Meet Garrett Ely | Entrepreneur & Creative Director

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

Hi Garrett, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued a career in photography and cinematography because it’s my passion. It allows me to express myself through my work. I find comfort behind the lens as though my camera is an extension of me.

Even as a child, I have always seen the world differently. My work truly allows me to portray how I view the world through my eyes, capturing every moment so that they’re not just a memory.

My success allows me to encourage others to pursue a craft that they’re passionate about and demonstrates how work can be both enjoyable and fulfilling.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Calisto – This name derives from the ancient Greek “kállistos(κάλλιστος)” meaning “very beautiful, wonderful”, which in turn derives from “kalós(καλός)”, meaning “beautiful, lovely, virtuous, noble”. But, it is more about what it means to me. To me, it means when you’re down and out and being able to look around and notice the beauty that is in everyday life. I am a believer, and I believe that God has made this place beautiful. One just has to be willing to look at the beauty that surrounds them every day. This is my art and my passion. When I was in a very low place with my mental health, my art is what got me through. Being able to capture the beauty that surrounds us every day and put that into a Calisto Production. This journey has not been easy by any means, but I would not have it any other way. I’ve learned to as David Goggins says “Embrace the suck”, and that means when I have been down and out on my luck I flip the script. Every day I wake up blessed with a roof over my head and a passion for something special. But, I am very lucky and blessed to have people that support me and my art. Most people do not know that I have worked another job on top of running my company for the first few years just to make ends meet, but I have learned to use that to my advantage. It has led me to use my side job as a platform that assists in growing Calisto Productions. I would have to say that I am most proud of the companies and people I have assisted throughout the years. Getting to capture moments and memories for people to hold on to forever means more than I could ever know.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were to come into town I would show them all of my favorite places in Fort Worth. We’d stop by and grab a burger at Rodeo Goat or some Chinese food at my favorite hidden gem, Taste of Asia. We’d also have to stop by one of DFWs famous gyms, get a section at Bottled Blonde Fort Worth or out to Deep Ellum so that they could get to experience the Dallas nightlife. Before they leave we’d have to head over to the Fort Worth Design District for a photoshoot!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Spencer Davis inspired me to pursue what I was passionate about but he also guided me in how to navigate client relationships and establish the standards for my business.

My Aunt Kasey taught me that through hard work and being myself that establishing and growing my clientele was possible.

Website: https://www.calistoproductions.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calisto_productions/ and https://www.instagram.com/garrett.ely/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-ely-8329a315a

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/garrett.ely.14/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@garrettely7914

Other: Feel free to also email me at garrett@calistoproductions.com