Meet Elias Mohammed | Photographer

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

Hi Elias, what do you attribute your success to?
The best business decision I have made to date is to narrow my scope of work. Many photographers try to encompass everything for all of their clients but I truly believe this is a recipe for mediocrity. I found that my niche was architectural photography and I became an expert. Focusing on architectural photography has not limited the various clientele I have nor the job types. When a client seeks out architectural photography, my goal is to be the instant choice. I also work in other aspects of photography such as advertising, editorials and headshots.

When I am shooting for a client, I try to approach the photoshoot with the thought in mind that I am creating images that are the best representation of the clients work or products. The beauty in a photograph is the unlimited ways that a shot can be captured. The countless choices of light, balance, texture and composition are all up to the photographer. To be successful you must be passionate and hard working, along with having thick skin. You don’t want to be a prima donna or nothing will be achieved. You can not be taught patience in photography but I believe this is one of the crucial aspects in achieving goals in my experience in architecture and interiors. Over the years I have become accustomed to waiting patiently for the perfect light, styling of the space and the angle to embody everything that I envisioned before moving on to the next frame. It’s a slow, tedious process that is focused on detail, this is something that takes experience to gain.

I have been very fortunate to pick up a lot of my work through referrals. I don’t think there is any great secret in building and maintaining a relationship with clients. My prior clients can attest to the ease of collaboration and being a part of the process to ensuring they are satisfied with the final product. I respond quickly and efficiently, communicate clearly, I am flexible, and will create great images that go above what is needed.

I don’t typically work with an assistant. Determining what a client is seeking in a shoot changes from project to project. I always meet with the client before the assignment or communicate via email to ensure I understand the project and concept. Throughout planning the shoot, we will determine details and identify images that are the goals for the client. My personal motto is, if you create images that demand your attention then your business will grow.

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.
To be creative, you have to create something out of nothing. If you sit around waiting for the perfect idea, you will never get anywhere. Being great in your craft is a number one requirement. It matters. Once you are great in your craft everything flows naturally. The thrill of looking up at huge skyscrapers as well as looking down from the top of a building is a unique feeling which is part of what drives me towards wanting to shoot various buildings. I look at the architecture of buildings as if they’re not inanimate lifeless structures, but as if they have a soul. I find that each building’s elevation has some character, some personality to it. They are all influenced by its architectural design, the perspectives from which it is seen and its orientation relative to its surroundings. To me, even a skyscraper that is under construction seems to scream ‘I’m a work in progress’, which will make a mark in the future. This helps me to look at buildings and their architecture in my own way and perspective, and helps in creating photos that are simple yet possess some special character.

From a practical point of view, interiors with precisely designed details can create atmospheric and poetic images. On the other hand, exteriors are filled with actors and elements out of your control, yet it is still fun and unpredictable to document these outdoor spaces.
Photographs convey the identity of the building, but also, paradoxically, convey the identity of the photographer, and this creates an interesting tension between design intent and the final photograph that represents it. It’s interesting to explore this, and how it has evolved over time.
In my experience, the most important things to consider as an architectural photographer are the context, space, and light in a project. My work specifically revolves around natural light and I enjoy photographing how it plays with architecture. In the end, I always try to transport the viewer to the space in the photograph they are looking at. Lately, I have been studying more street photographers and seeking to come up with new compositions to add to my own photography.

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?

I would take them to the Dallas Museum of Art, Dealey Plaza (National Historic Landmark District), The Sixth Floor Museum, Klyde Warren Park, Dallas Holocaust museum, Human Rights Museum, Bishop Arts District, Deep Ellum, Dallas Mavericks game and my favorite walking trail and cycling spot at White Rock Lake. The Balcony club live jazz shows provide an intimate and laid-back setting. Chocolate Secrets in Oak Lawn to enjoy Chocolates and live jazz is also a great spot to check out in the city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be where I am without my family’s support.

Website: www.ephoto1.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elias_mohammed_photographer/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elias-mohammed-76a4906/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Elias-Mohammed-Photographer-118290891537108

Image Credits
©Elias Mohammed