Behind the Niche with E&E Creative: Where Fairytales Meet Photography

Art has always captured the imagination — but with the invention of the camera, we gained the power to preserve fleeting moments of magic, frame by frame. For Elizabeth Elder and Emily O'Dette, that magic takes on a life of its own. Through their brand E&E Creative, the duo transforms photography into cinematic storytelling, crafting ethereal worlds where fantasy and fine art collide. From pink backdrops to sweeping landscapes, their work captures not just images — but entire realms.

2 Is Better Than 1

Elizabeth Elder and Emily O'Dette’s partnership is one of harmony and mutual respect. Their journey began when the two came together to create a shared vision: a space where storytelling and photography converge in unique and meaningful ways. Elizabeth, with her background in photography, and Emily, with her extensive modeling experience and keen eye for research and logistics, made for a powerful duo. Together, they crafted E&E Creative, a collective that thrives on both the art of capturing moments and the meticulous planning behind each project.

“Our process is a lot about having ideas, bouncing them off each other, and seeing what resonates,” Elizabeth explains. “A lot of times, Emily will come to me with an idea, and I’ll build on it, or vice versa. It’s a back-and-forth that leads to something bigger than what either of us could do alone.”

A typical shoot begins with a deep dive into the concept. Elizabeth might start with an inspiration piece, such as a classic film, a piece of art, or a vivid dream, while Emily complements that vision with the necessary research and logistical planning. Their most recent project in Big Sur, for example, began with Emily’s research into the Calla Lily Valley. She planned everything from the ideal shooting location to the weather conditions, ensuring that each detail was accounted for. Elizabeth’s role in this was to bring the concept to life through her lens, capturing the raw beauty of the location. “I don’t travel much, so Emily pushes me to go out of my comfort zone,” Elizabeth confesses. “Getting out of my studio and into nature is incredibly inspiring. It helps me see things with fresh eyes.”

Grounding Imagination

How can one ground imagination? Isn’t it supposed to have no limit? One of the most intriguing aspects of E&E Creative is how Elizabeth and Emily balance the demands of creativity with the logistical realities of a shoot. As much as photography is about experimenting and capturing moments, it’s also about planning for the unexpected.

“When we’re working on shoots in nature, for example, there are a lot of factors that can affect the outcome: weather, lighting, terrain,” Emily explains. “That’s why I do a lot of research beforehand—checking weather patterns, tracking flower blooms, and even consulting local trail apps like AllTrails. I have to anticipate every possibility.”

But that’s not to say the process is without spontaneity. While Emily handles the logistical side, Elizabeth is tasked with ensuring the creative vision is met, even as conditions change. Whether it’s wind ruining a carefully arranged setup or an unpredicted rainstorm, the duo is prepared to adapt on the fly. “Elizabeth is fantastic at troubleshooting,” Emily adds. “If we find ourselves in a situation where we have to pivot, she’s quick to think of solutions. It’s about being flexible and rolling with whatever comes up.” This balance between preparation and flexibility has been key to their success. It’s not just about the photo itself, but about creating an experience for the model, the crew, and themselves.

Creative Validation

When something works, it works. And for Elizabeth and Emily, when a shoot resonates with their audience, the pressure to follow it up with something equally compelling is inevitable.

“There’s definitely a pressure to keep topping our work,” Elizabeth admits. “When something is really well received, it’s validating. People connect with it, and it’s exciting. But there’s this constant urge to maintain that connection, to keep pushing ourselves to create something even more impactful.”

This pressure, while daunting at times, fuels their creative process. It encourages them to step outside their comfort zones, try new techniques, and experiment with different aesthetics. However, the key is not to be driven solely by external expectations. “We try to make things for ourselves first,” Emily says. “At the end of the day, if we’re not having fun or exploring new ideas, it won’t translate into our work. So we push each other to try things we haven’t done before, even if we don’t know if it will work.”

Constructing A World

Though Elizabeth and Emily are the heart of E&E Creative, they are quick to point out that their success wouldn’t be possible without the talented collaborators they work with. One such partner is their stylist, Firefly Path, who helps bring their concepts to life with pieces that tie the entire shoot together. Firefly Path’s work is especially significant when they are shooting conceptual projects, such as the “Medieval Princess” series, which requires a careful balance of costume, styling, and photography.

“It’s amazing how a designer can come in and elevate a shoot,” Elizabeth says. “Firefly Path creates these incredible pieces that are integral to telling the story we want to capture. It’s like a partnership within a partnership—everyone brings their best to the table.”

But it’s not just about the stylist. Emily’s experience as a model plays a significant role in ensuring that the models they work with feel comfortable and confident. Whether working with seasoned professionals or newcomers, Emily’s ability to help bring out the best in people is invaluable. “I’ve been modeling for years, and one thing I’ve learned is that confidence is everything,” Emily says. “When you’re comfortable, that’s when the magic happens in front of the camera. I make it a priority to help the model relax, to show them they’re in a safe space where they can play and experiment.”

What’s Next?

As E&E Creative continue to grow, Elizabeth and Emily are excited about pushing their craft even further. Their dream client? Aurora. The ethereal pop star’s aesthetic aligns perfectly with their style, and both are eager to work with her in the future. But regardless of who they work with next, the duo remains focused on their mission: to create art that resonates, tells a story, and, above all, brings joy to those who experience it.

“We want to keep experimenting and exploring new ideas,” Elizabeth concludes. “There’s always something new to learn, and that’s what makes this journey so exciting. The goal isn’t to be perfect—it’s to push ourselves to keep evolving.”

From their roots in California to their travels to distant locations like Washington and Big Sur, Elizabeth and Emily continue to prove that great art is a combination of vision, hard work, and collaboration. Their story is one of visual discovery, where each shot speaks to their unwavering commitment to creativity.

Final Message - Finding “Your” People

If there’s one thing that I’d like you to take away from this article, it’s that the creative path isn’t always isolating, nor should it be. It’s easy to feel like the journey is a solitary one, especially when pursuing a unique passion that others might not fully grasp. But the truth is, creativity thrives when it is shared, nurtured, and supported. Elizabeth and Emily’s story is a beautiful reminder that no matter how unconventional or misunderstood your creative passion may seem in your local circle, there’s always someone out there who shares that same spark, waiting to collaborate, encourage, and help elevate your vision.

Their partnership is proof that connecting with others who truly understand your creative aspirations isn’t just possible—it’s transformative. Even if your environment doesn't seem to nurture your artistic ambitions, whether due to geography, culture, or circumstance, there’s a world of individuals beyond your immediate space who will not only appreciate your work but will become an integral part of your journey. The key is seeking out these people, finding those connections, and building a community that pushes you to evolve.

Through their collaboration, Elizabeth and Emily have discovered that when you find those who understand the depths of your creative drive, you unlock not just mutual inspiration but also a shared resilience that strengthens your craft. The struggles, challenges, and risks that often come with creative work don’t feel as heavy when you’re not carrying them alone. So, if you’re still in search of your creative tribe, keep looking. The world is larger than your immediate surroundings, and there’s always someone out there who resonates with your artistic soul. Never stop seeking those connections—they’re the ones who’ll help you grow, push boundaries, and keep moving forward.

xoxo, Anisha Dwarka, Content Director