Client update and upcoming travel in new newsletter
Read my newest newsletter that goes out to clients
I could never leave out photography
So here I am: building a roster of clients I love, combining creative instinct with strategic insight. Doing meaningful, layered work. And not asking permission to be more than one thing. Get in touch if my work resonates with you and let's have a conversation.
I could never leave out the fact that I’m an exceptional photographer. It’s not just what I’ve done—it’s who I am. Over the years, I’ve captured high-end interiors, runway shows, food spreads, portraits, products, and moments you can’t recreate. That eye—the ability to see—informs everything I do.
But in 2025, no one is just one thing. And I’m no exception.
After 15 years as a successful commercial photographer, I felt a pull. I pursued a Master’s in Arts Administration—not just to pivot, but to grow. I didn’t walk away from creativity. I walked toward structure, sustainability, and scale.
Now, I partner with clients on business development, branding, visual storytelling, content, marketing strategy—and yes, photography. Because you can be all of it.
The idea that we must be just one thing? That’s outdated. And frankly, it was never made with women in mind.
For most of history, women weren’t included in the workforce—but we were never idle. We were caregivers, strategists, problem-solvers, creators, budget managers, peacekeepers. That’s not multitasking. That’s mastery.
When I feel pulled in many directions, I don’t see chaos—I see legacy.
So here I am: building a roster of clients I love, combining creative instinct with strategic insight. Doing meaningful, layered work. And not asking permission to be more than one thing. Get in touch if my work resonates with you and let's have a conversation.
And, if you feel pulled toward “more,” go. You’re not too much. And it’s not too late.
gratuitous image of the walk down to the beach near Weekapaug Inn at Watch Hill, RI
What I Hope My Son Learns in France
Marnay-sur-Seine, France, 2011
This summer, I’m taking my son Lucian with me to an artist residency in France. I’ll be reading, thinking, walking, probably eating a lot of cheese, and making water color paintings. He’ll be doing what eleven-year-olds do—being curious, bored, brave, distracted, joyful, and occasionally annoyed that the bread isn’t sliced. I could say this is just a trip. But it’s more than that. Here’s what I hope he learns while we’re there. These pictures are from an art residency I did in 2011, before Lucian was born.
1. That creativity is a way of life.
Not a talent. Not something that happens only at school or on weekends. I want him to see that you can shape your whole life around making things—how you see, how you listen, how you notice. That art is a lens, not just an outcome.
2. That discomfort is part of growth.
Travel can be awkward. There will be language barriers, cultural mix-ups, and meals he doesn’t recognize. But I hope he feels proud of himself in those moments—realizing he’s capable of change and travel of being just a little braver than he thought.
3. That slowing down helps you see more.
France moves at a different rhythm, and art residencies certainly do, much much slower. There will be long, slow lunches. Afternoons that stretch. Moments where nothing happens and everything does. I hope he sees the beauty in quiet time, in paying attention, in boredom even—and how that space is where ideas start to bloom.
Marnay-sur-Seine, France, 2011
4. That adults can start over.
I want him to know that his mom is still becoming what I want to be. That we’re never stuck in one version of ourselves. I hope he sees that trying something new—especially when it’s uncertain—is not a sign of failure but of courage.
5. That the world is wide and waiting.
This might be the most important one. I want him to feel the bigness of the world—not in a scary way, but in a thrilling one. To know there are so many ways to live. So many paths to take. And that he doesn’t have to have it all figured out, ever. He loves order and routine, which is great, but sometimes you have to change things up a bit.
—
This residency is for me, yes—but maybe it’s also for him. For both of us, really. A little window cracked open, or a door.
xx Ellen
Marnay-sur-Seine, France, 2011
How I Curate a Beautiful Home with Meaningful Pieces: Time.
A few images of my home, with descriptions of the items and links on where to find those pieces or similar. Talking about collecting
a corner of my living room in Connecticut
I can't tell you that I have a specific take on interior design, other that I like beautiful things and I love history. Even though I am renting where we live right now, it is the pieces that I have that I've carried with me over my life that make the space our own. For instance, in this picture, everything tells a story to me. The rug came from my parents, and the “acclaim” side table by Lane in the late 1960s and the mid century lamp both came from my favorite antique store in the whole world, Marika’s, which is on Shelter Island, New York.
The lampshade was part of an estate collection in a sale at Sothebys in New York where I worked for seven years. The shade was new on an antique lamp and the specialists decided it didn't work for the sale so it was up for grabs and I took it home. There's also a Russian wooden box that belong to my son's father, and a bronze sculpture that I made in college at RISD. The guitar belonged to my dad. That throw is by Sferra and it is one of my favorite things. The funny part is it actually came in a gift bag from an event that I snuck into with three or four other friends, 20 some years ago in the meatpacking District in New York.
The footstool is part of a chair by West Elm and my sofa is from Ikea.
This bar cart, again, came from Marika’s on Shelter Island. SI is a magical place in it’s own right, and I think I need a whole other blog posts just to talk about that. This chair on the right belong to my grandparents and it had a wicker seat which fell apart overtime. I restrung it with neon Paracord and it's a very strong chair. I got glass cut for the top of the bar cart and put an old mirror on the bottom, where the glasses are. Some of that is my grandmother's old Baccarat glasses that I took in a shopping on an airplane all wrapped in newspaper as my carry on item once.
For the artwork there to oil paintings by me, a portrait of one of my great great, great grandfather's and then an antique Chinese print the belong to my grandparents and a drawing by my son. To the right is a print from an art exhibition in Puerto Rico from 1968 that came from my mom.
All of that is to say. It takes time. Because I would never want to just throw out everything and start all over again. I love having the stories come with me, and the people who these things were attached to come with me to wherever I go.
A Love Letter to Stonington & Mystic
July 4, 2024 on the green at Wadawanuck Square in front of Stonington Free Library
Stonington, Connecticut, is where the sea meets the soul of New England. Maritime culture is woven into the fabric of everyday life, influencing everything from how we eat to how we get around. The docks and river, the history of the old whaling ships, and the small-town charm all seep into my life, even my artistic endeavors. There's a little bit of a Disneyland Quality to this way of life in 2025 however, no matter how much we try and deny it. The economy of New England relied for so long on the whaling and textile mills, and all of that faded away. What's left is shadows of the past.
Living here isn’t just about the views—it’s about the rhythms of life that flow through this coastal town. It’s a place that reminds me to slow down, to appreciate detail, and to find beauty in simplicity. The people in coastal communities in New England work hard to keep these traditions alive, to keep the beauty of this area intact, because that is what made it attractive for so long anyway.
The maritime history inspires my creative process. It can be a quiet place, but there’s a lot of power in that stillness, and it finds its way into everything I do these days.
Here’s a list of 10 of my favorite spots around Stonington:
Napatree Point Beach – A picturesque beach area just a short drive away. Not just for spying on Taylor Swift.
Shipwright’s Daughter - A James Beard award winning place with consistent yet adventurous food, not to mention my favorite happy hour by far in the area.
The Dog Watch Café – A laid-back, waterfront restaurant with a relaxed vibe. Two locations, huge portions, friendly bartenders.
Saltwater Farm Vineyard – A beautiful vineyard set in a restored World War II airport. Free music many weekends with food trucks.
Barn Island Wildlife Management Area – Great for nature walks and birdwatching.
Mystic Seaport – Historic and perfect for those who love maritime history.
Borough of Stonington – Wander through the town for charming streets and architecture.
Port of Call - fantastic cocktail bar with occasional drag shows. Not to mention that the bar was made with word from the Charles Morgan ship the oldest wooden whaling ship left in the United States.
Stonington Free Library - situated on a wide square with benches and grass and shade to enjoy in the warmer months, this wonderful library even rents video games and wifi hot spots, and sticks for dogs.
La Grua Center - An arts center in Stonington Borough with a focus on music, with a very special 1886 Chickering piano and state of the art acoustics.
Wayland's Wharf, Stonington Borough - secret place to swim. Shhhhh. August 9, 2023
The Business of Art: Navigating Creativity & Commerce
The Business of Art: Navigating Creativity & Commerce
Being an artist isn’t just about creating—it’s about finding ways to sustain your creativity while making a living. The romanticized notion of the starving artist is outdated (and frankly, unhelpful). In reality, artists today have more tools than ever to blend artistry with entrepreneurship, but it takes strategy, persistence, and a little bit of nerve.
Over the years, I’ve learned to balance the creative and the practical, from marketing my work to pitching clients and staying inspired in the face of financial realities. Here’s what has worked for me.
1. Defining Your Brand
Art is personal, but if you want to sell your work or services, you need to define what makes you unique. Whether you’re a painter, photographer, designer, or multi-hyphenate creator, your brand should communicate your aesthetic, voice, and values.
I’ve found that my own brand revolves around storytelling—whether through photography, advertising, social media, or painting, I’m always drawn to history, texture, and emotion. Identifying this common thread helps me market myself with clarity rather than feeling like I had to be everything to everyone.
Action Tip:
Write down three to five words that describe your artistic style. Then, use those words to refine your portfolio, social media presence, and marketing materials.
2. Marketing Without Feeling Like a Sellout
Selling your art or yourself can feel uncomfortable at first—no one wants to sound pushy. But marketing is really just storytelling: you’re sharing why your work matters and inviting others into the process.
For me, Instagram has been invaluable for showcasing my work in a way that feels organic. Instead of just posting finished pieces, I share works-in-progress, behind-the-scenes shots, and thoughts on inspiration. I am working on showing up on TikTok as well.
Action Tip:
If self-promotion feels overwhelming, try storytelling instead. Share the “why” behind your work. Why did you choose that subject? What inspired that series? Make people feel invested in your journey.
3. The Art of Pitching: Reaching Out with Confidence
One of the biggest shifts I had to make was realizing that clients and collectors aren’t doing me a favor by working with me—it’s a mutually beneficial relationship. Whether it’s reaching out to potential buyers, galleries, or brands for collaborations, pitching is about presenting your work with confidence and showing why it’s valuable.
Action Tip:
Keep a simple, structured pitch template:
Introduction (Who you are & what you do)
Why you’re reaching out (Be specific)
Why it’s a great fit (What makes your work compelling to them)
A clear ask (Do you want a meeting? A collaboration? A sale?)
4. Pricing Your Work Without Apology
Pricing creative work is tricky, but undervaluing yourself doesn’t do you any favors. Over time, I’ve learned that pricing should reflect not just materials and time but also experience, skill, and the emotional impact of the work.
If you’re unsure where to start, look at industry standards, consider what your peers are charging, and don’t be afraid to experiment.
Action Tip:
Create tiered pricing options. This can include original pieces, limited edition prints, and small-scale commissions so there’s something for different budgets.
5. Staying Inspired While Running a Business
When you turn your passion into a business, the risk is that it starts feeling like a job. To keep the creative spark alive, I build in time for exploration—whether that’s visiting museums, collecting inspiration from the world around me, or working on personal projects with no commercial goal.
Action Tip:
Me holding an oil painting I made of driving on the highway.
Schedule “creative time” into your week that has nothing to do with client work or sales. Treat it as a necessary part of your business, because it is.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the business of art is an ongoing process. Some seasons are full of creative momentum, while others feel like a grind. The key is to keep refining your approach—adjusting your marketing, refining your pricing, and always leaving room for inspiration.
If you’re a fellow artist figuring out this balance, I’d love to hear from you—what strategies have worked for you? Let’s build a creative business that feels both fulfilling and sustainable.
xEllen
Spring Newsletter
Read the spring newsletter here with a client highlight on By Michael Miller
Kojicon reels
Kojicon is a yearly online conference all about koji and fermentation. It's put on by the Yellow Farmhouse Education Center in Stonington, Connecticut, a really fabulous nonprofit that's doing great work around how we get our food in modern society. It has been a while since the majority of society was learning about farm-based processes, and the folks over at Yellow Farmhouse are trying to change that. I was working with them on promoting the Kojicon festival earlier this year and it was a lot of fun.
By Michael Miller - promo video
Promo video for By Michael Miller
Shot on location with model: Isla Lionetti in September 2024
Music by The Japanese House
Reels on reels
Some reels I have done to promote various aspects of the Mystic & Noank Library in Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic & Noank Library - Annual Report
A gallery of images of the annual report I designed for the Mystic & Noank Library
Creating the 2023 annual report for the Mystic & Noank Library in Mystic, Connecticut was a real pleasure, as I was able to photograph, design and compile data for the project. The annual report is an important document, especially for a nonprofit organization. It gives the patrons and donors nice window onto what is happening, but also serves as a metric for the staff to reflect on their accomplishments throughout the year.
Hello!
Turning back on my camera brain
I'm thrilled to announce the launch of my brand new website, a digital haven where creativity and innovation converge. As an artist with a passion for commercial photography and social media storytelling, this platform serves as a canvas to showcase my diverse portfolio, share insights into my creative process, and connect. This picture above was taken at the Mystic & Noank Library in Mystic, Connecticut where I am working on several projects.
Photography is a great medium for storytelling. From the intricate details of still life compositions to the dynamic energy of bustling cityscapes, each frame holds a narrative waiting to be discovered. Through my commercial photography work, I strive to capture the essence of brands, products, and experiences, transforming concepts into captivating visuals that resonate with audiences.
Whether it's collaborating with businesses to elevate their brand identity, curating visual content for marketing campaigns, or capturing the essence of a product through compelling imagery, I find immense joy in bringing stories to life through the lens of my camera. With my new website, I look forward to sharing these stories with you and exploring the possibilities of visual storytelling.
xx Ellen