Elijah Martin
Artist Statement
In my photography, I explore the intricate layers of urban life, natural landscapes, and shared human experiences, seeking to reveal the beauty and depth often overlooked in daily scenes. My journey as a photographer has led me to wander city streets, coastal paths, and sweeping national parks, where each location offers new perspectives and possibilities.
A significant portion of my work captures the pulse of urban spaces, especially in the San Francisco Bay Area. Through lenses focused on architectural details, the rhythm of city streets, and panoramic skylines, I document the multifaceted identity of places like San Francisco and Oakland. I am particularly drawn to the built environment and its forms, often using double exposures to intertwine structures with unexpected visual elements, allowing multiple realities to coalesce within a single frame.
Natural landscapes and celestial events hold equal allure, drawing me to locations where sky and earth meet with raw, unfiltered beauty. In national parks like Yosemite and Joshua Tree, or along the rugged California coastline, I capture moments of serenity and grandeur. Celestial events like moonrises and eclipses evoke a sense of awe, allowing me to share moments where nature takes center stage in its timeless dance with light and shadow.
My work also delves into cultural events and social gatherings, where the essence of community comes alive. From music performances to Juneteenth celebrations, I am fascinated by moments of collective joy, shared memory, and tradition. I find myself capturing not just people, but the vibrant energies that define these gatherings, moments when individual and collective narratives converge.
I continually experiment with photographic techniques—long exposures, panoramic compositions, and flashes of light—each adding a new layer to my practice. These techniques allow me to reshape familiar scenes and stretch the boundaries of perception, blending cityscapes, landscapes, and people into scenes that resonate with a sense of layered reality.
My work is a journey to uncover the textures and rhythms of the world around us. Whether in a bustling cityscape, a quiet landscape, or a communal gathering, I aim to capture moments that are at once ephemeral and enduring, allowing the viewer to pause, reflect, and experience the world from a renewed perspective.
Thank you!