We’re looking forward to introducing you to Elise Filliccia. Check out our conversation below.
Elise, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
People often assume my work is effortless in a casual way, when it’s actually very intentional. There’s a time for strong portraiture, and there’s a time to step back and let things unfold. Knowing the difference is a big part of my process. I also shoot film because I love it. I love the way it feels to shoot and the way the images look. Film has a depth and texture that feels natural to me, and it shapes how I see everything else I photograph.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Elise Filliccia, a wedding, event, and brand photographer based in Detroit and working wherever my work takes me. I photograph on both film and digital, with an approach rooted in atmosphere, connection, and images that feel natural. My work lives in the balance between portraiture and honest, unguarded moments. I care deeply about how people feel while being photographed and build my process around creating ease and trust. I’m drawn to light, texture, and the in-between details that shape how a moment feels.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
There wasn’t one loud moment, but a slow realization that I was always paying attention. As a child, I joke that I was born seeing in the rule of thirds, noticing light, expressions, and how people shifted around each other. I was drawn to what was unsaid, what you could feel, and what felt honest. Empathy, I think. That way of seeing stayed with me and shapes how I photograph. Presence and observation lead my work. It’s how it’s always been.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
When I first turned my art into a business, I had a clear sense of how I wanted to work. Over time, I tried to fit some of the expectations and structures of the wedding industry, even when they didn’t feel natural to me. That disconnect became its own kind of failure in a way. It showed me that following “shoulds” dulls the work. I realized I’m not interested in running my business like a product with a fixed formula. I see my work as a commission of time, energy, and perspective. Returning to that mindset changed everything. It brought clarity, better work, and a way of working that feels personal and sustainable. Building my business on my own terms allows me to show up fully, both creatively and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elisefilliccia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisefilliccia/
Image Credits
Elise Filliccia Photography
