Meet Ellen Denuto

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ellen Denuto. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ellen below.

Hi Ellen, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

When I was a child, I asked the Universe to show me everything there was in the world – knowing even then that there might be things I would not want to see or know. I must have had an angel on my shoulder, for the times I found myself totally alone or in unusual or dangerous situations. Realizing that no one would know where I was to save me know what had happened, my resilience helped me found my way out.
So now when challenges and unexpected circumstances arise, I remind myself that “you asked for it” and find a solution.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

“Ever present, the photographer is witness to the world’s beauty- pain, injustice and triumph creating a visual journal of our time.” -Ellen Denuto
One interview called me a dynamic, award-winning American arts professional who has spent her creative career employing masterful use of the medium of photography. Expert at both fine art and commercial output, leading novice and professional photographers, as well as the art loving public, in the discovery of the medium and of light’s technical and aesthetic possibilities as a curator, an educator, and a lecturer.
The camera became my friend and constant companion at an early age when I realized my images could express my vision, thoughts and feelings better than words ever could. A visual learner, I had trouble in school and don’t know where I would be had it not been for my creativity and camera.
As I continued on my life’s journey as a successful commercial photographer, I promised myself I would share the gift of visual storytelling with others who were unable to express themselves in traditional ways. This has led me to work with people all ages, demographics, and life situations helping them tell their stories and give me purpose.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Be open to possibility.
Look for the glimmers that show up along the way to guide you.
Allow yourself to walk away, take a break and come back to your work/idea don’t force it and it will come naturally in it’s own time.
Artists tend to hide out. Sometimes we need a push, encouragement or a little help along the way. Don’t be afraid to reach out to artist friends.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

Me and my naivety. Once I picked a the camera and saw my first photographs, I knew taking photographs would be my life path.
My Mother entered my work into a pretty major show in the area when I was just out of college where I won Best in Show. A first awarded to a woman or a photographer, which opened the door for me to be selected as one of the original residents of the Artist Housing in the Historic Mill District of Paterson. There I had the opportunity to concentrate on my work art without financial concerns. Here I created some of my most iconic images, made connections within the community, and lifelong friendships with those sharing the same experiences, memories and creative history from that period in our lives.
We continue to support and visit each other regardless of geography.
This where I began my the Artist as Art Series- photographing residents in their studio/ apartment environments.
As my reputation grew commercially, and through my connections as President of The ASMP (American Society of Magazine Photographers) – I gained access to the Iconic artists and photographers I’ve captured in my portrait series. One of the my first subjects being former Patersonian Allen Ginsberg.

Contact Info:

• Website: ellendenuto.com. ellendenuto.zenfolio.com ellen-denuto..com
• Instagram: ellendenutophoto
• Facebook: The Monochromists , PEER Group

Image Credits

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