“Capturing Life Through Cinematic Film Portraits”
Eli Vick is a Brooklyn-born film portrait photographer renowned for his vibrant, cinematic approach to analog photography. Splitting his time between New York City and Connecticut, Vick transforms everyday moments into striking, textured portraits shot entirely on film. Known for his dedication to authenticity and storytelling, he has quickly gained recognition in the photography world for his ability to blend color, emotion, and environment into every frame.
Facts About Eli Vicks
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Eli Vicks |
| Profession | Film Portrait Photographer |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Current Base | Connecticut & New York City |
| Photography Medium | 35mm and 120 medium format film |
| Photography Style | Cinematic, environmental portraits; vibrant colors and textures |
| Career Start | 2019 |
| Self-Taught | Learned film photography and developing independently through practice and online communities |
| Influences | Vuhlandes, Jessica Kobeissi, Brandon Woelfel |
| Signature Camera | Pentax 67 (medium format) |
| Recognition | Featured by Kodak, Cinestill Film, Analog Talk podcast, Film Supply Club, Last Good Film Lab |
| Events & Projects | 45th Annual Juried Photography Show, Brooklyn photowalk in partnership with VSCO |
| Website | elivicks.com |
| Additional Work | YouTube videos, prints, portrait bookings, workshops, community events |
| Artistic Philosophy | Focus on authenticity, passion, community, and personal growth |
| Notable Quote | “Even when you’re burnt out, you’re still successful… success is the journey and not a destination.” |
Early Life and Photography Beginnings
Eli Vicks’s journey into photography began in 2019. Like many contemporary creatives, he was inspired by artists he admired online and felt a pull toward translating the world around him into visual narratives. In his own words, he started with “the hopes of being as big as some of the artists I admired.” What began as casual experimentation quickly grew into a serious pursuit.
Initially, Vicks measured success through social media engagement and the admiration of followers. However, he soon recognized that true fulfillment in creative work comes not from numbers but from passion, community, and personal growth. As he reflects, “Success… has everything with those around you and what’s inside of you when it comes to passions.”
Self-Driven Learning and Artistic Growth
Vicks’s education as a photographer was unconventional. Rather than pursuing formal schooling, he turned to hands-on experimentation, networking, and online resources. He learned film processing at home and constantly refined his technique. Influences from creators such as Vuhlandes, Jessica Kobeissi, and Brandon Woelfel informed his understanding of light, color, and composition, but he deliberately avoided imitation.
Vicks explains that: “The art you create is special because it comes from place that is deep within you and your story”. This philosophy guided him to develop a signature style characterized by cinematic environmental portraits, where subjects often appear softly out-of-focus against vivid, textured backdrops. By combining technical skill with emotional depth, Vicks distinguishes his work in the crowded field of portrait photography.
Career Highlights and Signature Style
Eli Vicks has emerged as a full-time film photographer whose work consistently draws attention for its vibrancy and narrative quality. He often describes photography as a form of painting: “Every corner and every color is vital,” he says, emphasizing the deliberate nature of his compositions. Using tools such as medium format cameras, most notably the Pentax 67, he hand-develops his film, ensuring that every print reflects his artistic intent.
Vicks’s portraits are notable for their environmental storytelling. His subjects are frequently framed within rich, colorful surroundings, allowing viewers to engage deeply with each image. This cinematic approach has attracted recognition from both film brands and creative communities. Kodak’s official Instagram has featured his photography, and he has been interviewed on the Analog Talk podcast. Similarly, Cinestill Film and film-focused communities like Film Supply Club and Last Good Film Lab have highlighted his work.
Participation in events such as the 45th Annual Juried Photography Show and leading a Brooklyn photowalk in partnership with VSCO reflect Vicks’s growing prominence within the analog photography world. His dedication to craft, coupled with a strong personal aesthetic, has firmly established him as a rising figure in the creative landscape.
Expanding Creative Ventures
Beyond portraiture, Vicks actively engages with multimedia platforms to share his vision and techniques. His YouTube channel offers a behind-the-scenes look at film photography, including photo walks and camera tutorials. Notably, his video “Film Portraits on a Konica Hexar AF” has garnered thousands of views, illustrating the broad appeal of his approach.
In addition, Vicks sells prints through his website and accepts portrait bookings via his Connecticut/New York studio. This direct engagement with audiences not only supports his work financially but also strengthens the connection between artist and viewer, fostering a deeper appreciation of film photography in an era dominated by digital images.
Inspiration and Artistic Philosophy
Eli Vicks’s story is as inspiring as his images. Starting as “a normal kid from Brooklyn,” he had no formal training but possessed a relentless curiosity and creative drive. Photography became more than a career; it was a means of self-expression and personal growth. “Photography made me feel whole and it’s been the solution to a lot of my life problems,” he notes, highlighting the transformative power of art.
Vicks encourages emerging photographers to define success on their own terms, emphasizing growth and community over follower counts. “Promote your work as if you’re talking to a million people even when it’s just ten,” he advises, underscoring the value of consistent effort and authentic engagement. He also normalizes setbacks, framing even unproductive days as part of the journey: “Even when you’re burnt out, you’re still successful… success is the journey and not a destination.”
Through this perspective, Vicks illustrates how passion, perseverance, and a supportive network can transform ordinary beginnings into a flourishing creative career.
Eli Vicks’s Social Media Presence
Eli Vicks maintains an active social media presence to showcase his film photography and connect with his audience. Instagram (@elivicksn) serves as his main platform, highlighting portraits, creative shots, and behind-the-scenes reels. Threads (@elivicksn) allows him to share thoughts and engage conversationally, while YouTube (@elivicksn) features longer-form content like photo adventures and gear reviews. Facebook (Eli Vicks Photography) acts as an additional gallery space, giving fans another way to explore his work.
| Platform | Handle | Followers |
|---|---|---|
| @elivicksn | ~8,754 | |
| Threads | @elivicksn | ~4.2K |
| YouTube | @elivicksn | ~212 |
| Eli Vicks Photography | N/A |
Ongoing Projects and Community Engagement
Eli Vicks remains actively engaged with his audience through social media, primarily on Instagram (@elivicksn) and YouTube, sharing new portraits, gear reviews, and tutorials. His website (elivicks.com) hosts galleries, allows fans to purchase signed prints, and provides booking options for portrait sessions. These platforms reflect his commitment to both art and education, as he shares knowledge and fosters connections with fellow photographers and enthusiasts.
Looking forward, Vicks plans to continue participating in workshops, community events, and collaborations with analog film brands. His ongoing projects serve as both inspiration and education for those interested in film photography, and his work stands as a testament to the enduring beauty and relevance of analog art forms.
Conclusion
Eli Vicks exemplifies the fusion of talent, dedication, and vision in contemporary portrait photography. From his Brooklyn roots to his current base between New York City and Connecticut, he has transformed a personal passion into a flourishing career. By embracing analog techniques, cultivating a unique cinematic style, and engaging with his community, Vicks has established himself as a notable figure in the world of film photography.
His story is more than just a chronicle of professional success; it is a narrative of perseverance, authenticity, and creative exploration. For anyone interested in portrait photography, or simply in the power of art to connect and inspire, Eli Vicks’s work offers both aesthetic pleasure and a model of thoughtful artistic practice. Through his vibrant, analog images, Vicks invites viewers to see the world through his eyes and, in doing so, celebrates the enduring value of human connection, creativity, and vision.
