Ellie Vayo Photography keeps the magic of those important moments alive

By Mary Malik

Since 1979, Ellie Vayo, owner of Ellie Vayo Photography, has been capturing the special moments in the lives of her clients. From graduations, weddings, holiday and family portraits to business head shots and corporate events, whenever there’s a moment to commemorate and preserve, Ellie Vayo is there.

“My passion for photography began as a teenager working at a children’s photography studio in the mall, and then as a manager at a Sears Portrait Studio,” Ellie says. “I started my own business after graduating college and earning a Master of Photography and Craftsman degree. I’ve authored three photography books, taught photography at Lakeland Community College and won several business awards. It’s been quite a ride with a lot of changes, but I’m still here and enjoy serving this community.”

With all those changes both in the growth of her business and the advancements in photography itself, Ellie has grown right along with them, embraced the changes while still holding tight to the things that set her apart in this industry.

“We have a complete portrait studio here in Mentor,” Ellie says. “So many photographers do shoots on location because they have no choice. We do location shoots, of course, but we have this beautiful studio and utilize advanced technology, which allows us to drop in different backgrounds. The latest in photographic equipment and editing tools results in the highest quality images.”

Ellie, office manager Regina White, who has been with the studio for 27 years, and photographer Shawn Novak, have embraced new technology and advancements in their industry, putting Ellie Vayo Photography on the leading edge in terms of photo processing.

“Photography has changed so much over the years,” Ellie says. “Everyone has a pretty good camera right in the palm of their hands these days. But there’s nothing like a professional photography session, where we can control things like lighting, color balance and other factors to produce an end result that is unmatched. Phones are great for snapshots, but for those special photos of the important milestones and events in your life, trust a professional.”

Speaking of trust, along with families and businesses trusting Ellie Vayo Photography, Ellie has been the official Ohio photographer for three United States presidents.

“It was a big responsibility, a lot of vetting beforehand, but exciting and fun,” Ellie says.

That’s just it. A photography shoot can be a lot of different things, and Ellie and her team can handle them all. Whether it’s still photographs like head shots, high school senior photos and family portraits, a wedding with many moving parts and a lot of activity, or a presidential visit, Ellie has the expertise and experience to get the job done.

“We first have a phone consult to understand your needs and expectations,” Ellie says. “We then email pricing information and schedule a one-hour studio photo session. We are flexible in terms of location, but we schedule one hour in studio because it’s important to connect with your subject.”

Ellie prides herself on the time and effort she takes with each client. Candid shots are great, but the perfect shots take time.

“I enjoy talking with clients first, especially the high school seniors,” Ellie says. “I ask questions so they can relax and enjoy the moment. This is about the client. They just need to be present and know that I’ll take care of everything else.”

In this digital age, anyone having photos taken at Ellie Vayo Photography receives actual photographs along with the digital format. Ellie Vayo also offers unique products, including light painting on metal and unique framing techniques to build decorative wall portraits in the home.

“Understanding the nuances of photography, like lighting, composition and editing, is the difference when using a professional photographer,” Ellie says. “We’re telling a story.”

Community involvement is also important. Maybe that’s why local school photos are near and dear to Ellie’s heart. Involvement with The Jimmy Malone Cleveland Scholarship Program and other charities are also ways Ellie gives back.

“I keep trying to slow down and cut back,” Ellie says. “But what would I do with all that free time?” And what would all those families Ellie has photographed as they’ve grown, schools all over Northeast Ohio and local businesses do without Ellie Vayo Photography?

Get on the schedule now and treat your family to professional holiday portraits this year. And, yes, Ellie will take care of those holiday cards, too.

“This is your life…your family’s moment in time,” Ellie says. “Let us capture it for you.”

Ellie Vayo Photography is located at 8358 Mentor Ave. in Mentor. For more information, holiday specials and to schedule an appointment call 440-255-7877, email Ellie at info@evayo.com or check the website EllieVayoPhotography.net.