated college and found the wedding industry that I knew I was in the right place and I found my ministry in life.
Q: Your work has such a beautiful aesthetic. In your eyes, what elements combine to make the perfect wedding photo?
A: The perfect wedding photo is two things for me: genuine emotion and good light! If I can have those two elements I know the photo is going to be amazing!
Q: What is the most challenging thing about photographing weddings?
A: To me the most challenging thing about photographing weddings is only having one shot. It’s a high stakes, high paced environment and honestly there’s no room for mistakes. Giving myself grace when things don’t turn out quite as I plan has been a true challenge for me and something I continue to work on.
Q: You must work in a variety of lighting conditions. Is that tough? What do you do when lighting is not ideal?
A: The only light that I absolutely cannot work with is when there’s a pocket of shadow and there is no secondary available light. It just looks like a black hole and it’s very difficult to achieve my aesthetic in that situation.
“The reason I am successful is perseverance. Don’t allow someone to define you.”
Q: Tell us about your 2020. How did your business fare with so many weddings on hold? What did you discover about yourself as a human and as an artist?
A: 2020 was honestly my best year and I honestly believe it was because I gave grace to my clients. I worked with them to move their weddings. I centered myself on what was important in my life and my faith. 2020 revealed to me that I needed to slow down. I am a travel photographer which means I’m on the road for the majority of the year. I have two small children and a husband that I love. 2020 made me realize I just wanted to be closer to home. So now I am much more selective on what assignments I take and how many I take.
Q: If you could give any advice to young female photographers who would like to follow in your footsteps, what would you say?
A: Get out your own head. Yes, things are hard. Yes, you may not see yourself represented all the time, but you were here for a reason and you deserve all the goodness that’s going to come in your business. The reason I am successful is perseverance. Don’t allow someone to define you. Don’t let anyone tell you what you are capable of, continue to put out good work, and stay focused!
Photos by Elizabeth Austin Davis
This post is made possible through a partnership with Fujifilm as part of our “UNLIMITED — Conversations with Changemakers” interview series. Unlimited honors powerful feminist photographers and spotlights the artistic voices of those seeking to change the narrative. We hope to help bring focus to storytellers with purpose who are sharing their diverse perspectives with the world. Through this beautiful tapestry of unique voices, we want to be part of a cohesive message of unity, equity and inclusion.
More stories from inspirational women photographers:
TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER KARTHIKA GUPTA SHARES UNIFYING STORIES OF CULTURE AND IDENTITY
PHOTOGRAPHER ASHLEY JOHNSON’S WORK ASKS COMPLEX QUESTIONS ABOUT BLACK IDENTITY
PHOTOGRAPHER CRISTAL VERONICA CELEBRATES REAL LGBTQ+ AND BIPOC STORIES
HOW DIVYA WOLF IMBUES STRENGTH AND EMPOWERMENT WITH WHIMSY IN HER PHOTOGRAPHY
