Conversations with Travis Ellison

Today we’d like to introduce you to Travis Ellison.

Hi Travis, 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?
As a young child growing up in Alexandria, VA, I always enjoyed playing with any type of camera I could get my hands on. During that time, I remember the disposable Kodak cameras were what I found myself using most frequently, usually at birthday parties and family gatherings. I used to call them the “Snap & Roll” cameras because to use them, you would snap a photo and roll/wind the gear until it stopped and then you knew your next shot was ready to go. It was so easy to use, and it just felt natural to me. For some reason, I remember enjoying the task of being “the person” to take the photo; even as a child I just felt like it was my job to take the picture because I just knew I could do it right.

When it came to developing the film, I just remember dropping off the cameras at the local CVS pharmacy store with my parents and before I knew it, we would be leaving the store with an envelope of photos and a film strip. I was just so amazed by this form of technology and the full process of seeing an image in your mind, capturing that image and ultimately seeing it in a physical printed form.

These were the experiences that planted the seed for a true passion and purpose I wouldn’t realize I had until over ten years later.

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 has absolutely not been a smooth road but over time, I’ve learned how to maneuver through it with grace. Pursuing this passion, career and lifestyle has really helped me evolve my thinking and deepened my faith.

There have been countless times where I’ve been unsure, or I’ve been excluded, etc and every single time, I’ve found a reason to keep pushing forward.

While I was in college at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), there came a time where I had to make the decision to focus on my craft instead of enjoying the typical college student lifestyle. I brought my camera everywhere, I put myself in spaces that would allow me the opportunity to capture content, network with others and continue to build my brand and portfolio.

Sometimes that meant skipping the weekend parties to be up at 6am on a Saturday morning to shoot youth sporting events. It meant traveling out of state to cover events while still having college assignments due the same week. I remember the hours of discussion with my parents asking them to trust my reasons for being out late at night or taking on low-paying, out-of-state internships because of the potential chance at a full-time job.

There have been so many ups and downs but the goal is to keep a level head; don’t allow yourself to get too high on your success or too low on your so-called failures. The challenges are what test you, but if you can push through the adversity, it not only adds to your story, it allows you to prove to yourself that you are capable and that what you’re doing is part of your purpose.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have been a professional sports and entertainment photographer for over eight years. On the sports side, I’ve had the opportunity to cover the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NCAA, Team USA, and more. On the entertainment side, I’ve captured music artists and celebrities like Anderson.Paak, DMX, Erykah Badu, LilNasX, Future, Masego, H.E.R., Nipsey Hussle, Elle Varner and countless others.

I specialize in capturing unplanned moments. My best work and most enjoyable work comes from the sports and entertainment spaces because it’s not planned. I show up, I immerse myself in the environment and I allow my instincts to capture the things I become aware of in those moments. It brings me such peace and it brings the world value.

What sets me apart from others is the fact that I focus on capturing moments in ways that my subject (and their family/FanBase) will appreciate. I believe I am servicing others when I’m taking photos. These experiences I’ve had, these moments I’ve captured, are not for personal gain or glory. I believe I am placed in these spaces to do what I do, the way I do it, because of the value it will bring to others.

The interesting thing about my work thus far is that I’m sure millions of people have seen my work yet the majority of them currently don’t know who I am. Working for organizations, especially in the sports field, your work is used very frequently in a number of different mediums, however your name isn’t always attached to every single piece of content you create.

My image of Stefon Diggs’ Minneapolis Miracle game-winning catch is probably one of the images I’m most proud of and “known” for. That image is currently displayed in the Minnesota Vikings Museum and probably countless other places, including my screensaver since the day it happened. I just haven’t found a reason to change it since then.

Another attribute that I believe sets me apart is my willingness to give my audience a taste of my personality. On social media I interact with the individuals who follow me or comment on my work. I’ve used social media as a networking tool and teaching platform as well. I’m willing to share the things I’ve learned or the experiences I’ve had to help the next group of creatives reach the goals they’re looking to reach.

I’m also a singer/songwriter and I’d like to think I’m somewhat of a comedian, so I’m always looking for ways to make people smile. It adds more purpose to my life to not only see others smile but to know that I’m one of the reasons they’re smiling.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
I give the credit to God and my family. Some things you just simply can’t explain. I smile, I shake my head and I say thank you as I move forward in my purpose. As I said, pursuing this career has allowed me to have even deeper faith because I’m just so thankful for the journey I’ve been blessed to be put on. I know it’s for a reason and I don’t shy away from making a positive impact whenever and however I can.

When it comes to my family, they have always had my back. Throughout this journey, we have spent a number of hours having to discuss my vision, my plans, etc. because I have received push back from them at times but I’ve always understood it’s out of love. I don’t have all the answers, I just know the direction I’m supposed to be headed in and I relay that to them the best way I can. Whether it’s the encouragement of sending me photos of myself on TV, helping me move my belongings across country, checking in to make sure I’m financially stable or simply just lending an ear to listen to me, they’ve always been there and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

Outside of that, I’ve had a number of mentors that I continue to keep in touch with. I’ve found myself in good company of a community of people that are willing to share what they’ve learned and support each other’s work. Building those relationships and encouraging each other or collaborating on projects has always been inspiring because we literally can do anything we put our mind to. The way the world is set up today, with technology and social media, we have the power to not only create but many platforms to display it on as well. The execution of your next idea could be the one that made everything else worth it.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: http://www.travisellison.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travietrav_dmv/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/travietrav_dmv
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0N-CywBdRcX4ZfBXJjUQnw
• Other: https://alphauniverse.com/member/#/travisellison/

Image Credits
Travis Ellison, Andy Kenutis, Ty Nowell