Today we’d like to introduce you to Elvin Blackmon Jr.
Hi Elvin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When I retired from the military, I was looking for something to kill time until I found a job that I liked enough to put up with. I had a camera I’d bought when I went overseas to take some snapshots of what I saw while there. I eventually decided to go to school to learn how to use it better, plus I was getting paid to do it.
My first year of school was rough. I felt out of place. I was one of the oldest people in almost all of my classes, and art was foreign to me, but I stuck with it. During that time, one of my instructors pulled me aside and told me she saw something in my work and to stick with it. I did and eventually got better.
After graduating, I planned to get into sports photography since that was my first love. I thought it would be easy to bring the two together. I soon realized that it was a lot harder than expected and found myself frustrated.
To keep in practice, I started taking portraits of my military friends and eventually built up the courage to ask people I met in the gym and other models in the local area if they would let me practice on them. That led me to a partnership with Meshaun Models LLC, where I am now one of their photographers.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I can’t say my road to photography has been smooth. Everything has its ups and downs. One of my biggest struggles has been believing that I was good enough to do it. I knew I had the technical know-how, but I questioned if I was good enough to take someone’s photo and they actually like it.
It wasn’t until people told me they loved my work that I started to feel like I could make a career out of my photography.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a portrait, lifestyle, and event photographer located in the Greater San Antonio area. There are so many great photographers in the area, and I am just trying to be one of them. When shooting, I try to capture the essence of my client.
What I mean is, when their friends look at their photos, I want their friends to say, “That is so you!” I focus on the look in their eyes, their smiles, and even how they stand. I love to capture their mannerisms.
I do everything in my power to make sure my clients are comfortable and relaxed because I feel that makes for amazing images. My military background also gives me an adaptable edge. I’ve learned that sometimes situations don’t go as planned, and you have to adjust and keep things moving to get the job done.
What makes you happy?
Being able to do what I love and am passionate about makes me happy. I’m blessed to be in a position where I don’t have to punch anyone’s clock. I can pick up my camera and go shoot whenever I want. I get to create lasting memories for people.
My family and friends also play a significant role in my happiness.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.codeblackphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codeblackphotography/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Code-Black-Photography-2064639866917711
