About Me

Husband to Mikayla, father to Delilah and Sylvie, geek, follower of Jesus.

Growing up, I always had a feeling I would end up in a more creative field. My dad taught me how to sing, my grandma inspired me to learn piano, I played trumpet in the Northmont High School Marching Band, and was even in a Christian Contemporary band named Job. I've always been fascinated with movies and the filmmaking process, and I was that kid that HAD to buy the DVD and watch all of the content from behind-the-scenes. As a superhero geek, I thought it would be cool when I grew up to be a photographer like Spider-Man's alter ego, but didn't really pick up a camera until high school. I would gather my brothers, and even recruited some friends, and we would make the classic backyard films, usually involving some sort of janky visual effects. From that point on, I knew I had an interest, but I didn't know how to get involved.

That all changed in 2014.

In 2014, a friend of mine that worked for our church as our photographer/videographer was looking for volunteers to help create content for our church. We had a hand in planning and writing scripts, shooting videos, photos, acting and voiceover work through our Creative Team. I was hooked. Through those first few years, he taught me everything I knew about how to operate a camera, and from that moment on, I couldn't get enough. He graciously and patiently taught me the ins and outs of shooting for events, senior and engagement sessions, product photography, and weddings. Recently, I started booking my own clients and events, but still get to shoot for him from time to time.

Outside of the photography world, I enjoy common nerd-culture activities, such as Dungeons & Dragons, board games, video games, watching movies, and reading comic books. For my day job, I'm on staff at First Light Church as our Communications Specialist and Graphic Designer, and I love serving on our worship team.

In 2018, I married the love of my life, Mikayla, on Star Wars Day (May Fourth). How I got her to agree to that date, I will never know, but she puts up with my nerdiness in a way that I never thought was possible. She constantly pushes me to be the best version of myself, and encourages me in the exact way I need it. Without her, nothing I do would be the same.

We welcomed our daughter Delilah in February of 2023, and if I thought I took a lot of photos before, that is nothing in comparison to the amount I take now. She has been the biggest bundle of joy and the greatest adventure my wife and I have ever been on. So we decided, since the first was so great, we might as well have another. May of 2025 brought us our second daughter, Sylvie, and what a difference two kids makes! We're loving every minute of it.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is... Hey. I'm Elijah, I like to have fun and get creative, so let's go make something cool together. I hope to see you soon!