THE LENS
My heart is fueled by sea breezes, golden light and the fresh, cool air of early mornings.
I'm Debbie Elisa, AKA Debb.
I'm a retired Navy military spouse and mom of three boys. I hold a degree in special education and have worked as a behavior technician and an autism awareness junkie. I love to travel and am always up for an adventure.
My photography journey started late in life, at the ripe young age of 39 years old. But I knew for a fact that photography was deep in my soul—something I wanted to do as a child (FUN FACT TIME) was to be an oceanographer for National Geographic, exploring the seas and the unknown. But a few wrong turns and a hustle to get back on track led me to where I am today: living my best life with my husband and three amazing boys (men) in King George Virginia.
Go ahead… look through everything that is all about me! There's no secrets here—you'll see it all!
where i will be
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
North Carolina
West Virginia
Virginia
Maryland
photoboss
I shoot people kissing! Naw, but yeah pretty much. I take photos of LOVERS!
The "OMG this is what I want to do" moment came when I had the chance to FINALLY get to the mountains by a couple who wanted their engagement session on Shenandoah. Wowzer. Yes, please and thank you. I soon saw many couples up on that mountain getting married as I drove by. Even saw lower to ground level ceremonies happening with the views of the mountain staring them in the face. I said "yup, this is it, this is what I want to do, this is how I want to express and show images of amazing simple and intimate moments". The realization was easy, but the transition has been a bit bumpy. Not only did I need to contact couples, but I had to change my whole mindset from large traditional weddings to elopements. It's a big shift but honestly, I am loving the ride. I have had so much help with others and just recently began a journey with Megan Macphail who has been helping me gear my photography to couples who are adventurers and trailblazers themselves.
The road to Elopement Photography has been filled with bumps, but oh what a ride it has been so far. I have learned so much and every day is a continuing adventure that I love on so many levels. The views alone are blinding and the people I have met along the way are inspirational.
nyc strong
sandy beaches
Puerto Rico
your photographer
fav song ever!!!!
Take on me (take on me)
Take me on (take on me)
I'll be gone
In a day or two
If you value...
A meaningful experience that keeps you and your partner at the root and center of the day
A go with the flow attitude and positivity when faced with uncontrollable circumstances
Exploring new possibilities and horizons that make you feel alive, and small in a vast large world of beauty
A spirit of embracing individuality and the courage needed to be different
A belief in the commitment and full gravity of what this day is about...MARRIAGE
We Are Soulmates
"Its' hard finding someone you connect with. I think Debbie is so into so many things that she fits in with everyone. And still is very unique and stands out in whatever crows she is in"
#depdarlings bride, Christina + andrew
"Over the moon with these pictures"
I may be biased, but I absolutely love Debbie. I have been a part of her photography journey from the start. And I have to say that her evolution for her understanding of photography is amazing. My boyfriend and I wanted a nice beach, golden hour couples' session and of course I snagged Debbie on a weekday. We went to a state park beach and just had a lot of fun. She is so down to earth, so calming but funny, and very easy to talk with. She made my boyfriend feel so relaxed during the entire time. 100% recommend.
"I can't beleive that's us"
I cannot believe that we took these pictures. I mean, I have never seen myself as photogenic at all. And when Debbie asked about any concerns, I laid it all out of everything I didn't like about myself. Her way of talking to me about self-love really stuck with me. The white dress I chose showed all of my goodness and you know what, she made me feel so good, and free that I did not even once worry about anything. She is truly amazing, in all aspects.
"she was amazing for our elopement"
I think Debbie was the perfect hype woman for our elopement. She was there with the smiles, sweet tears, hugs, guidance, and calmness that we needed for the day. Debbie made our elopement so special. Out of all the photographers we spoke with, she just had a realness about her that made me choose her. No sweet talk, pure facts and I loved that she took the time out of her day to text with me for any questions that came up. A true sweetheart!
"the sweetest and most amazing day"
Nothing like having a wedding with close friends and family to celebrate such a special moment. For us, we looked high and low and found Debbie through a referral from another photographer. I am so glad she was available. She was so sweet and funny on our call. Really made us feel so special and had many great suggestions and ideas that we didn't think about. What we got back was nothing short of perfectly captured memories.
