Shore Local Talent: Elizabeth Chiola

By Krystle J Bailey

“They say a picture is worth 1,000 words, and i find that to be so very true,” explains self-taught photographer Elizabeth Chiola of Egg Harbor Township.

The South Jersey mother of three was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2012, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system and causes extreme fatigue. As a single mother faced with a big diagnosis, she knew she could fight but she sought a place of peace and refuge where she could breathe a little easier along the way. That search led her to photography, which continues to provide her with the solace she needs to keep going through life and its inevitable challenges.

in deep gratitude for her life and all the beauty that surrounded her, she began taking photos of sunsets and nature while undergoing chemotherapy. This year, her passion for photography earned her bragging rights as the winner of a Winter 2023 photo contest hosted by the Egg Harbor Township recreation Center.

While many of her photos now end up printed on canvas, she enjoys submitting shots to various contests as a way of sharing the way she finds beauty in the world. As a full-time bus driver and apartment complex manager, Chiola enjoys keeping photography in her life as a hobby.

“That’s my love; it’s where i find my peace,” shares Chiola.

Elizabeth is now 10 years cancer-free and continues to show gratitude for life, nature, and the beauty she finds in the simple things. She has been able to see her children grow up and is now a grandmother to her nineyear-old grandson.

“As a single mother, i did what i had to do to survive mentally, physically, and emotionally. p hotography and the people i ’ve met along the way have brought me peace,” explains Elizabeth about her journey.

One of those friends that she met along the journey shares, “Some people see things and think it’s nice. Elizabeth looks at something and wonders how she can make other people see the beauty in it. She waits until the perfect moment to start clicking her camera. She has the unique ability to see the world, everything, and every one as beautiful and it shows in every picture she takes.”

When the time comes that Elizabeth is able to retire from bus driving, she looks forward to sharing more photography and glimpses of the world through her eyes.

Keep up with Elizabeth and her artwork on Facebook at “Elizabeth Chiola.”