Today we’d like to introduce you to Elijah Banks.
Hi Elijah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started out as just a kid using his older sister’s camera. My friends and I would go to Central Park after school and find all of the best spots to take pictures for Facebook. I never really thought that taking pictures would be a huge part of my life at the time. My mindset completely changed when I went away to school and started studying Communications. It made me realize how many career paths there were by simply owning a camera. So from there I started using my camera more and more, taking pictures of all the events happening on campus. I’m not sure exactly when I made the switch to concert and sports photography but I’m so glad I did because it’s been nothing but a thrill to shoot since then.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
While the road hasn’t been exactly smooth it’s been an experience I wouldn’t trade for the world. Like anything else you are passionate about it takes a lot of effort and resilience. One of the biggest struggles in the photography world is access. Sometimes the biggest artist or the best team is in town and you really wanna shoot their show but you can’t because you don’t have the proper credentials. Hearing “no” or “access denied” can make someone question if they are cut out for photography life but if you are determined enough you need to keep shooting until the no’s turn into yes’s.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
So I am a live entertainment photographer. I shoot everything from Rolling Loud music festivals to NBA Summer League. I specialize in still photography but I am more than comfortable going into video mode for special projects. One thing I keep a look out for is the emotion in my subjects. Whether it be an artist or an athlete this person is doing what they love and brings them joy so watching out for those truly expressive moments during their performances is always on my mental checklist. What sets me apart from other is my research on my subjects. I always like to know what their tendencies are and what type of framing works best before I even point my lens.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I can be found on Instagram @shotbysteezy_ & on Twitter @shotbysteezy. I love to collaborate and work on any special projects!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shotbysteezy_/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmb108?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
