Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Elizabeth Fossler.
Maria Elizabeth, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Back when I was a kid, I wanted to grow up to be a photographer for National Geographic. Then, I decided, maybe being a truck driver with a camera would be just as good. I ended up going to college to become an elementary school teacher, and kept photography as a hobby and creative outlet instead.
I’m a firm believer in not trudging through life without passion. Back in 2012 when I was no longer passionate about teaching, my husband convinced me to throw in the teaching towel, and take a stab at my other passion, photography, and full time. I’d already shot three weddings and had done a number of portrait sessions for friends and co-workers. I wasn’t entirely sure, but I knew that teaching wasn’t fulfilling me anymore like it once had, so it was time to take a break.
Having that “teacher” background, though, definitely helped when it came to getting kids ready for family portraits (“Parents, just IGNORE your child right now…it’s MY job to get them to look here, you don’t have to worry about it!” Typically, as soon as I get the kid looking at me, the parents would be looking at the kids, and well…) as well as unruly bridal party people in order (Teacher whistle with the fingers then hollering, “The sooner we get done, the sooner the drinks will flow!”).
I started off the photography as “The Point of Elegance,” as I was double dipping the name for the photography and the calligraphy I did. Then, the photography changed to “Photography by MF” (my initials), which raised some eyebrows, needless to say. It helped me weed out people, though, because if they couldn’t get at least a smile or giggle going just from the company name, I knew it wouldn’t be a good fit! (Smile)
Then, as I was happily plugging along, snapping photos, and pleased with my progress, my husband decided that I needed to learn off camera flash, then got me a new camera, then insisted I learned how to shoot with green screen, and more and more and MORE! He would spend HOURS on the computer learning the latest and greatest, but then have ME try it all out! I have him to thank, though, for pushing me outside my comfort zone, and for forcing me to improve my trade.
Finally, I noticed we had some “extra” equipment (as in an extra camera), and he sheepishly asked, “Can I join you for the next wedding? I’ll carry your flashes. Is it okay if I just try out my camera?” Of course I let him, and by the end of the evening, he was sitting in the corner due to exhaustion. “Welcome to my world,” is all I could muster saying, as I went on to finish shooting the reception.
Kristian kept joining me after that, as the adrenaline rush and the love of capturing such special moments really grew on him. Once he committed to being a “regular” part of the team, I decided it was time to change “Photography by MF” to something that reflected both of us, and that’s when “Elizabeth Douglas Photography” came to be. I’m Maria Elizabeth, and he’s Kristian Douglas, and together, we are Elizabeth Douglas Photography, and we love LOVE STORIES!
As we’ve progressed over the years, and as I went back into teaching (I realized that all I truly needed was a break), I’ve continued doing the portraits and headshots on my own, while the two of us team up to do engagement sessions and small intimate weddings.
The best part of what we do? The relationships and friendships that have come out of the business. We have stayed in touch with nearly all of our couples, and the cycle has come full circle as I capture maternity and newborn sessions for our couples. We’re not just photographers, we’re photogra-friends.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
With the amount of photographers here in the Phoenix area, we came to realize really quick that there were enough photographers to go around. This allowed us to make sure we connected with our couples before we took on any work. There were times that I would take whatever came my way, and that pushed me to burn out at times. Having my husband tell me what I had to do to improve my business and trade was sometimes a challenge because my technical learning curve was greater than his, but I had the natural ability to work with people and get a great composed photo, where he was stronger in the technical aspect. It’s funny, though, to this day, I’m the one that still pushes the off camera flash, and he loves being the fly on the wall and capturing the moments. We make a great team!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Elizabeth Douglas Photography – what should we know?
We’re about relationships. We also like educating our couples on posing, what we do as photographers (before, during and after), as well as questions to ask other photographers if they are still “shopping” for the right one.
When it comes to our engagements and weddings, we’d have to say that we’re known for getting two different looks, as in points of view of a couple’s special time. Sure, Kristian is a guy, but he’s a sucker for love, and truly likes capturing the “moments of love” during an engagement session or wedding. He hates posing people, where I love posing folks, without it looking like posing. I’m a huge fan of the unposed wedding party image, with folks standing, sitting, and leaning.
When it comes to portraits, I love the fact that I get to know my people and families first, so I can see what to bring out in their images as far as fun, serious, or silly!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Our relationships with our clients is what we pride ourselves on, and what continues to be our golden gem as far as referrals and repeat business.
We take our time in getting to know our clients, and in turn, they end up becoming friends more than clients. This assists in us getting the best images possible, as their comfort with us, and candor, comes through in their images!
Pricing:
- Standard 60 minute session $250 (up to 6 people), includes photography session and 25 high resolution edited images
- Up to 90 minute session, or for larger groups, $300 (includes photography session and 30 high resolution, edited images)
Contact Info:
- Address: Scottsdale, Arizona
- Website: www.elizabethdouglasphotography.com
- Phone: (480) 606-2534
- Email: info@elizabethdouglasphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethdouglasphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhotographybyMariaFossler
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/elizabeth-douglas-photography-scottsdale
Image Credit:
All images taken by either Maria Elizabeth or Kristian Douglas Fossler, except of the one of us, taken by our sister-in-law, Brenna Fossler.
Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
