At just 17 years old and still in high school, Elijah Bowman is already known throughout the Covington/Newton County community, and the Atlanta metro area at large, primarily for his sports photography. 

Bowman, a student at Newton High School, can be seen at virtually every sporting event in the area with camera in hand, and a backpack draped on his back. He’s also a track and field athlete at Newton, so it’s no surprise that his first meaningful shots came during track season. 

As he told VoyageATL magazine in a June 2022 interview, his meager beginnings — he started his media career by recording worship services at his church — have paved the way to a much more expansive business for himself. 

“As of right now, I do photography,” Bowman said. “I specialize mostly in sports photography, and most of my work comes from Newton High School sports, just because that’s where I go to school and that’s what I always post.” 

But his work has been featured on Instagram, in The Covington News, and in other publications across Metro Atlanta. 

Since his beginning as a freshman in high school, his skill and equipment has evolved. 

“I went from a simple Canon power shot camera which I used when I first started shooting the track athletes,” he said. “The first real camera I got was a Canon EOS Rebel T7. Now I work with the Canon EOS 1D Mark III. I’ve gotten a lot better since I began.” 

Though his work showcases a photographer who seems to be beyond his years as far as skill goes, Bowman credits other influences such as former Newton track and field coach Stephen Foster — also a photographer — as those who have helped shape his ability. 

“I couldn’t do what I do and wouldn’t have the ability I have without putting myself around people who are good and even better than I am,” Bowman said. 

Because he’s not reached voting age yet, and high school graduation is still ahead of him, Bowman says he isn’t quite sure what he’s going to do about education beyond high school. 

But one thing’s for sure: He wants to continue growing his photography business in ways that transcend just himself. And because his work is triggering a desire for photography from his peers, don’t be surprised to see Elijah leading a full fledged company of young sports photographers in the very near future.