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

Hi Elijah, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind the success of my photography business is hands down the client experience. It’s always been extremely important to me to build connections and relationships when working with my clients. In my eyes, the photos that I take are much more meaningful than just images shared on social media. They are snapshots of time that will be remembered and shared for generations to come. The photography community at times can be very saturated; with that being said, one thing that set’s my business apart from others is the total client experience. Whether that’s making jokes with my clients, or genuinely asking questions to get to know them better. I try my best to learn as much as possible about their background, their life experiences and what makes them special. This really helps whenever I have the opportunity to work with repeat clients. I try to remember conversations we’ve had in the past and I usually start and end each session with a meaningful connection. It shows the client how much I genuinely care about them as people.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art can be best described as bold, smooth and energetic. I hate the idea of my clients looking in a camera and smiling. I try to avoid those photos as much as possible. I’ve always wanted my viewer to feel something when they see my work. Whether it’s a family playing tag in a field, or a couple writing their name with their nose on their partners cheek, I always wanted my work to reflect the candid nature of life. I would imagine that my work reflects as if my clients were out on their own and someone just so happened to walk by and take their picture. Of course, this type of perspective didn’t come over night but rather took time to evolve. I am inspired by so many other photographers! There’s too many to name. They know who they are. The photography community as a whole is very inspiring. There’s always someone testing the boundaries and it’s inspiring to capture seemingly the same concept but from a different perspective.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Knoxville, TN. A small city in East Tennessee and I am proud of the local spots that we have. If you’re feeling like doing an activity, I would recommend Top Golf, Bowling at Maple Hall or swimming down at Meads Quarry. If you’re in the mood for some good food you have to visit restaurants in Market Square like Tupelo Honey or Not Watsons. My wife and I are huge steak lovers so we visit Connor often. If you want a view of the mountains then you’d have to take a drive up to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. There’s so much to do there!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My photography journey actually started because of a lack of photos taken of me when I was a child. Ironically enough, it’s because I didn’t have baby pictures that inspired me to take more photos. I quickly became known as the “photogenic” guy. I would take pictures of any and everything. One day, my brother bought a camera that he never used. It sat in the original box for months. I asked him if he didn’t mind if I used the camera to take some photos, I never gave that camera back. So I really want to thank my brother for buying that camera because had he not brought it home, I don’t know when I would have started my photography journey. The rest is history.

Website: https://elijahlightfootphotography.mypixieset.com

Instagram: Elijahlightfoot_

Facebook: Elijah Lightfoot

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYiX1g0DA9Ddwf4u5xxCR2g

Image Credits
Elijah Lightfoot Photography

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