We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Elijah Barnes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Elijah below.

Elijah, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on to date is my series “Somewhere On The Way To Freedom”. It dives into the intersection of black beauty, representation, identity, and the concept of freedom as a whole. It was the first project that launched me into the fine art space as a photographer and allowed me to create and execute my ideas exactly how I saw it in my head.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I first got into photography during the pandemic in 2020. I was playing football at the time and preparing to play in college so when the pandemic shut everything down for the first time in my life I had to think about things I liked outside of sports. I thought having a camera to take photos would be fun and I got a camera as a graduation present that year. I started off taking pictures mostly of downtown Chicago or pictures of my friends, but when I discovered fine art portrait photography I fell in love with it and the stories that I could tell with my camera.

I provide portrait, fashion, and editorial services and also sell fine art prints for collectors looking to purchase artwork.

What sets me apart as a photographer is my commitment to telling deeply rooted stories of Black identity, faith, beauty, and resilience through a fine art lens. My work is not just about capturing an image, it’s about building a timeless visual language.

I want people to know that my work is rooted in purpose. Every photo I take is intentional whether it’s a portrait, a quiet moment, or a staged scene. I’m not chasing trends or algorithms; I’m building images that last, that speak, and that hold weight. My goal is to create work that feels both familiar and transformative—work that leads you to God, challenges, and stays with you.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal driving my creative journey now is using my art to lead people to Jesus. I’ve realized the ability that my art has to impact and resonate with those that view it and I want to use that ability for God. My work has always had spiritual aspects to it but I want to hone in on that more moving forward.

I also want to tell stories that people can relate to and see a part of themselves in.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative are the people you meet while on set and also seeing how your work made an impact on someone’s life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://elijahmbarnes.com
• Instagram: Elixbarnes

Image Credits

Photo credit for the personal photo: Drew Alexander