Our Story
Aurora Creative Studios was born from a shared passion for visual storytelling and a desire to capture the unique beauty of Seattle and its surrounding areas. Founded in 2010 by Elias Vance, a Seattle native with a background in both photography and film, the studio initially focused on capturing the city's vibrant arts and culture scene. Elias saw a need for high-quality, creative visual content that could help local businesses and organizations connect with their audiences in a more meaningful way.
From its humble beginnings in a small studio space in Pioneer Square, Aurora Creative Studios quickly grew into a full-service photography and videography agency. Elias assembled a team of talented and passionate professionals, each with their own unique skills and expertise. Together, they built a reputation for excellence, creativity, and a commitment to client satisfaction.
Over the years, Aurora Creative Studios has had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients, from small startups and local non-profits to large corporations and international brands. We have captured stunning images of iconic Seattle landmarks, produced compelling videos for national advertising campaigns, and documented countless special events and celebrations. Our work has been featured in numerous publications and recognized with several industry awards.
Today, Aurora Creative Studios remains committed to its original mission: to provide exceptional visual content that helps our clients tell their stories and achieve their goals. We are proud to be a part of the Seattle community, and we look forward to continuing to serve our clients with creativity, passion, and a dedication to excellence.
Meet the Team

Elias Vance
Founder & Creative Director
Elias Vance is the founder and creative director of Aurora Creative Studios. With over 15 years of experience in photography and videography, Elias brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project. His passion for visual storytelling and his commitment to client satisfaction are the driving forces behind the studio's success. When not behind the camera, Elias enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest, hiking in the Cascade Mountains, and enjoying a cup of locally roasted coffee.

Maya Chen
Lead Photographer
Maya Chen is the lead photographer at Aurora Creative Studios. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for capturing authentic moments, Maya has a knack for creating stunning images that tell a story. Her expertise spans a wide range of photographic styles, from commercial product photography to documentary event coverage. Outside of work, Maya is an avid traveler, a dedicated foodie, and a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability.

David Lee
Lead Videographer
David Lee is the lead videographer at Aurora Creative Studios. With a background in film and television production, David brings a cinematic sensibility to every video project. His expertise includes directing, shooting, and editing, ensuring a seamless and professional video production experience. In his free time, David enjoys writing screenplays, playing guitar, and exploring Seattle's vibrant music scene.

Olivia Smith
Photo Editor & Retoucher
Olivia Smith is the photo editor and retoucher at Aurora Creative Studios. With a meticulous attention to detail and a mastery of digital editing tools, Olivia ensures that every image meets the highest standards of quality and visual appeal. Her expertise includes color correction, skin retouching, and background manipulation. When not perfecting images, Olivia enjoys painting, drawing, and visiting Seattle's many art museums.
Our Philosophy
At Aurora Creative Studios, our philosophy is simple: to provide exceptional visual content that helps our clients tell their stories and achieve their goals. We believe that every project is an opportunity to create something unique and meaningful, and we approach each assignment with creativity, passion, and a commitment to excellence.
We are dedicated to building strong relationships with our clients, understanding their needs and goals, and working collaboratively to develop visual solutions that exceed their expectations. We believe that communication is key to a successful project, and we make sure to keep our clients informed and involved every step of the way.
We are also committed to ethical and sustainable business practices. We strive to minimize our environmental impact, support local businesses and organizations, and treat our employees and clients with respect and fairness.
“Photography and videography are more than just capturing images; they are about capturing moments, telling stories, and creating lasting memories.”
Elias Vance, Founder & Creative Director
We believe in the power of visual storytelling to connect people, inspire action, and make a positive impact on the world. We are proud to be a part of the Seattle creative community, and we are committed to using our skills and expertise to help our clients achieve their dreams.