Meet Stillman | Studio Director at Ernest Washington Studios/Photographer

Hi Stillman, we’d love to hear more about your end-goal, professionally.
As I embark on this new journey in life, I’ve had to come up with new professional goals for myself. As the Studio Director at Ernest Washington Studios, the first thing I’d like to do is make Ernest Washington Studios a house hold name. We’re opening back up in a time where there’s a new studio or content space popping up daily. Ernest has been in the business over 40 years and has also had his own studio space here in Atlanta before. As a photographer and creative here in Atlanta, I’ve seen a number of studios around town and I have to say we’re in a category of our own. My end goal is to not only run one Ernest Washington Studio, but to run three. One in Atlanta, one in New York and maybe LA. Another goal of mine is to have my work recognized by Jim Moore and his team over at GQ. By the end of my career, like Ernest, I’d like to be known as one of the best to do it. And someone who did it the right way.

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’ve always been a huge fan of “the culture” before it was nicknamed the culture. I lived it- Growing up in the 90’s, I was witnessing streetwear, fashion, art, photography… “the culture” was at its peak. Sportswear was king, hip hop was the scene, I grew up loving all these things and it likely shows in my work or in the aesthetics of the studio. My work has been described as having a high end edge to it. It’s almost always brand or product forward, since that’s what I grew up on but still edgy and clean at the same time. High end but street at the same time.

Getting here professionally wasn’t easy at all, but it was a process. Trying new lenses, trying new camera bodies, trying new lighting techniques until you find what works for you. Until you fall in love with a particular look. I’m trying to stay true to the craft and my look, all while being creative at the same time. I’ve still got plenty to learn but we’re getting there.

I’m most excited about taking Stillman’s and Ernest Washington Studios to the next level. Coming into ’23 I’ve got some big ideas and big projects lined up. I can’t wait to look back a year from now and say “we did it”.

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?
To eat, we’d have to go to Taqueria Del Sol and see Maggie. You can catch me at Taqueria almost any day of the week. It’s so bad you might even see me there when it’s closed. To stay on the Westside, Sid Mashburn is a must, then likely Ormsby’s after that. Grant Park Social is a mandatory visit as well. I’m a whiskey guy at the core, and they have one of the best selections in town. You can’t come to Atlanta and not visit Wish. I find myself downstairs at 447 Moreland quite often- sneaker shopping (or browsing), either way it’s a great space and a must see in town. I’ve seen them transition over the years and it’s been amazing to watch. Lastly, let’s hope it’s the first Friday of the month during this week long visit, then we’d have to venture over to the High Museum for first Friday’s!

sounds like a great time in ATL to me!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There’s a few people I have to thank and acknowledge. First, my big little brother, Eli. Eli is the reason I decided to pick up a camera again. I was working on another project a few years ago and had hired Eli to come and shoot some product for me. While working together that day, I quickly realized I needed to get my cameras back out and start shooting again. His encouragement, knowledge, over 20 year friendship, brotherhood- goes unmatched. Next is Theron- Theron has been my mentor, digitech, photographer, babysitter, director, brother, friend, business partner and many other things. This guy is a man of many hats, but just an all around good brother. I can’t thank him enough- Theron’s direction and mentorship is the reason my images have become what they are. He talked (and talked some more), but I listened and followed his direction. I’m lucky to be in his tree. Also, a huge thanks to Ernest for believing in me and seeing something in me that maybe some others did too, but taking it a step further and bringing me on the team was lifechanging. Not everyone gets to do what they love on a daily basis and not just do what they love, but to do it with people you respect and look up to is another thing. I know these guys genuinely want me to win and vice versa.

Last but definitely not least. My home team. Thank you to my beautiful wife for putting up with me always having a camera in one hand and my phone in the other (or maybe a camera in each hand)- To my kids, thanks for being the best subjects for daddy!

Instagram: @stillxduval

Image Credits
Studio: @ernestwashingtonstudios Photographer: Theron Barney @tronimages