Black Lenses Matter: Eljay Briss

Explore the works from photographer Eljay Briss selected as part of an instalment for Black Lenses Matter by Misan Harriman

Pressure (2020) by Eljay BrissWhat We Seee

A Bristol born photographer, who growing up has described himself as a fly on the wall; quiet, observant and soaking up everything around him like a sponge. 

"I would always rather be behind the lens than in front of it."  - Eljay Briss

Lemon (2021) by Eljay BrissWhat We Seee

"My perspective and inspiration stems from my Jamaican roots. Our culture, music, energy and sense of community,. Those same foundations echo in my photography today."

Dotty, British Bakeoff (2020) by Eljay BrissWhat We Seee

"My niche is Music, Fashion and Portrait photography, I like to capture people candidly and organically as themselves whether that be on stage or in a photography studio."

Shade UK (2021) by Eljay BrissWhat We Seee

"I put a lot of thought into my shoots, I want it everything to feel true to the project, from shooting location to post edits, anything less wouldn’t be a real representation."

All Black Lives (2020) by Eljay BrissWhat We Seee

"However, since Covid-19, I put a halt to live shows, I discovered a new passion for Photojournalism, mainly protests, which began after the public execution of George Floyd."

8 Minutes 46 Seconds (2020) by Eljay BrissWhat We Seee

"I felt it was not only my responsibility, but my purpose to capture our emotions, thoughts and public stance against racism and showcase it through my social platforms. It didn’t stop there, I attended protests for Anti-Lockdown, Kill the Bill, End SARs and Free Palestine."

Colston Must Fall, Eljay Briss, 2020, From the collection of: What We Seee
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Justice, Eljay Briss, 2020, From the collection of: What We Seee
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Free Palestine, Eljay Briss, 2021, From the collection of: What We Seee
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Grime (2019) by Eljay BrissWhat We Seee

"I didn’t study Photography, I hold no qualifications, I taught myself everything through trial and error."

Mulii (2021) by Eljay BrissWhat We Seee

"...Until one day finding the perfect shot felt as natural as breathing."

BLM March (2020) by Eljay BrissWhat We Seee

"Since then it’s been about consistency, not getting too comfortable and finding where I can both evolve as a creative and serve others."- Eljay Briss

Born 2 Rap Tour (2020) by Eljay BrissWhat We Seee

TCtheMarksman (2020) by Eljay BrissWhat We Seee

Credits: Story

You can find more of Eljay Briss's work on his website and Instagram

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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