Today we’d like to introduce you to Elias Mohammed.
Elias, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
As a kid growing up in Ethiopia, I was always interested in movies. I knew a person in the neighborhood who worked as a projectionist in a movie theater. I spent hours learning from him in the projection room, including weekends and summer school vacations. As time went on, I started admiring art, especially art history. I left Ethiopia after the revolutionary military took over the country and moved to Germany. I solidified my admiration for architectural beauty during my time in Germany and then moved to The Netherlands to pursue my dream.
After learning the Dutch language, I assisted short filmmakers and volunteered in film festivals. I joined The Royal Dutch Academy of Arts in The Hague and then moved to Dallas to start my career in photography. In Dallas, I assisted several photographers, took odd assignments and learned the business side of photography. About 90% of my work is architectural photography for brokerage companies, office buildings/owners/management companies, banks, interior designers, and multifamily homeowners, among other entities.
Great, 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?
It hasn’t been a smooth ride at all. There were times I had bumps and bruises along the way. It is common in our profession not to have an easy path. You always have to keep an open mind and consider criticism as a factor for any success you may have in the future. For me to start a new life in a strange place was always a unique adventure. It’s like a chef mixing French food with Italian cuisine or any other delicacy. I always liked the challenge of exploring a new culture and adapting to a new lifestyle.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
With over 20 years of experience in the Arts, I have a holistic approach to photography that is often difficult to discover in today’s market. Most of my work is exclusively used for websites, brochures and marketing. I see architectural photography as overlapping various branches of photography. It’s an art form. It defines function, form, space, detail, material, and decoration/ornamentation that collectively help create the human experience. Architectural photography not only gives value to the space it captures, but it also gives a new perspective on the world through the photographer’s eyes. Each client and project always receives my undivided attention and dedication towards fulfilling the outlined goals. Ultimately, quality service has remained at the forefront of my business, which has helped solidify my clientele. Being able to collaborate with various clients is a true passion of mine. Each project brings about its own uniqueness and character. I strive towards creating compelling and indelible images that not only encompass what my clients hope for but ultimately exceed expectations.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Luck is often an element in photography and any given shoot can be lucky. The weather has to be ideal, lighting, the subject and ultimately being in the right place at the right time. I prefer not to think about success and failure in terms of luck. Luck makes the photographer a passive recipient of circumstance. In the luck paradigm, photos happen to photographers. As a photographer, I try to be proactive. That is what the equation is about. I create my photos. To do that, I need all four elements to come together. Skill, preparedness, opportunity and persistence.
By focusing on all four of these critical elements, I’ve been able to succeed in my business and formulate great relationships throughout my career.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1129 Seminary Ridge, Garland, TX 75043
- Website: http://www.ephoto1.com
- Phone: 214-213-8370
- Email: elias@ephoto1.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elias_mohammed_photographer/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=elias%20mohammed%20photographer
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