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

Hi Elaine, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
What makes me happy is helping others, listening to music, dancing and meeting people. My service enables me to blend all of these.  There are many musicians and small businesses that are just getting started and they don’t have the capital to spend on photography, so I offer free/low cost options to help get started. This makes me happy. I want to see others have the opportunity to pursue their dreams. When someone appreciates what I am trying to do for them and they like what I have done it really makes me feel good.  

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.
After 30 years of teaching high school science I retired in 2018. That means I have worked with over 4500 kids trying to share what I know and get them excited about science. My chose my career wisely. I always wanted to be a teacher and although not everyday was perfect I wouldn’t change a thing. In 2017 I decided to try my hand at taking professional quality photographs of the local musicians that I was watching, I had to get some help from other photographers and people in the industry. I want people to know that I get a lot of pleasure out of helping musicians promote themselves.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I have a friend visiting I would have a hard time showing them our beautiful city in just a week. Day one would be a trip to the Musical Instrument Museum. There are over 100,000 instruments on display an they have the finest 300 seat theatre this side of the Mississippi. Day two would be a trip out to Cave Creek. We would visit the shops that are filled with delightful southwest decor/fashions. We of course would stop in at Janey’s for an ice tea (or adult beverage) and catch the music while sitting out on the patio. Day three would be a day at the Phoenix Zoo and The Desert Botanical Garden. Depending one the time of year we could catch some music at the Ulman Terrace which back up to the most beautiful mountain covered with saguaro cactus. Day four would be a trip to downtown Phoenix. There are some wonderful museums including The Science Center, Heard Museum and Phoenix Art Museum. There are countless restaurants and music venues, including The Crescent Ballroom (gotta have their burrito), and Valley bar and feel the city beat along Roosevelt Row. Day five would be a trip to Old Scottsdale. The art stores are fabulous as well as delightful boutiques. At night we would hit Kazimiers Wine bar to catch a local band while enjoying a glass of wine. Day 6 would be a trip to South Mountain Park and Preserve that has 50 miles of trails and 16,000 acres of Sonoran Desert while getting a lovely view of Phoenix. Day 7 would be a day at Lake Pleasant. Here you can rent boats or jet skis and enjoy our beautiful weather in the desert, don’t forget sunscreen. The valley has fabulous restaurants, I would insist on going to Via Delosantos in Sunnyslope for a nice mexican dinner, Hulu’s Modern Tiki, Different Pointe of View for an upscale dinner overlooking the city, Cristo’s for old school fine Italian, The Arrogant Butcher for steak and comfort food in a stylish setting, Mrs. Whites for southern & soul food, and Bobby Q’s for some really fine BBQ.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wish i could give out multiple “shoutouts” but if I can only give one it would be Janey’s Coffee Co. & Bodega. This is a small coffee shop/wine bar in Cave Creek that has music 7 nights a week and also Sat and Sun mornings. Julian brings in both new and experienced musicians and gives them a chance to play in a relaxed atmosphere.

Instagram: @etc501
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elaine.t.campbell?ref=bookmarks
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCufkEP05BSrps3PIZCaWoPg?view_as=subscriber

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.