About Esther Ellyn | Brand Photographer & Marketing Strategist

hello there!

I'm Esther—a creator and designer passionate about helping your small businesses thrive through creative photography + marketing.

Collaborating with women-owned brands to elevate their visual marketing has been a dream of mine for a long time, and I am so honored and humbled it's finally a reality. I am an Asbury University alum with experience in both art and business, and a full time photographer and social media marketer through Esther Ellyn.

Outside of photography and all things design, you can find me on road trips, growing my plant collection, and sipping oat milk lattes in any coffee shop I can find.

I was previously based in Lexington, Kentucky but recently moved to Erie, Pennsylvania. I live with my sweet husband Hayden, wild cat, Mabel, and a sweetheart of a dog—Lany. I specialize in local businesses but frequently serve many brands remotely as well. I LOVE traveling for photo sessions.

Reach out and send me a message—I would love to grab coffee and chat about how I can creatively help you + your business reach your goals!

-esther ellyn

press + as seen

MARKETING for sophia's bridal & tux

DISTRIBUTED — November 2025 to present

Designed retro / vintage inspired motel keychains for a campaign at Sophia's Bridal & Tux--a midwest bridal boutique with 4 locations across Indiana and Kentucky.

ETSY PICK for the necklace studio

AWARDED — November 2024 to Spring 2025

8 pieces from The Necklace Studio were selected for this award, with all 8 listings featuring images taken by Esther Ellyn.

"Items with an Etsy's Pick badge are chosen by Etsy style experts to highlight items from shops that have shown quality, reliability and style... Style: The item has elevated photography and presentation. Etsy’s Pick badges are reviewed daily to ensure the quality and reliability factors are maintained, and items highlighted may change over time."

VOWS bridal magazine cover + feature story

PUBLISHED — May/June 2024 print & digital issues

VOWS is a California based publication that profiles retailers who have a minimum 10-year history of success, broad community involvement, and exceptional customer service. Read the feature cover article on Sophia's Bridal and Tux here, or find print editions in bridal boutiques around the country.

Cover image and all article images styled and photographed by Esther Ellyn.
Feature done on Jessica Limeberry, entrepreneur and owner of Sophia's Bridal and Tux and Bridal Mastermind at her flagship Indianapolis, Indiana location.

Picture of poetry book by Madison Anderson--Cover image styled & photographed by Esther Ellyn.

"my words sounded of maraschino cherries"
poetry book cover

PUBLISHED — January 1, 2024.

In her first-ever published collection, “my words sounded of maraschino cherries,” Madison explores the evocative imagery of memory and the human experience of heartache, all meshed with the grit of womanhood. Read more here.

Cover image styled and photographed by Esther Ellyn.
Cover layout designed by Kaiser Shaffer

gallery feature at the future of fashion show

ON EXHIBIT — August 5th through October 6th, 2023
Find 6 featured pieces by Esther Ellyn hanging in the Future of Fashion exhibit,
in the Atrium Gallery at the Living Arts & Science Center in Lexington, KY.

"This show brings the runway into the gallery with an interactive experience that immerses viewers in the Future of Fashion runway show. With a decade-long history in the Lexington community, the runway show has brought together the community to celebrate fashion, art, and culture. With a new home at LASC, the Future of Fashion gives audiences the opportunity to learn how art and science come together to create the sustainable fashion at the forefront of this exhibition." —LASC

the jayms journal magazine

VOLUME 2 — distributed in print

An editorial fashion publication for the Ella Jayms boutique in Valpraiso, Indiana. Each issue features style inspiration, impact on the community, small business features, and more. Issue 2 cover story shot and styled by Esther Ellyn. Layout design by MJN.

fun features

Featured in an interview with Bold Journey:
click the article to read about overcoming imposter syndrome,
growing in your career, and 3 qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge
that have been the most impactful in Esther's journey!

Featured in an interview with VoyageOhio:
click the article to learn more about Esther's story, business, and
her views on luck (or providence) in success!

Gen Z Girlies — featured podcast guest
A chat about what it takes to go freelance, making your goals a reality, and that you CAN have anything (if maybe not everything).

The Resolve Podcast — featured guest
Hear more about Esther's photography story, all things design, social media, and aesthetics, on this episode of Carly Tizzano's self-improvement podcast.