From hobby to profession, Cory Garner is doing the work
By Ryne Turke
Photos/Special to The Source
Owner of ElCrow Photography and Design, Garner tells us he bought his first camera in 2018, started his business in 2019 and has been off and running in the world of photography ever since.
“ElCrow has taken on a life of its own for sure. I still look at photography as a hobby that takes up the vast majority of my spare time. It’s kind of crazy all of this began with a few photos I took for Jacksonville Main Street. Every year it gets bigger and every year I am even more grateful.”
Garner’s passion for photography is matched by his love for Jacksonville, the town he’s called home for the last 30 years.
“Jacksonville has provided for my family and I absolutely love watching how it continues to grow. The amount of service organizations and people that genuinely care about this town is staggering. I love playing a role in capturing the amazing people and moments that make up our town.”
A true student of the game, Garner is constantly training, attending conferences and researching the latest photography tricks to stay fresh behind the camera.
“When I first started, I was all about flash photography and making sure the scene was well lit. Now I am more about the contrast and shadows. I feel like my equipment is where I want it to be, so I can focus on lighting and editing. There are some people I photograph and immediately a concept comes to mind that I think they would be perfect for.”
Garner says he’s had the pleasure of working with nearly every organization in town, with most being repeat customers.
“I love shooting events, family and senior pictures. Those have become my best shoots. I love seeing banners for sports teams at all our local schools, shooting for the Beaux Arts Ball and area pageants. I’m a huge fan of live music, so you’ll usually see me shooting concerts, too.”
Garner says one of the most satisfying compliments a photographer can get is when their work is shared with family and friends.
“When a picture you took becomes a profile photo, that is huge. When it is used in a publication, that is amazing. When someone shares your work and says great things about you and how the session went, that’s why I do it and love it. I’ve tried to explain that once you have someone tell you how special something is that you created or what it means to them, it’s a feeling you just constantly chase and why I am always trying to improve.”
Garner says his new “dream studio,” located at Midwest Athletic Center, gives him endless options for amazing photo shoots.
“It has plenty of space for multiple setups, a great dressing room and a huge infinity wall that is perfect for dance photography. Sometimes when the athletic center has an event, I even have a concession stand. I’ve had some awesome locations in the past, but I feel as though I have finally found my forever home.”
As for amateur photographers looking to get into the field like Garner, he has a few suggestions.
“Find some photographer friends to share the experience with. It’s a rough business and having friends to bounce ideas off of is a huge asset. If you aren’t going to take it seriously and devote your free time to it, don’t do it. Your potential clients deserve your best, so reinvest in your business to provide the best service you can.”
Garner says he’s got a few secrets and surprises up his sleeve in the near future for ElCrow that have been on his bucket list.
“I think you will see an increase in content shoots and mini sessions this year. Probably more themed shoots. As long as I am able, you will see me out there with a camera in my hand and capturing memories for people that will last long after I am gone.”
