Carson Elison

02/22/2026

About two years ago I was looking for something I could become mentally engaged in, something good for my health that would level out some of the mental ups and downs of life. I found that in Jiu Jitsu.

I had spent a few months watching YouTube videos before I started, and I knew I wasn’t needing to “try it out.” I was going to do it, and I knew I’d love it.

I was excited to be a beginner again, to have another lifelong journey of mastery ahead of me. I love being a beginner. I love seeing improvement in knowledge and application. The process of learning and growing in a skill is one of my favorite feelings, and Jiu Jitsu definitely rewards that aim.

As soon as I started getting comfortable with my teammates and the gym, I began thinking about how I could merge my new love of Jiu Jitsu with one that’s been with me for a while, photography. I wanted to compete, but didn’t feel I had enough knowledge yet, so I went to a tournament to scout it out and get the vibe. I brought my camera along just in case.

I started off timid, like I sometimes do in a new environment. But once I got into flow, I forgot about everyone and focused on capturing the story in front of me. I sent the photos to my team, not expecting much.

Some time after, my coach Tanya asked if I would photograph an upcoming belt promotion. That was exactly what I was looking for, getting my camera on the mats and bringing both worlds together.

A few weeks later, a local black belt asked if I would photograph an upcoming tournament. I said yes. I hadn’t done that kind of photography before, but I knew I could do well if I put in the work.

Since then I’ve photographed several tournaments. I had the opportunity to document my professor’s black belt ceremony, which was a “huge honor for me guys.” I’ve met so many great people who are now good friends, and I’ve started to build something I didn’t even know I was building when I first stepped on the mat.

Through a lot of hard work, physical pain, and mental battles, yesterday I received my blue belt.

Long story long, here are a couple of my favorite shots so far. I’ll start posting more Jiu Jitsu sets. I have a lot more I want to share.

09/09/2025

First of many backpacking trips with
It was challenging but absolutely worth it. I’ve been really excited to share these photos, and for many more trips to come. 🤍

08/30/2025

Recently finished building this frame for a photo I took in Oregon last year.
This print, and others is available for sale on my website 🍃
Message me If you’re interested in having me build you a custom frame

03/29/2025

Day 1 of

03/28/2025

Had a blast last night photographing at

Here’s a few favorites, and gimme that beach ball.

01/25/2025

less is more

01/19/2025

Been really enjoying editing black and white recently. Focusing on light, composition, negative space, texture, expression.

Here’s a few from old and recent Lr catalogs

01/18/2025

01/17/2025

I want you to know..❤️

10/18/2024

Picked up a cool little 28mm 2.8 pancake z lens last week. Here’s a few photos I got with it at a car show.
Excited for this lens and how small,fast,sharp it is for how cheap it was. It’s my first z lensand the autofocus speed/accuracy alone makes me not want to take it off.
Makes me want to get more into street/candid moments style of photos. Currently in Santa Fe with that sort of documentarian style in mind. Excited to see how it goes 🌶