We had the good fortune of connecting with Eli Prasit and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Eli, what role has risk played in your life or career?
As a photographer who took the risk of dropping out of college at 18 and leaving my hometown to chase my dream in Los Angeles, I believe that risk-taking is absolutely essential to achieving success in any field, especially in the creative industry.
When you take risks, you put yourself in a position to succeed or fail, and both outcomes are valuable in their own way. Success validates your efforts and provides a sense of accomplishment, while failure teaches you important lessons and helps you grow as a person and as an artist.
Taking risks is also about being true to yourself and pursuing your passion, even when it may not be the most conventional path. When I decided to leave college and move to LA, many people doubted my decision and warned me about the risks involved. But I knew deep down that photography was my ticket out, and I was willing to take the risk to pursue it.
Taking risks also requires a certain level of courage and confidence in yourself and your abilities. When you are willing to take risks and put yourself out there, you open yourself up to criticism and rejection. However, it is through these experiences that you learn to develop a thicker skin, gain self-awareness, and build resilience.
In summary, taking risks is essential for success in the creative industry, as it allows you to pursue your passion, learn from both success and failure, and develop the confidence and resilience needed to achieve your goals.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a creative, I am proud to be recognized for my ability to create meaningful and impactful images using limited equipment. For me, photography is not about having the latest and greatest gear, but rather about being able to capture a moment, convey a message, and evoke an emotion through my images.
When I was new to the city and with no steady income coming in, I didn’t have access to the fancy equipment that some creatives had, but that didn’t stop me from pursuing my passion. Instead, I used what I had and focused on honing my skills as a photographer. Through trial and error, I learned that it’s not the gear that makes a great photographer, but rather the creativity, vision, and dedication that you bring to your craft.
My biggest challenge was proving to myself that I was just as capable of creating producing work as those who had more knowledge or better. I realized that I didn’t need to follow society’s conventional path of success by going to college to achieve great things. I could forge my own path and pursue my dreams in my own way.
I want people to know that they are only in competition with themselves, and that the biggest success comes from taking risks and believing in yourself. If you have a passion for something, don’t let anyone or anything hold you back from pursuing it. With hard work, dedication, and a willingness to take risks, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
In summary, as a photographer, I believe that creativity, vision, and dedication are more important than fancy equipment. I want people to know that they can achieve great things by following their passion and taking risks, and that they are only in competition with themselves.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As someone who loves spending time in California, my favorite places to hang out are definitely the beaches and Big Bear for snowboarding in the mountains. These places offer amazing scenery and opportunities to engage in outdoor activities, which I find to be incredibly refreshing and rejuvenating.
One thing that I want people to know is that even if they don’t know how to surf, ride bikes, or snowboard, they can still enjoy themselves as long as they have good company. It’s not always about being the best at something or having the most experience, but rather about having fun and creating memories with the people you care about.
California has so much to offer in terms of natural beauty and outdoor recreation, and I believe that everyone can find something to enjoy, regardless of their skill level. Whether it’s taking a leisurely stroll on the beach, enjoying a picnic with friends, or simply soaking up the sun and fresh air, there are endless ways to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors in California.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As an entrepreneur and photographer, I am incredibly grateful to have my mom as my number one supporter. Her unwavering belief in my abilities and her constant encouragement have been instrumental in giving me the confidence to pursue my dreams, even when faced with doubt and uncertainty.
Having someone who believes in you and supports you no matter what can make all the difference in the world. When I first moved to a new city to pursue my photography career, I was filled with doubts and fears about whether I would be able to make it. But my mom’s faith in me gave me the strength and courage to keep going, even when the going got tough.
Her support has also helped me stay focused on my goals and stay true to my vision as a creative. Knowing that I have someone who is rooting for me and believes in me has given me the confidence to take risks, try new things, and push myself to reach my full potential. I am forever grateful for her support and encouragement.
Website: eliprasit.format.com
Instagram: itsjiggye