Email: [email protected]
Website/Blog: travisellison.com
Social media: Instagram | Twitter
Bio: Travis “TravieTrav” Ellison is more than “just a photographer.” He is a caring, passionate, hardworking soul with a positive outlook on life and opportunity. After graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) with a B.S. in Mass Communications, Broadcast Journalism, he took the next 5 years working full-time in the National Football League (NFL) with the Seattle Seahawks (1) and Minnesota Vikings (4). During that time period Travis gained experience in multiple rolls including public relations, video, photography and marketing. He has also continued to explore freelance opportunities like working with media outlets such as MyMindOnSports/FocusTV, Made For The W (Formerly WNBAKicks), Overtime, Refresh Music Group, MarsReel and more. He is currently working as a full time entrepreneur through his production company Travis Ellison Productions, LLC.
Travis rediscovered his love for photography through his love for music when he purchased his first DSLR camera in 2013 with the initial intent of creating music videos and conducting photoshoots to support his music career as a singer/songwriter. After transferring to VCU in Richmond, VA, he hit the ground running, honing in on opportunities surrounding all things sports and entertainment related.
Since 2013 Travis has covered 4 NFL Pro Bowls, 2 WNBA Drafts (5 Seasons), 2020 and 2021 Big Ten Basketball Championships, 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, 2017 & 2018 X Games Minneapolis, 2017 NCAA Women’s Basketball Elite 8, Broccoli City Music Festival (16′, 17′, 18′), 2016 Bumbershoot (Seattle, WA), 2015 UCI Road World Championships, 2014 Women’s Basketball Team USA and much more.
Q&A
Hometown: Alexandria, VA (D.M.V)
Reside in: Los Angeles, CA
Photography Genre: Sports & Entertainment
Career Highlight #1: Capturing Stefon Diggs’ catch in the Minneapolis Miracle / Working in the NFL for 5 consecutive seasons.
Career Highlight #2: Covering Women’s USA Basketball and multiple WNBA Drafts/Seasons.
Career Highlight #3: Working with a number of my favorite athletes and musicians. Capturing moments they’ve appreciated that will live on forever.
BlackRapid product of choice: BLACKRAPID DOUBLE BREATHE
Age you took your first photo and what camera did you use: I won an elementary school art competition using a Kodak disposable camera at 7 years old. That was around the age that I started taking photos for fun because I discovered a love for technology and gadgets.
First realization that you wanted to be a professional photographer: When I transferred to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in 2013, I took every opportunity to capture images of sports, music concerts, events, etc. During this time, I realized that this craft would give me the opportunity to create memorable experiences, a lifetime pursuit of growth and an opportunity to make a livable income doing something I loved to do. Once I realized that, I decided I wanted to be a professional photographer and I’ve been one ever since.
Who inspires you?: I’m inspired by my family and friends. I’m inspired by all of the other creatives that are authentically being themselves and creating the work that inspires them.
Camera of choice used to capture most of your work: My go-to cameras are the Sony A1 and Sony A9ii. The combination of an electronic viewfinder, 20+ frames per second stills and completely silent shooting are the perfect match for my work style and the majority of environments I find myself creating in.
Dream photo-shoot: I have passions of doing a number of long-form documentary style photo stories. Going on tour with music artists, documenting athletes, etc.
What do you do when not taking photos?: When I’m not taking photos, I’m either singing, laughing, podcasting, playing sports or working on self-development. I am a lifelong learner, so I enjoy the opportunity to learn new things through YouTube, audiobooks, documentaries or conversations.
Favorite place on earth: Wherever there’s sports, music, laughter and love…some great scenery would be nice too!
One piece of advice for someone at the beginning stages of their photography career: Believe in yourself and put in the work. The mind is such a powerful thing. I’m where I am today because I believed I could make it this far. That same positive mindset and hard work will take me towards all of the great places and accomplishments that are sure to come in my future. You must believe the same is true for yourself and work each day towards doing what you love.
How do you “Live the Moment”?: I “Live the Moment” by starting with gratitude. I take a moment to be appreciative of the talents I have, the opportunities I’ve earned and the ability to make an impact. From there, I lock-in on creating the best work I can, work that others will appreciate, all the while enjoying the moments as they happen.
