About

My name is Elijah Dérismé. I am a photographer, a creative, and a mentor and teacher to high school students based in Brooklyn, NY. Through my years of failures, which I prefer to call lessons learned, I now see that it was simply God breaking me down so I could be built into something more meaningful for Himself and for others. You are meant to learn from your experiences, but you are also meant to share them so others can learn from them, too.

For years, I let my own stubbornness, pride, lies, and worldly views of what it means to “win” steer the ship of my life. My history of life experiences could easily have left me stuck. But looking back, every mistake was just a detour leading me to where I was supposed to be, now loving, embracing, and appreciative of what I do today. My desire to be seen is no more. I now create with a clearer conscience, driven by intentionality and purpose. I am open to learning. I am open to listening. I am open… not to all things, as I am learning to guard my spirit against certain things, but open to what is said to me to help me grow, and those around me.

By day, I serve as both the Director of Marketing and Communications and the in-house photographer at my former high school, a place I wouldn’t be if not for the experiences I gained from running my own business. The pain, heartache, and moments of giving up taught me how to try again, but they also built the exact skills I need to operate in my roles today. Whether I am behind the desk or behind the lens, my heart is exactly where it needs to be now, at peace.

I work daily to anchor everything I do in my faith and my belief in Jesus Christ. My camera is not a tool to elevate myself; it is a way to reflect His teachings and bring value to the brands, churches, ministries, and organizations I choose to serve.

For me, the goal is simple: to help others through the exact gifts Jesus has given me. 

I am not the source of the light in my photos; I am just the one capturing it.