Peddler's Podium - Elle Moss Photography and Giveaway!

Remember Elle? I first did a mini introduction of her work here and was so taken with it, that I just had to find out more! So read on to hear how she got started, what inspires her, and all the details of this week's fabulous giveaway!

Where do you live and who do you live with?
I'm from Ann Arbor Michigan and live with my husband of 16 years, our 2 children(a boy and a girl, 16 and 3), and 2 cats.

When did your creative ways come to life?
I've always been creative, but never had a good outlet for it.
Attempted writing, fashion design, all forms of art...nothing let me express myself the way photography does. Though I have always taken
photographs and loved it dearly, I didn't become serious about it until 2006, when my husband bought me my first DSLR.


Is there any specific event/thing/person that inspired your creativeness?
The Mexican surrealist Remedios Varo has been an influence of mine
since I was 17. My grandmother, Muriel, is another source of inspiration. She was forever creating and never gave up.

What motivated you to sell your goodies on Etsy?
I liked the idea of having complete control over my prints and the community was friendly.

Where do you do the creation of your art?
My house is my most common backdrop, and my basement office is where I do all of my post processing. I spend the most time there, at my desk, creating and promoting.

Do you currently create full time, or do you also have a day job?
This is it!

If you could be famous for doing something you don’t currently do, what would it be?
I'd love to be a famous actress, ballerina, or opera singer!

Describe your personality in 5 words.
kind. determined. sensitive. introverted. creative.

What is one trait you wished you possessed?
confidence!

What is one trait you possess but wished you didn’t?
fear of public speaking.

Besides your craft, what things do you enjoy doing in your down time?
Decorating my house, hiking, listening to music, making jewelry (well, I'm just learning, but i like it!), crossword puzzles, and dancing.

If you could eat one food in any quantity for the rest of your life with no ill effects, what food would you choose? C H O C O L A T E

Is there one SuperFabulous life tip you could share?

My only tip is to never doubt yourself and never give up. Do only what feels right to you and stick to your guns. You can do and be anything you set your mind to, so Dream Big!

List 3 things you hope to accomplish/see/do in your lifetime.
I would like to see Europe. Ive been to London, but I've never been to France or Italy or Spain and I'm dying to go!
I want to see my kids get married and have grand kids.
I want to be financially independent.

Any future plans for your business?
I want to start shooting film for awhile and have some ideas for a book that I'm tossing around. I would like to see it grow slow but steady and be something I can do for a long, long time.

G I V E A W A Y!

Elle is offering one lucky reader a copy of her new 8/09-1/11 Calender filled with 20 of her dreamiest photos! Additionally, she is offering all entrants a FREE print with any purchase from her shop. Just mention the giveaway in the notes to seller upon checkout.

Here's how to enter:

Leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite Elle Moss photograph and the feeling it invokes in you. You must include your first name along with your email address or Etsy username with each entry. (So we have a way to contact you in the event you win!)

For additional entries, you can do the following and post ea. individually in the comments to let me know:
* Twitter about this feature
* Follow/Subscribe to my blog
* Follow/Subscribe to Elle's blog
* Blog about this feature and post a link with your entry

Contest closes Wednesday, June 16th at 12 am EST and the winner will be randomly drawn and announced on Wednesday June 17th. Thank-you so much for playing and Good Luck!