Elise Klysa Photography

My mission

Making your spaces more pleasing, soothing and filled with beauty through photography is my mission. It started with my passion for photography coinciding with leading a patient and family advisory council at a cancer center in Central Maine. Advisory council members advocated for changing the art, which they found depressing and barren. These cancer patients and family members advocated for colorful, uplifting work that reminded them of home. Being familiar with my photography, the cancer center administrator enlisted me to install a series of photographs in the clinic, where patients and families can be for long hours. I realized it matters what is on the walls.

Education/Relevant Experience

• Professional Certificate in Photography & Visual Storytelling, Maine Media College, Rockport, ME.

• Instructor, Photography, University of Maine Senior College, Augusta, ME

• Freelance Photographer, Central Maine Papers, Augusta, ME

• Staff Photographer, New England Music Camps, Sidney, ME

• Workforce Strategist, MaineGeneral Health, Augusta, ME.

• Sr. Manager, Corporate Communications, Timberland Co., Stratham, NH

• Manager Public Relations, New Balance Athletic Shoes, Boston, MA.

My journey

When I was a kid I was captivated by the Sierra Club calendar. Deep green forest moss and soft hues of beach sands just swept me away. Little did I realize then that hours studying those photographs created the foundation for my personal aesthetic. Now I immerse myself in the outdoors following the seasons and light to create memorable images.

I’ve had an extensive career in storytelling working in radio broadcast news, public relations, communications, marketing and photo journalism. I’ve resided in New York state and throughout New England and traveled extensively domestically and internationally. I draw inspiration from finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. Be it on a remote island off the Maine coast or rural fields at sunset I seek to create beautiful, memorable images.

I was honored to win the lifestyle grand prize in Down East magazine’s 2019 reader’s choice contest. This image was selected from more than 2,600 photos submitted in the annual contest. The Skowhegan, Maine State Fair is a treasure trove for creating festive images. This girl embodies fun at the fair, with her unbridled expression of joy. Her outstretched arms and broad smile give me the feeling of flying and freedom. The candy apple and french fries booths are reminiscent of the unique tantalizing smells wafting through the fair, making one crave fried dough.