About Me

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This website was originally created to exhibit my photography.  It has grown to encompass more of the facets that make up who I am. As of 2020, I have not photographed professionally. 

I am currently a wellness attendant at YMCA, a yoga instructor and a personal trainer at YMCA and privately.  

In 2021, I graduated from a 200-hour RYT vinyasa yoga teacher program.  A long-time desire and goal of mine.  

I have also discovered baking vegan; gluten free granola and bread and I have had a personal assisting side hustle. I love to write and journal, so I am using this space as an outlet. 

Here is some history of where I began with all of this beginning with Photography.

I took my first photo class at Yavapai College in Prescott, Arizona in 1996. I was studying Graphic Design and took an elective course in Photography.   I ended up enrolling in Photo 1, 2 and 3 and went on to an independent study with my teacher, Jacque Staskon, in Advertising Photography created shoe ads for class. I wanted to pursue a career in advertising photography. I also studied at Phoenix College in Advertising Photo 1 & 2. I learned about studio lighting, portraiture and experimented a lot with photo styling of products. 

I started photographing everything in the beginning and then figured out what I loved to capture.  I would do portraits of friends in class and then expanded to photographing bands performing live.  That is my passion and favorite subject to photograph.  I love music. 

I would also photograph in nature which is another passion of mine.  I love the cactus blooms in April in the living Sonora desert of Arizona.  I even did some weddings, baby photos, family portraits and events. 

I love to read, write, bake, do yoga and travel.  My personal blog on here includes recipes and, of course, photography.

I tend to have lots of interests & hobbies and to me, that's a fun way to live life!   I have an entrepreneurial spirit.   I tend to get bored very easily. I need to keep entertained and intellectually stimulated in concert with relaxation and quiet time. That is why I exercise and do yoga.  

I eat & prepare healthy vegetarian, mostly gluten free foods.  I love good coffee, books, great films.  I am very particulate as to what I watch.  I am mindful of all that I consume.   

What I 'consume' visually, mentally, physically and aurally is a very important part of my intuitive, insightful and introverted lifestyle. So, who I choose to be a part of my life is also quite significant and has a huge impact on my social circle. 

I am a very private person but felt compelled to create this website to display more of me and to share with others. 

COVID-19, quarantine and all that has happened in 2020 has brought me to this juncture. 

Welcome to my World!

Some of my education & training includes:

• BA Prescott College, 2011 - Psychology/Human Development and Art Therapy
• Graphics and Photography 1996-1999 - Yavapai College in Prescott AZ
• Commercial Photography - Phoenix College
• Commercial Photography intern for Christopher Marchetti in Prescott AZ
• Photography intern for Dale Odell in Prescott AZ
• House Photographer, Marquee Theatre, Tempe, AZ
• 200-hour yoga teacher training. 2021
• Basic Yin Yoga certificate, 2017 - San Francisco
• Personal Trainer & Nutrition, Glendale Community College
• Coffee Auditor for illy Coffee in San Francisco, 2017-2018
• Photo Editor, Northeast Valley News, 2015 - Scottsdale Community College
• Various other music & photography internships and projects

From Scottsdale Community College, Northeast Valley News, 2015:

(Denise Elfenbein is a professional photographer and the photo editor for the Scottsdale Chronicle and NE Valley News. She believes that healthy eating is important for everyone and wants her fellow students to know that they can benefit nutritionally by taking some easy steps to improve their eating habits.)

“A simple routine to healthy eating is both fast and affordable,” Elfenbein said.

The “Dining with Denise” series will entice students to “go healthy” by showcasing (through her photography) recipes that are both healthy and delicious.
Check out the various meals that are prepared in her cozy little kitchen and showcased on the food section at NEVN.

October 11, 2015
Bon appétit!

Here are some writing samples from my "Dining with Denise" in Northeast Valley News, 2015
https://nevalleynews.org/?s=dining+with+denise

https://nevalleynews.org/5650/podcast/dining-with-denise-mod-pizza/

https://nevalleynews.org/5243/podcast/dining-with-denise-flower-child-in-phoenix/

https://nevalleynews.org/4793/lifestyles/dining-with-denise-kale-and-radish-macro-salad/

To view more of my photojournalistic photos:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/deniseelf

To order prints, canvases, greeting cards and notebooks:

Https://1-denise-elfenbein.pixels.com/art