Meet Ellie Pace | Creator & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ellie Pace and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ellie, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I painted, collaged, and photographed growing up. My mom tells me I would take toys apart to figure them out. A creative force to be reckoned with is how I introduce myself. I always gravitated towards creative pursuits growing up, and thankfully my parents are super supportive. They always told my sisters and me that we could pursue whatever our passions were.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a lifestyle and portrait photographer based in Dallas, Texas. My work is bright and happy, with neutral tones and lots of movement. I grew up moving around a lot, fueling my desire to create a welcoming environment with my clients.

What sets me apart is my personality, love of light, and eye for candid shots. My clients value my friendly and inviting personality, which allows us to create incredible imagery together.

My photography journey started when I got my first iPhone (it was the 3Gs). Around the same time, I also got glasses. I could see! I could also capture life to create art. Fast forward to high school, and I joined the yearbook team junior year to capture events. I realized I didn’t care about the event so much as the people there. Once I got to college, I started experimenting more with portrait and travel photography. During my senior year of college, I began booking regular clients. Anything from a personal trainer turned gym to a classmate turned influencer. Each experience taught me how to cater to and inform clients of my ideas. The skill even wove through my advertising studies at SMU. I received a minor in photography and used it in many of my student advertising campaigns. In the spring of my senior year of college, my talent in photography – through word of mouth – spread like wildfire. I successfully booked over 35 graduation clients that spring!

After graduating, I knew I had to pursue a job with a hint of photography thrown in. Luckily, I landed at a great ad agency as a content creator. After hours, I am Ellie Pace Photo and have a blast with clients cheering on their wins.

I’ve learned the importance of taking days off and that the work isn’t complicated. While we desire perfection, it’s inherently unattainable, and all you can do is your best. Summer of 2021, I found burnout every few weeks but what kept me going is this concept of a provision in Luke chapter 12, verses 22-34 in the Bible. We live in provision because God went before us and lives in us. I found joy and peace in knowing all I could do was my best. There will always be someone better than you, but the right clients will find you.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love living in Dallas, TX!! There’s so much to do and see here. I’d suggest starting your morning walking the Katy trail or around White Rock Lake. Then go grab coffee at White Rock Coffee, Village Baking Co, or LaLaLand. Go and see the DMA or Perot museums. Grab a new book or record at Half Priced Books. Shop at Northpark – if you want to endure the mile-long line at Zara. There are lots of boutiques in West Village, too! Have lunch at The Old Monk, Lucky’s Hot Chicken, or Namo – if sushi is your thing. End the afternoon outside with a drink at HG Sply Co, Truckyard, Katy Trail Ice House, or Paradiso. Do dinner right at Crushcraft Thai or Pizzaria Testa! Also, I know I’m the very last one to discover it, but TopGolf with a big group of friends is a must.

When I have friends in town, I try not to do too much and just treat them like a local. That’s the beauty of Dallas. There are so many things to do and explore, but at the end of the day, you could simply relax and have the best time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There isn’t just one person! The community of people who surround me each day is hard to beat! A huge thanks to my family, friends, church community, former professors, former bosses and coworkers, clients and fellow photographers for encouraging me to get after it and pursue my passions.

Website: https://elliepace.com/photography

Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/elliepacephoto

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliepace