Meet Elizabeth Sumpter | Teacher & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elizabeth Sumpter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elizabeth, can you tell us about a book that has had a meaningful impact on you?
Currently I am reading ‘Will’ by Will Smoth. The book is AMAZING! I do not read books often but received it for Christmas. I didn’t know that this book would be giving me insight on my life. In one of the first chapters, he talks about a wall he has to build with his brother. And he kept looking at this wall as this massive piece that he had to build. His dad told him to stop thinking about how big it is and worry about laying the small bricks. This is true in my career and life. I know I want to be successful, but I am not 100% there, yet. I can however, keep capturing photos for people, that will last a lifetime, and eventually, I will get where I want to be.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I got here because of Kenya T. She helped me see what I did not. I wanted to be a photographer but did not know where to start. She allowed me to shadow her for a few months. I stopped for a few years to finish college, and met Kcee from Cr3ate. She allowed me to do my first solo shoot for her BLM collection. I then was hooked to the possibility of doing this more often. I handed out my business card to more and more people and started getting booked more often. It has been hard, but I strive to be better today than I was yesterday. I learned so much through the last few years. Always ask for a deposit. Always have a business card on hand. Customer Service is key. Always treat your clients as family. These key things have kept my business afloat. One thing I know for sure is that people, deserve quality pictures, not from their phones. Everyone can take a picture, but select people can capture memories.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A week long trip here in ATL, that’s easy. Start with taking a trip to the Vortex at Lil Five Points. After we drink a few Skull Crushers and have great food, we would walk and shop around catching the sights and taking pictures of the graffiti and the midday life. That evening, we chill. Next morning we would go to the Folk Art in downtown Decatur. Get some mimosas and the Margaritas Jam. Then order the Fowl play. After our bellies are full, we take a drive to the Bamboo forest for a small hike and a beautiful view. Next day, we would go to the Apache and listen to some spoken and word or even listen to some music. Next day we check out one of the selfie museums. And catch the MARTA around ATL see the buildings and architecture of the city. I would take them to Lenox mall and the Mall of Georgia to people watch.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When Photographers Link ATL, Visuals By Kenya T. , and
Cr3ate

Instagram: JussLizproduxions