Meet Kadeem Ellis | Creative

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

Hi Kadeem, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
I “GET TO” help the community through Kadeem A Ellis Photography & Events, LLC. I’m aware that I don’t have to do what I do, but I actually “GET TO” do what I do. This phrase brings me so much joy! I “GET TO” photograph lasting life moments for families, couples, events, and individual accomplishments. Photos are valuable and should be a priority for all moments of life. This is why I wanted to create a business that was affordable but offered quality work. I’m don’t do what I do for the money, but I do what I do because it is my purpose. I have found meaning through helping my community. Though my business offers more than photography (balloon decor & event planning), everything I do helps the community pause & remember.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art changes depending on what I am creating. I morph to the circumstances. My work can’t be defined. I was photographing a group and unexpectedly my off-camera flash stopped working. I quickly morphed into a natural light photographer. A true artist knows that some things can’t be controlled. You must learn to flow with the moment. I tell my assistants all the time to always be prepared for the worst-case scenario. In the creative space you will always encounter the opposite of what you prepared for. I want the world to know that my story is full of lessons that have shaped my artistry today. No one starts out perfectly. Be gentle with yourself.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would most definitely explore downtown Spartanburg. It is not big, but it is the heart of our city where I am pleased to call home. We would check out three of my favorite Asian restaurants: Monsoon Noodle House, Miyako Sushi Group, and Lime Leaf. I would show them the Black Lives Matter Street mural which I am proud of my city for doing. We would meet up at Spill the beans for ice cream with my other friends. The most exciting parts of my city must be experienced. It has so much hidden potential.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to my wife, Adrianna Ellis. She helped me find the reason why I started my business. She has supported my vision since day one. She has worked without pay until we became financially stable. I look to her when I need the final approval for my work. Her approval or disapproval soothes my anxiety when I don’t feel like sharing my work. Adrianna is a BOSS WIFE!

Website: https://kadeemaellisphotography.mypixieset.com/

Instagram: @kadeemaellisphotographyxevents

Facebook: Kadeem A Ellis Photography & Events