A writer spends a lifetime refining their words to tell a story that conveys a meaningful lesson or informs public opinion.
Similarly, a photographer must be able to capture a story – a fleeting moment of life – that holds meaning, all in a fraction of a second.
Both the writer and the photographer create their work through extensive study, research and practice, shaping their creations with careful planning. For both, their craft becomes their life until it forms an intrinsic part of who they are.
This is the story of Elena Tasso, who has had photography in her blood ever since she was a child, wandering around with a slide film camera, taking candid shots of her friends and schoolmates.
“My mum’s wardrobe holds my entire life in photos,” Tasso shares. “And thank goodness for that, because human memory is short, and we tend to forget precious moments of life.”
The power of a photograph, much like that of the written word, lies in preserving a memory through time.
Before leaving Italy for Australia with her husband in 2010, Tasso studied photography part-time for five years while working as a secretary and swimming instructor.
“Office life was incredibly dull for me; I love being outdoors, surrounded by the colours of nature. Photography allowed me to express my free spirit,” she recalls.
The young professional still cherishes a vivid memory from those formative years. “I remember a day in the studio when I laid out my 36 slides on the table,” Tasso recounts.
“Our instructor was examining them with a magnifying glass, explaining that photos don’t need to be beautiful, but meaningful – the viewer must understand what you’re trying to communicate.”
Of those 36 slides, 35 were discarded and only one was selected.
Once in Australia, like many fellow migrants, Tasso and her husband focused on learning a new language, finding jobs, securing a home and obtaining permanent residency.
Two children followed, along with her qualification as a childcare teacher. Inevitably, Tasso’s camera ended up tucked away in a cupboard.
If it’s true that everyone’s destiny is written at birth, Tasso’s story might be proof.
A few years ago, at one of her children’s school plays, Tasso rediscovered her camera. “I did it almost as a joke, to see if I still remembered how to use it,” she says.
“I showed up at the play with my 72-100mm lens and started taking photos. One of the teachers, curious, came up to me and asked, ‘Are you a photographer?’
“I said yes, and she immediately asked if I’d be available to take the school’s annual family portraits.”
Despite her self-doubt, Tasso took the leap and accepted the offer. The rest is history. She quickly specialised in portraits, despite her background in landscape photography.
In January 2023, she launched her business Dream Catcher Photography.
“It took me almost a year to launch the website because my copywriter was unfortunately unavailable,” she explains.
“But I did all the setup myself. I chose purple and yellow – the colours of my wedding bouquet. And when I turned 40, since I’d never dyed my hair before, I coloured it purple!”
Tasso believes she’s completely come out of her shell since arriving in Australia and describes herself as a very positive and cheerful person who always seeks vibrant colours in her photos, which are shot exclusively outdoors, using natural light.
Thanks to her decade of experience as a childcare teacher, she has a natural connection with children, making her clients feel completely at ease.
“During a photoshoot, I give minimal directions and then let the subject live in the moment,” she reveals.
“Of course, before the session, I send a checklist to the client so they can prepare in advance.”
Tasso’s extensive preparation, passion and dedication shine through in her photographs, which naturally capture the uniqueness of each family’s story, the innocence in children’s eyes and the almost otherworldly beauty of an expectant mother.
You can view Tasso’s photos and book her services here.
