Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Eli Schmidt began his photography journey in high school and has been deeply committed to the medium ever since. After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2001, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in visual storytelling.
Eli is known for his candid, documentary-inspired aesthetic, shaped by strong technical training and a deep appreciation for the history of photography. His ability to move fluidly between still photography, video production, and creative direction sets him apart in the industry. Whether capturing a single striking image or leading a full-scale video shoot, Eli brings a cohesive visual language and sharp editorial eye to every project.
His work spans still life, portraiture, celebrity, and commercial photography, with bylines in Oprah Magazine, Esquire, The New York Times, and Interview Magazine. Most recently, he served as Senior Staff Photographer and Videographer at Hearst Magazines, where he led content creation across 16 publications, directing both photo and video assets for print, digital, and social media platforms.
Eli’s multidisciplinary approach allows him to collaborate seamlessly with creative teams, deliver compelling narratives, and maintain visual consistency across formats. In addition to his commercial work, he teaches part-time at the International Center of Photography in New York, sharing his knowledge and passion for integrated visual storytelling.
Selected Client List: Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Redken, Clinique,, Swarovski, Oprah Magazine, Oprah Daily, Amazon, Allure, Cosmopolitan, Vogue.com, Vogue China, The New York Times,T Magazine, Talea, Women’s Wear Daily, Esquire, Women’s Health, Town and County