30 Under 30: Eli Dagostino, Prodigy Photographer

If you don't know Eli you soon will. He's taking the island by storm and every day it seems the buzz on the uber talented young photographer grows.  Eli's talent speaks for itself.

Martha's Vineyard is just the beginning, what a blessing to know him before he takes the world by storm.  He soon will, you can count on that. 

Here he is...

How long have you lived on Martha's Vineyard and in what part of the island did you spend the most time?

I've lived on MV for 13 years total.  The first 5 years was from age 14 months through 5 years old.  The second round living here has been for the past 8 years.  I lived in NYC for 3 and a half years in between the 5 and 8 year stints and attended 1st grade through part of 4th grade in the city.

We all know you are quite young and highly accomplished, how to you manage high school and a budding (and busy) career?

I have supportive teachers. Plain and simple, I attend a school that understands I have a busy schedule and that my focus is my career over my education. I would NEVER have gotten to where I am today without the full support I receive from my teachers at The Martha's Vineyard Public Charter School.

What are you most proud about professionally up to this point?

Recently, images of mine were published on Vogue Italia's website vogue.it.

What is your current job and what are your responsibilities?

I am a professional photographer. I currently live year-round on Martha's Vineyard and shoot weddings, portraits, and events. I am moving to NYC in November of 2013 to pursue a career in fashion photography.

Tell me a little bit about the timeline of events that lead you to your photography career? 

There was not any one event that got me to where I am today. I set strict goals for myself, follow through with my commitments, and network, network, network with anyone and everyone who comes through my life. I never seem to stop working.   Everything and everyone in my "network" is somehow linked to my business and/or has played a role in my success somehow.

What interesting projects are you currently working on?

I just wrapped up completion of my first book called Influential MV.  The book features seven influential Vineyarders and touches upon their unique island lives. 

On January 1st, 2013 I'll be embarking upon a project I am calling the "365 Project." The project involves photographing 365 different people in the year 2013, specifically one environmental on-location portrait every day for 365 days. The latest portrait shot as part of the project can be seen on my website homepage or on my facebook page where all of the portraits will be shared. 

My assistant and I have been hard at work with pre-production plans for a huge 14-page fashion editorial shoot happening in early February 2013.  I am producing the editorial shoot assisted by a creative staff of ten talented professionals.  The shoot will take place on-location in Vineyard Haven.

In addition to my personal projects and events that pop up during the off-season, I am booking 2013 and 2014 weddings.  I will also begin booking and scheduling family portraits and events for the upcoming summer season as it gets a bit closer!

Are you involved in any other groups/committees on island? 

I am not involved with any groups or committees. Honestly, I find that balancing school and all of the above is challenging enough. 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I have big plans for my future. Anything is possible. I can't help always pushing myself to work just a little harder than the day before.  My forever supportive first assistant Alexandra Cook always says to me: "don't limit yourself."

His accomplishments are growing, you can learn more about his work here