Q&A WITH ELODY

Elody, thank you for taking the time to do a Q&A with me and for sharing with my lovely community.

1). What made you decide to start your own photography business?

A friend inspired me to take a chance! Having a business is very new for me, but I love a challenge. Working on Under the Light Photo helps me to push my creativity.

2). Have you always taken photos?

I got my first camera as a present when I was 10 years old. I've always remembered taking photos... Especially during summer, to collect my memories.

3). What’s the best photography advice you can give us?

Think of composition and what's going on behind your subject. The technical part of photography becomes easy once you master great composition.

4). Where did you grow up, Elody?

I grew up in Clermont-Ferrand, France, and moved to the USA in 2011 after college.

5). What influences you to be creative?

I’ve always been aware of creative influence around me, and each artist I study makes some impact on me. I guess you could say I’m just good at the art of being sensitive and a connecting person, where I put people, places, and ideas together.

6). Being a French woman, do you have any French beauty secrets you'd like to share?

I have a few secrets from women in my family. One, use rose water after cleansing your face. Then, moisturize your face morning and night.

7) What’s the best French beauty pharmacy find we can get here in the U.S.?

My hand cream is so helpful, especially right now when you have to clean your hands 100 times a day!

8). Have you found any silver linings while being in quarantine?

I have to say, living in quarantine is not easy. The most challenging aspect is managing stress; however, maintaining good habits and sticking to routines can help. Also, being outdoors in the garden helps me a lot as well.

9). Speaking of gardening, do you have any tips and tricks we can learn from you?

Gardening is one of my favorite hobbies after photography. My tip: Plant your tomato plant sideways. I know this sounds strange, but it helps. I learned this technique with Nick Mancini during his gardening classes at Grace Farms, New Canaan. You can try to get his book too.

10). Any other book recommendations?

The Only Woman in the Room

This story is about the path of a strong woman during WW2. I love it!

11). Let’s talk negative traits. What are some of yours?

I think I have an impostor syndrome 😳

12). What annoys you?

Littering and people tossing those used surgical gloves & face masks on the street.

13). I know you love to travel, any destinations you can recommend?

Right now, with COVID-19, I can recommend a road trip destination, Watkins Glen State Park.

14). Last question! Is it true that golden hour is the best hour to take photos?

Yes! You get better colors and softer shadows on your photographs during golden hour.