We had the good fortune of connecting with Eli king Orellana and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eli, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My goal was to move closer finding exactly what it that I loved doing. I didn’t necessarily start one business, but rather dozens of hobbies. I gave them all a good solid try as well as love and dedication. And when I found something I truly love. It wasn’t about making money but rather refining, studying, and learning about this thing I loved. Over time people saw the value in it. That’s when I decided to turn photography and videography into a business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I get a lot of inspiration from high end and luxury magazines, recently I have been working with and following more creative photographers. I love rich tones, high contrast, and deep points of views. When I decide to shoot, I want people to see what I see through my eyes. What I am most proud of and excited for are really one in the same. I’m proud of the journey that got me to where I am. I’m always looking to try new things, find new angles, explore new places. I want to push myself and my photography to new limits, where ever that may be. Sticking with the theme of duality, my biggest challenge is also the same thing I want anyone thinking about getting into media or entertainment to know. It doesn’t matter what you have. When you find what you love, you find a way to do it. Weather you have a decent phone, or a multi thousand dollars camera, you too can create that vlog, get that shot, or produce that product. People still get shocked that I do a whole photo shoot, video shoot, edits, flyers, and more, all on my phone. But the quality speaks for its self.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Definitely a day at 6flags at the beginning of the week. Maybe some grilling, beers, explore parks and restaurants in the middle of the week, go to some really hip and underground art shows on Thursday and Friday. And wrap it up be exploring Dallas and its hidden art all weekend

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?
First and foremost, shoutout interviews for giving people such an awesome opportunity, Yvette Todea with A.wo.l media for introducing to so many opportunities, Chasity with smoke sessions and just inked magazine for being the coolest people around. Tray from backroom speakeasy and every one in that scene. Derrick marquis Johnson being a dope mentor… Really to anyone who pays attention. All the models who put up with my last second shoots and made me a part of their routines. And by best friend Rodney Williams. His lawyer told him 25 but the judge gave him 55

Instagram: @GoatGodByDesign

Facebook: Eli “king” orellana

Image Credits
photographer: @GoatGodByDesign

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.