Artist of the Month - Wes Ellis
There are only a few days left in June, so we're happy to present you our latest Artist of the Month just in time. This month it's the absolutely talented Wes Ellis from the US. He is a versatile photographer with an eye for details and special moments. His most important rule while doing a shoot is, not to add some kind of additional stress into the session. Now it's time to sit back, relax and to take a look at his work...
How old are you and where are you from?
I’m 22 and I have lived most of my life in Orlando, FL
Tell us a little bit about your life in the moment?
Right now I am a full time freelance photographer on the road going city to city for any type of work. I’m currently in the Charlotte, NC area for a contracted job but soon I’ll be moving onto another city. I just got done photographing Barbara Dunkelman of Rooster Teeth and am stoked to work with her again at RTX 2017l
How did you end up being a photographer?
I developed a passion for film and cinematography at a young age. I remember always being fascinated by the “making of” on every bonus feature disc. This inspired me to take a television productions class in high school which put a camera in my hands. The interest in still photography began from snapping shots during our little high school shoots. Then I started taking portraits of the different classmates I worked with. They sucked but I knew, eventually, I wanted to master the use of light.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
Man, I am open to anything, really. I definitely see myself traveling everywhere to shoot. I have plans to start a company that specializes in bringing together talented artists that I love to work with. Maybe I can get that off the ground within the next couple years and it’ll be super successful by the time I’m 42.
What gear are you currently using?
I’m not really obsessive over gear like a lot of photographers are. My theory is that you can capture a great image on any camera but some make that a little easier. Right now I most consistently use a Canon 5D Mark II with a vintage 50mm lens I found at a thrift shop years ago. I’ve had other lenses and worked with just about anything, but I really, really love the look of this vintage 50. I also just recently purchased a Sigma 35mm 1.4 Art lens and love it!
What advice could you give out to a new starting photographer?
The best advice I can give is probably referencing back my answer to the previous question. Don’t obsess over what gear is the best or what others use. Just go out and shoot. Then go out and shoot again. And again. You’ll never get better if you don’t watch and study how light works and doesn’t work to produce a great image.
Did the LLF community changed the way you see or shoot couples/portraits/weddings etc.?
100% so. The style and level of skill that so many people have in the group is SO inspiring. Also, the level of humbleness and willingness to educate from these artists is so great.
What plans do you have for this year?
Oh man, I don’t really know what the rest of the year has in store for me. This freelance work I’m doing could have me going anywhere and I’m so stoked about that. Later this month I’ll be attending Benj Haisch’s Cascade workshop which will be my first time in the Pacific Northwest which is awesome. I’d love to end up living on the west coast by the end of the year so hopefully this crazy life leads me there.
MORE OF HIS WORK
