JP Elario - Joe Elario Photography

JP's path to photography began at home at a very young age. He learned photography while still in his trainers from his father, an established wedding and portrait photographer. JP has dedicated his life to creating beautiful images. This comes as no surprise to his many happy clients and is surely reflected in his eye for spectacular light and unique composition.

When you are as busy as JP is, time management becomes even more important. JP loves how fast and easy it is for him to upload his client’s proofing galleries. Zenfolio’s partnership with MpixPro also makes order fulfillment very simple and has resulted in more print sales.
JP uses Zenfolio as a complement for his main blog homepage and directs all his clients to Zenfolio for online proofing and ordering.

Where were you born and raised? Where have you put down roots?

I was born in Albany, NY. We here say "upstate NY" although if you're an NYC person "upstate NY" is considered like 40 minutes north of Manhattan. We're 2 hours 20 minutes north. NYC peeps consider us country folk, lol.

What type of photography do you shoot? What type of photography are you most passionate about shooting?

I shoot people, with my camera ;). Nah really I'm not pigeon held as a "wedding photographer" although that's 80% of my business. I just say I photograph people. I really love photographing people. I can't really shoot landscapes or still life. I like things that move!

How long have you been a shutter releaser? What led you to this profession?

I've been pushing the shutter since I was a child. My father started our successful business many light years ago and I jumped on board at age 11 and began going to weddings and shooting. I guess you can say I was born into photography, literately.

MAC or PC?

Seriously? MAC!! PC's are for suits and spreadsheets. I rock Apple everywhere!

How has Zenfolio helped your business?

Zenfolio web hosting is not only straightforward and simple, it's easy to use as a photographer. With Zenfolio's interface being so easy I now spend half the time setting up a client's proofing gallery. With the MpixPro integration I'm able to showcase my available products easier which in the end results in more print sales.

Do you have brand loyalty for Canon, Nikon or something completely different?

I am a Canon guy. I actually shot a lot as a young dude with Hasselblad camera. Remember film? When it came to 35mm though I learned on a Canon and I've been loyal to them.

Is there a place you have never been that you long to visit and yearn to photograph?

Hmm... that's a tough one. I guess Italy would be a fun photo-cation to go on.

Are your photography skills self-taught or were you classically trained?

Mostly self-taught. I learned from my father as well as college.

What advice would you give a new photographer just starting out?

Find your own style, be unique and practice like crazy. Look to other photographers for inspiration, but don't copy.

Cats or dogs? Gerbils?

Ok! Easy. Dogs. To be specific, French Bulldogs. I have one named Lexie or Lex. I named her after Rolex because I have a watch (Rolex) obsession.

What was your first published work?

Hmm? I think it was a shot of The Clinton's I took back in 2000 at a local Democratic Convention.

What inspires you as a photographer? Or who?

Color, clean images. My clients inspire me though. When they tell me how much they like my work I want to get out there and do better next time.

What are your thoughts on using social networking sites to market your photography business?

I think if you don't use it you're crazy. I get my most traffic from a little website called Facebook. This is a viral marketing tool for my business. Plus, it's FREE!

Pie or Cake?

How about ice cream? Like coffee heath bar crunch? Yeah, from Ben & Jerry's.

What is the very first camera you ever owned?

A Canon EOS Ellan

What CD, cassette tape, 8 track or vinyl record do you have on your player right now?

Do MP3's count? I'm a pretty big Dave Matthews Band fan so probably them.

What piece of equipment or doohickey do you have with you on every shoot?

What's a doohickey? Nah, just playing. I usually have my 50mm 1.2L I'm kinda a pure shooter though so I don't have like a set piece of equipment on me other than some lenses.

Final words of wisdom on being a first class shooter?

I only hope to be a first class shooter. I'm honored you guys featured me! If I had to give a word of wisdom I'd say: Find the good light. Remember it's always about light and not the location.