Today we’d like to introduce you to Chandler Gartman.
Hi Chandler, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started in high school, taking photos of my friends and small events. At the time, it did not feel like the start of anything serious. It was simply something I enjoyed and kept coming back to. I have always been interested in styling, lighting, and the emotional tone behind a scene, and some of that interest grew from my love for movies. Cinematic framing and character-driven storytelling caught my attention early, and I still think about those things when I create.
As I continued learning, photography became a space where I could bring those interests together. I experimented with different concepts and worked on creating environments where people feel comfortable enough to be themselves. I assisted on film sets and with other photographers, and spent time observing how they directed subjects, managed sets, and shaped ideas into finished work.
Today I focus on portraiture and conceptual projects. Some pieces are styling-forward, and others focus on the way people see themselves and move through the world. My brand name, ellevois, is French for “she sees,” which reflects the way I approach my work and the intention behind how I look at people. I am still learning, still experimenting, and still growing through every project.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. There were moments when comparison made it difficult to stay confident, and times when my ideas felt bigger than the resources I had access to. I learned to work with what was available, to build slowly, and to trust that growth does not have to be loud to be real.
On a personal level, learning to stay patient was a struggle. Creative progress happens in waves. Some seasons feel full and inspired, and others are quieter. I had to learn not to panic during the quiet seasons and to use them to build direction instead.
Those challenges shaped how I approach my work today. They taught me to be intentional, to stay curious, and to keep creating even when the path doesn’t feel linear.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work is mostly centered around portraiture and conceptual photography. I focus on people, emotion, and the atmosphere within a frame. Some of my shoots lean toward fashion or styling, and others are much simpler and focus on expression and presence. I like using light and texture to shape a mood rather than over-directing.
A lot of my inspiration comes from film and human behavior. I tend to approach each shoot like a small story rather than a single picture. I am drawn to honest moments, and I try to create space for people to show who they are without forcing anything.
I think what sets my work apart is that I do not try to polish people into something else. I pay attention to the quiet details that make them who they are, and I build from there. My style shifts between structured and unplanned, but I always want it to feel grounded and real.
Outside of photography, I work full-time in marketing, which has shaped how I think about visuals and communication. It has helped me understand how imagery influences perception, and how to be intentional about the story each photo tells. It has also helped me stay organized, plan with purpose, and think more critically about what I want each project to say. I write as well, which has strengthened my ability to build narrative and emotion into a concept before it ever becomes a photo. That balance between creative work and professional structure keeps me curious and gives me new ways to approach each project.
I am grateful for the opportunities I had early on, because they shaped how I approach creative work now. Those experiences gave me perspective, patience, and a better understanding of how to work with people.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love the vibrancy and personality of Atlanta. The city feels alive with creativity, culture, and people who bring their own energy to every corner. It is full of character and constant inspiration. What I like least is the traffic. Getting around can take much longer than it should, but it is a small tradeoff for such a lively city.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
White suit and Cheetah Print Shoot:
My Work from:
“The Creative Photography Workshop”
Hosted by: @larettahouston
Studio: @photoplexstudios
Assistant: @ellevois_photography
Styling: @ellevois_photography
MUAH: @yvondasmithbeauty
Wardrobe Stylist: @hannahbijoux
Workshop Models
@aviana.d – for your reference : White Suit
@shariah_co – for your reference : Cheetah Hat
