Meet The Artist: Elizabeth Opalenik, Photographic Artist

Photographic Artist Elizabeth Opalenik creates images that feel less like photographs and more like memories — layered, luminous, and deeply human.

Elizabeth Opalenik‘s creative work lives at the intersection of photography and fine art, where alternative processes, texture, and passion transform a fleeting moment into something timeless—inspired by place, light, and emotion.

In addition to creating her own deeply personal body of work, Elizabeth has taught photographic workshops around the world and exhibited in galleries internationally, sharing her distinctive vision with artists and collectors across cultures and continents.

Recently, Elizabeth joined me on a Caribbean cruise from Florida to the Southern Caribbean. Along the way, we visited two islands, Aruba and Curacao, where street art (community murals) has become a vital part of today’s Caribbean culture.

Elizabeth and I explored each island’s street art districts to capture the essence of this fascinating art form. What I share with words, Elizabeth brought to life with colorful creativity.

To read the full story, Street Art in Aruba and Curacao, and view her amazing mural images, visit Port of Call Shopper.

During our time together, I had the opportunity to speak in depth with the artist to find out what moves her and how she creates her touching images.

Your work often feels both intimate and timeless. When you’re behind the camera, what are you most trying to capture—a moment, a feeling, or a story?

Whether behind the camera or observing an image I would like to make, it is always about the feeling first. How does the subject make me feel, and if an image results, how would the viewer feel? For me, images are felt rather than illustrated.

Many Port of Call Shopper readers are drawn to art that reflects a sense of place. How does location influence your photography, and do certain destinations shape your creative voice more than others?

My love of water, in any location, certainly influences my photography and resulting images, mostly with the beauty I find there or of the beauty of women I find in those spaces. I tend to wet everything because the visual then comes alive.

Travel often inspires artists in unexpected ways. Can you share a place you visited that profoundly changed how you see—or create—your art?

I believe my first time going to Provence in 1983 had the biggest impact. It was like a visual smorgasbord…the art, culture, museums, people, food, history, and pace of life. I totally immersed myself in it all and travelled alone during much of it. You become more engaged with others that way. I fell totally in love with France and have taught there most years since.

Light plays such a powerful role in photography. How do you work with light—natural or controlled—to convey emotion or atmosphere?

Natural light is what excites me most. Yes, early and late light is most beautiful, but light playing off water or bouncing off a surface is what thrills me, not by controlling it but using it to my advantage. Photography is writing with light.

You were very close to your mother, Helen Opalenik. In what ways did she shape the person — and the artist — you’ve become?

Out of necessity, my mother was the most creative woman I knew. She made our clothes and found beauty in everything and everyone. She was kind, clever, compassionate, and loved. The biggest compliment I can receive is to be told I am like my mother.

Today, Elizabeth continues to create from her studio in Oakland, California, where light, process, and intuition come together in deeply expressive ways.

For collectors, travelers, and art lovers alike, her original work offers a powerful reminder that the most meaningful art is often made with love, patience, and heart.

To explore Elizabeth Opalenik’s photography, learn more about her creative process, and view available works for purchase, visit her website and step into the intimate, luminous world she so beautifully creates.