Elisa's interest in photography began in her teens; photographing children of her large extended family. This inevitably led to better cameras and equipment. She earned a BA in Social Welfare from New Mexico State University. She worked in the social services and business management fields prior to her professional photography. Her photography has been included in numerous national juried exhibitions and fairs including Contemporary Spanish Market in Santa Fe, Rennaisance Craft Fair in Las Cruces, Hubbard Museum of The America West Annual Exhibition, Photo Arts Market in Santa Fe and Ranchos De Las Golondrinas.
     Her work has been published in the calendar, New Mexico Treasures, sponsored by the New Mexico Office of Cultural Affairs for several years. Elisa's photographs have also been used for printed and website publications of the New Mexico Attorney General's Office.
     She is a member of the Santa Fe Society of Artists and shows from spring to fall months in outdoor shows in downtown Santa Fe.
     Chilton-Wood has worked extensitvely for state and national political campaigns. She has photographed past and current attorneys general, former governors and both national and local political notables.
     Elisa has lived and worked in Santa Fe since 1999 when she and her late husband moved to Santa Fe from Las Cruces, New Mexico.