Meet Eley – | Lead creative and owner of Eley Photo LLC

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

Hi Eley, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own creative photography company as an educated Black woman in Atlanta has been an incredible journey, filled with both challenges and triumphs. It all began with my passion for photography, a passion that was nurtured during my time in undergrad and continued to grow as I pursued my graduate studies. Little did I know that this passion would eventually lead me to create something truly special for my community.

My journey began on the streets, capturing the vibrant essence of Atlanta through my lens. As word spread about the quality of my work, I quickly realized the need to legitimize my business and started the process of obtaining my LLC. I always say that I just wanted to take pictures, but over the course of the past 10 years, my role has evolved into much more than that.

In addition to being the lead creative behind my photography company, I’ve taken on the roles of customer service, accounting, assisting, marketer, retoucher, and even HR, among others. These growing pains have been welcomed challenges, as they continually force me to reexamine what I’m passionate about and what it takes to stay creative in a competitive industry.

Today, I’ve made the choice to expand my team by hiring individuals who excel in various aspects of the business. This has allowed me to shed some of the many hats I once wore and focus on being a commercial photographer. It’s still a labor of love, but with the right community, support system, consistency, and determination, I’ve been able to become my own boss and thrive as an entrepreneur.

Being a Black woman in the creative industry in Atlanta has brought unique experiences and perspectives to my work. It’s about more than just taking photos; it’s about representing and connecting with my community, telling our stories, and creating opportunities for others in a field where diversity and inclusion are sometimes lacking. It’s about breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes, proving that with hard work and dedication, anyone can pursue their dreams and succeed as an entrepreneur.

In summary, my journey to start my own creative photography company in Atlanta has been a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and the support of a vibrant community. It’s a journey that continues to evolve, and I look forward to the many more years of growth, creativity, and success that lie ahead.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our small company team is a diverse and inclusive creative hub that champions the support of people of color and women while upholding a commitment to fairness and equality for all. In our view, dedication and a strong work ethic are fundamental traits, and we welcome individuals who share our vision, exhibit a go-getter attitude, and are enthusiastic about collaboration.

Our studio boasts an open-air floor plan and abundant greenery, creating a space that radiates clean, invigorating energy. We believe that this positive environment plays a pivotal role in shaping the synergy within our team.

Teamwork is central to our ethos, and we consider every member of our team an essential contributor. We place a premium on clear and open communication, and I personally invest time in connecting with each teammate to ensure their voices are not only heard but also valued. Our culture is built on trust, which is established from the moment new team members join us.

Our team is characterized by a strong dedication to detail, a friendly demeanor, and a down-to-earth approach. We seek out individuals who are not only passionate about their work but also dedicated and hardworking. These traits drive us to deliver exceptional results every time.

In addition to our dedication, we pride ourselves on being friendly and approachable, creating an environment where you, our clients, feel comfortable and heard throughout our creative journey together. We are committed to amplifying your personal story creatively, making sure it shines brightly.

In summary, our small company team is more than a collective of professionals; we are a family that values diversity, inclusivity, collaboration, positive energy, dedication, and hard work. These qualities shape our culture, and we’re dedicated to bringing your vision to life while ensuring you feel valued and respected every step of the way. Your story is significant to us, and we’re excited to work together to make it shine creatively.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Hit Fish Monger on the East side of ATL, the new extension of the Beltline on the Westside, check out the new Jazz Club by The Battery and some black-owned restaurants in College Park!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to take a moment to give a heartfelt recognition shoutout to the incredible APA Atlanta nonprofit organization. This amazing group has been instrumental in my journey as a commercial photographer here in Atlanta, and I can’t express my gratitude enough.

APA Atlanta welcomed me with open arms into the vibrant and competitive world of commercial photography, providing me with mentorship, connections, and opportunities that have truly exceeded my expectations. From the moment I became a part of this community, I felt a sense of belonging and support that has been invaluable to my growth and success.

Through their programs, I’ve had the privilege of learning from experienced professionals who have generously shared their knowledge and insights. These programs and event have not only sharpened my skills but have also given me the confidence to pursue my passion fearlessly.

APA Atlanta has also been a bridge to countless connections within the industry. The networking opportunities they offer have allowed me to forge relationships with fellow photographers, clients, and industry experts. These connections have opened doors I couldn’t have imagined, and I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with incredibly talented individuals.

Moreover, APA Atlanta has consistently provided me with opportunities to showcase my work, pushing me to reach new heights in my creative journey. Their support has helped me evolve as a photographer, and I am deeply grateful for the platform they’ve offered me.

In a city as dynamic as Atlanta, it’s essential to have organizations like APA Atlanta that foster growth, diversity, and excellence in the field of commercial photography. They have not only been mentors and connectors but also advocates for diversity and inclusion in an industry where it’s much needed.

So, thank you, APA Atlanta, for being more than just a nonprofit organization; you’ve been a guiding light in my career. Your unwavering support has empowered me to pursue my passion and excel in the commercial photography space, and I look forward to the continued journey ahead, knowing that I have this incredible community by my side. You’ve made an indelible mark on my life, and I’m truly grateful for everything you do. Here’s to many more years of collaboration, creativity, and success together!

Website: https://eleyphoto.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eley_photo/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleyphoto/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eleyphoto/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCQ25S9xfFb1v97BggsD6xg

Image Credits
all imagery is mine