Photography and graphic design have always been a major part of of Elvis Piedra’s life.  From a very very young age, Elvis knew he would be working in some type of creative field.

After earning his degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design, Elvis discovered a passion for  storytelling through photography. All of his photography has a visually objective concept that is layered with a deeper, more subjective concept throughout.

How would you describe your style of photography to someone who has never seen your work?

My Photography is concept strong (storytelling) The one thing that runs throughout my work is COLOR the use of color is important to me.

What initially sparked your interest in photography and what keeps it going?

I am a graphic designer and I created products I had to photograph so that is what introduced me to the camera. Working with a team of talented people and staying current on what is going on in the fashion world is what keeps me shooting new images.

How do you ensure that your work and brand stand out amongst the masses of photographers that continue to emerge everyday?

I just do me… I think of strong concepts and then I focus hard on all the details that will help create that image. Being detailed will get you far, people will take notice in that and appreciate your work more.

From who or where do you draw inspiration from and how is it reflected in your work?

I  draw inspiration from anything and everything!!! I always try to combine things that don’t go together and make them work for the image. I do have photographers i look up to and that would be david la chapelle (So much detail in his photography and great use of color that POPS) and also Steven Klein (the emotion and mood that he puts in his photography)

What is one long term goal you have relative to your photography and how do you plan to attain it?

To have a full running photography studio in NYC, I’m planning to move to NYC at the end of 2011.

What is one major business-related challenge you face being a photographer and how have you or will you combat this issue?

The one thing I didnt know going into this business was how many phone calls, emailing and setting up appointments there would be… having your own business is tough and takes time and dedication. To fix this I want to find electronic ways to book shoots with all questions answered at once and also find ways to cut back on the massive amount of emailing so clients can get there questions answered fast.

Name one person that you would love to have an opportunity to shoot and why. Describe this dream shoot.

I would love to shoot LADY GAGA because she is open to all kinds of ideas… The shoot would just depend on what its for.

If you could do a dual purpose shoot that showcased your talent and brought awareness to a prevalent social issue, what would your shoot be called and what issue would you  highlight? Why?

It would be called “La Migracion” is would highlight – The Truth about Immigration. Me being Hispanic I have heard so many stories and the media reports in the worst light I would like to shed some reasoning behind this matter.

A picture is worth a 1,000 words. Describe the below picture in one.

Hunger