Eric Jordan II is a full-time photographer and part-time health educator/case manager for the Gwinnett County Health Department in Georgia. Writer Alyssa Allen spoke with the Atlanta creative to discuss his practice and how he captures the vast beauty of Black Women.
Alyssa Allen: When did you first know that photography was “It” for you?
Eric Jordan: I knew that photography was it when I took my first photo. Literally had no skills or training whats so ever and my photo was used on my school ( Armstrong State University) webpage.
AA: When you got started, which photographers influenced you?
EJ: A few of my peers that were heavy into photography, [like] Andre Johnson who is based out of Savannah, Georgia. My homies Tyrell Gordon and Derrick Baker, and Like’ Kawasha (he sold me my first camera. They all looked cool doing it.
AA: Did they influence your photography style in any way?
EJ: The Photographer that influenced my style the most, I would say Bennie Roosevelt. If you don’t know his work please Google him. Pure artist. His photos tell a story and show pure emotions.
AA: You capture Black Women beautifully. All the emotion comes through in your shots. Exactly what is it you want your photographs to say?
EJ: Wow! I’m speechless. Thank you! And I try my best to freeze time. I actually take my time with each shot. I can describe the weather, what the conversation was about at each shoot, and even what I ate that day. When I look back at my work, it is very nostalgic.
AA: How do you get your subjects to convey those emotions?
EJ: I shoot subjects that give off an essence. They may have zero experience modeling. If they can give off the feeling, we can make magic.
AA: Out of your entire portfolio, from the very beginning to now, do you have a favorite photo or project?
EJ: Yes, I do! I actually haven released it yet. I’ve been holding on to this project for a month now. Crazy right! I don’t know. I just feel like this project is bigger than Instagram.
AA: Tell us about your creative process. Where do you get ideas for projects?
EJ: My creative process starts with a mood or emotion. Usually stemming from music, or just simply observing what’s around me at that moment. Honestly, music is the main source of my creativity. I started to add [moving] visuals to help with that as well.
AA: What’s the most difficult shoot you’ve ever worked on?
EJ: Whew! I shot an album cover for an artist and she asked me to turn her into a different person. *Laughs* Literally!
AA: When do you know you have the perfect shot?
EJ: Man, it’s an emotion you see on my face. If you ask any of my clients, they’ll see my face light up. ‘Oh, Jordan has the money shot!’ But if I can feel the photo, that’s when I know.
AA: A lot of people are naturally nervous in front of the camera. How do you put them at ease before you begin?
EJ: Oh, of course, it’s only natural and it’s a method to my madness. Honestly, I start a lot of my shoots with casual conversation. It allows me to see how patient they are and how the client can take direction. Also, I do a lot of testing with my lighting or settings. That’s what I tell them and usually, I show them how the photo looks. A clear and well-composed photo usually gets the client excited and BAM! We’re ready to go.
View Eric Jordan’s work at www.jordanviision.com.