You might know Justin Ervin as Ashley Graham’s husband, but that label barely scratches the surface. He’s an Emmy-nominated cinematographer who’s built a career telling stories that matter. His lens has captured everything from social documentaries to high-profile Netflix originals while raising three kids and running his own production company.
Born on the last day of 1988, Justin has spent over two decades behind the camera. His work blends documentary grit with narrative beauty. From festival-winning films to branded campaigns for Netflix and Adobe, he’s carved out a space that’s entirely his own.
Justin Ervin Quick Bio Summary
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Justin Ervin |
| Date of Birth | December 31, 1988 |
| Place of Birth | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Occupation | Filmmaker, Cinematographer, Director, Producer |
| Education | BFA in Video Production (Columbus College of Art & Design), MFA in Social Documentary Filmmaking (School of Visual Arts) |
| Notable Works | Is That Black Enough for You?!?, 761st: The Original Black Panthers, Elephant In The Room, Rittenhouse Square |
| Awards & Nominations | Emmy nomination, 2x NAACP Image Award nominations, festival recognitions |
| Production Company | Element Films Inc. |
| Spouse | Ashley Graham (m. 2010) |
| Children | 3 (Isaac, Roman, Malachi) |
| Net Worth | ~$9 million |
| Social Media | Instagram: @mrjustinervin |
Early Years and Growing Up
Justin Ervin was born on December 31, 1988, in Atlanta, Georgia. His early years in the South shaped his perspective on identity and storytelling. From a young age, he was drawn to cameras and production work.
His family includes his mother, Kathryn Ervin, and his sibling, Kia Ervin. The Ervin household wasn’t in the entertainment industry, which meant Justin had to build his path from scratch. That outsider status later became an asset in how he approached visual storytelling.
By the early 2000s, while still a teenager, Justin was already working production gigs. He started around 2002 as a production assistant and camera operator. Those unglamorous crew jobs taught him discipline and technical skill that would define his filmmaking approach.
Justin Ervin Education and Film Training
Justin earned a BFA in Video Production from the Columbus College of Art & Design and an MFA in Social Documentary Filmmaking from the School of Visual Arts. This foundation gave him the technical skills to operate cameras and understand production workflows. The hands-on program prepared him for real-world film sets.
He went on to earn an MFA in Social Documentary Filmmaking from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. This graduate program shifted his focus toward stories with social impact and cultural significance. The combination became his signature style.
He also completed master courses at the American Society of Cinematographers. This blend of documentary training and cinematography expertise sets him apart. Few filmmakers manage to balance both worlds as naturally as Justin does.
Justin Ervin Career Path and Early Projects
Justin’s professional journey started in crew roles before he stepped into directing and cinematography. He worked as a production assistant, assistant camera, and camera operator on various projects throughout the 2000s. The groundwork taught him every aspect of production.
His early documentary work focused on social themes and international subjects. One project, As In A Mirror, followed Senegalese merchants living in Italy, exploring migration and cultural identity. This film set the tone for the kind of work Justin would pursue—stories about real people facing real challenges.
In 2012, his documentary Elephant In The Room was released and gained recognition at festivals including the Garden State Film Festival and the Vail Film Festival. The film tackled difficult conversations around race and relationships. It showed Justin wasn’t afraid to explore uncomfortable topics that most filmmakers avoid.
Major Cinematography Work
Justin’s cinematography career took off with high-profile documentary projects. He served as Director of Photography on the Netflix original documentary Is That Black Enough for You?!? As reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
He also worked as DP on 761st: The Original Black Panthers, a documentary starring Morgan Freeman about the first African-American tank battalion in World War II. His camera work brought forgotten heroes back into public consciousness. The project allowed Justin to combine historical storytelling with powerful visual composition.
His narrative cinematography includes the feature film Rittenhouse Square (2022). This crossover into narrative fiction shows his range beyond documentary work. Justin’s ability to move between documentary and narrative styles sets him apart from cinematographers who stay in one lane.
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Branded Content and Commercial Work
Beyond documentaries, Justin has created branded visual campaigns for major clients. His portfolio includes work for Netflix, PBS, HBO, Hulu, Adobe, CNN, The Gap, and Guess. These commercial projects fund his more personal documentary work.
In 2022, he shot a Webby Award-winning video for the San Francisco Opera. This project proved he could apply cinematic techniques to performance art and cultural institutions. His commercial work never feels like a sellout—it carries the same visual integrity as his documentaries.
His photography has appeared in covers and spreads for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE. This fashion photography work connects him to his wife’s modeling world while maintaining his own artistic voice. Justin proves you can work across commercial and artistic spaces without compromising vision.
Justin Ervin Building Element Films Inc.
Justin founded his own production company, commonly known as Element Films Inc. The company handles photography, visual media, and film production across documentary, narrative, and commercial projects. This business gives Justin creative control over the projects he takes on.
Running his own company means Justin wears multiple hats—director, cinematographer, producer, and business owner. He’s expanding his creative reach into television and feature films beyond the documentary niche. This growth shows ambition beyond just being a hired gun on other people’s projects.
His official website describes him as an award-winning writer, director, and cinematographer of both scripted and non-scripted work. Element Films allows Justin to curate projects that align with his values. In an industry where many filmmakers chase any paycheck, having your own company means choosing work that matters.
Documentary Filmmaking Style
Justin’s approach blends documentary sensibility with narrative cinematography aesthetics. He works at the intersection of both forms, creating visuals that feel real yet cinematic. This hybrid style makes his work stand out in crowded film festivals and streaming platforms.
He’s shot documentaries in Spain, France, Italy, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Colombia, and South Africa. These global locations inform his visual perspective and cultural awareness. Travel-driven filmmaking exposes you to stories and faces that challenge your assumptions.
His early documentary credits include Derby in Black, 12 Steps to Recovery, The Pain of Love, and Down a Dark Stairwell. These titles reveal his focus on identity, recovery, struggle, and justice. Justin doesn’t make feel-good documentaries—he makes films that ask tough questions and sit with uncomfortable answers.
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Justin Ervin Meeting Ashley Graham
Justin met Ashley Graham in 2009 at a church event in New York. Ashley later described it as “Porn Sunday”—a service where former adult-industry performers spoke about transformation through faith. Ashley was volunteering in the elevator when Justin stepped in.
She recalled that Justin struck up a conversation right away. Ashley said he seemed to be looking into her soul when they talked. That connection was instant and deep, not based on her modeling career or his film work.
After about a year of dating, Justin proposed. During filming of what they called “The Justin and Ashley Show,” they were joking about marriage when Justin surprised her with a ring. He said he wanted to get married in two months, showing confidence in what they’d built together.
Justin Ervin Marriage and Family Life
They married on August 14, 2010. The marriage brought together two people from different worlds—a Black filmmaker and a white supermodel. That interracial dynamic would become part of their public narrative, whether they wanted it or not.
The couple shares three children. Their first son, Isaac Menelik Giovanni Ervin, was born on January 18, 2020. Twins Roman Ervin and Malachi Ervin followed on January 7, 2022.
After welcoming the twins, Ashley revealed that Justin underwent a vasectomy. This decision showed they were content with their family of five. Justin has been open about the joys and challenges of fatherhood, balancing film sets with diaper changes.
Navigating an Interracial Marriage
Justin and Ashley’s relationship faced challenges from the start. Ashley’s family had reservations about the relationship. Her grandmother in Nebraska didn’t initially acknowledge Justin when he visited, a moment Ashley described as shocking.
Justin responded to that incident with a powerful observation. He said racism is never surprising but always disappointing. That quote captures his measured approach to prejudice—he doesn’t express shock at racism because he’s experienced it before, but each instance still stings.
When they had their first baby in 2020, Ashley spoke publicly about preparing to talk with their children about her being white and him being Black. These conversations reflect the reality many interracial families navigate. Justin’s experience as a Black man in America will shape how he raises his sons in ways Ashley can support but not fully replicate.
Early Dating Dynamics
On their first date, Justin and Ashley split the bill. He was cautious at first, wanting to make sure the connection was genuine and not based on fame.
After that initial meeting, Justin took the lead in paying for future dates, building trust as their relationship grew.
These early interactions show Justin’s thoughtful approach—he values sincerity over status, both in love and in his filmmaking career.
Justin Ervin Public Presence and Social Media
Justin’s Instagram handle is @mrjustinervin, where he has around 140K followers. His bio mentions Emmy-nominated, 2x NAACP-nominated Filmmaker at Large. This modest following reflects his behind-the-camera career rather than chasing influencer status.
His Instagram balances family moments with behind-the-scenes shots from film sets. He doesn’t overshare or create content just for engagement. The feed feels curated but authentic—a visual diary rather than a marketing tool.
While his presence is modest compared to celebrity models, Justin uses it to showcase his work and values. He’s not trying to be an influencer or public personality. The account exists to document his creative journey, not to build a personal brand.
Financial Overview and Net Worth
According to The List Justin reported Ervin’s net worth around US $9 million. These estimates consider his cinematography work, documentaries, branded campaigns, and his production company.
His wife Ashley Graham’s net worth is often cited around US $10 million. Together, they represent a power couple who’ve built wealth through creative work rather than traditional entertainment celebrity. Their combined earnings show that you don’t need to be in front of the camera to build financial success.
Exact numbers are not publicly verified since Justin doesn’t disclose his earnings. His income streams include cinematography fees, directing projects, commercial campaigns, and his production company’s revenue. The diversified income shows smart business planning—he’s not dependent on one project type or client.
Justin Ervin Awards and Industry Recognition
Justin’s cinematography on Is That Black Enough for You?!? earned an Emmy nomination and two NAACP Image Award nominations. These nominations put Justin in elite company among documentary cinematographers. Recognition from both the Television Academy and NAACP validates his technical skill and cultural impact.
His 2012 documentary Elephant In The Room received recognition at the Garden State Film Festival and Vail Film Festival. These festival selections helped establish Justin early in his career. Film festivals remain crucial gatekeepers for independent filmmakers trying to get noticed.
He’s been invited as a Distinguished Panelist at DOC NYC, speaking on cinematography techniques and documentary aesthetics. These speaking engagements show industry respect beyond just his film work. When festivals ask you to teach others, it means your expertise is valued.
Identity and Representation
As an African-American filmmaker working in documentary cinema, Justin brings a perspective shaped by identity and media representation. His documentaries often explore race, culture, and social justice themes. This focus isn’t accidental—it reflects lived experience and a commitment to stories that mainstream media often ignores.
His behind-the-camera position gives him different creative agency than actors or on-screen talent. The cinematographer controls what the audience sees and how they see it. In Justin’s hands, that power gets used to elevate marginalized voices and challenge dominant narratives.
With an MFA in social documentary filmmaking, Justin’s training grounds him in crafting stories that matter beyond entertainment. He’s not making content for content’s sake. Every project seems to ask: Does this story need to be told, and am I the right person to tell it?
Current Projects and Future Plans
Justin is expanding into television and feature films beyond strictly documentary work. This evolution suggests bigger budgets and wider audiences. Moving from documentary to narrative fiction is a natural progression for cinematographers who master visual storytelling.
He continues to run Element Films Inc., taking on select projects that align with his vision. His recent work includes both commercial campaigns and passion projects. Balancing commercial work with artistic integrity is the eternal filmmaker’s challenge, and Justin seems to navigate it well.
His photography continues to appear in fashion magazines while his cinematography work spans documentary, narrative, and branded content. This range prevents creative burnout—when documentary work gets heavy, he can shift to commercial projects, and vice versa. Career longevity often depends on this kind of variety.
Justin Ervin Parenting and Family Priorities
Justin and Ashley balance raising three sons with busy careers, keeping family life a priority amid public attention.
They share occasional family moments online while maintaining privacy, protecting their children from overexposure.
Parenthood has influenced Justin’s perspective, adding depth to his storytelling and a focus on meaningful, human-centered narratives.
Lesser-Known Facts
Justin worked as a production assistant on the documentary Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Take 2½ and the television series Paranormal State, according to IMDb Credits. These early credits show he paid dues on varied projects before finding his niche. Working in horror TV and experimental documentary gave him a wide technical foundation.
His photography work is travel and culture-driven, capturing everyday life and places beyond fashion editorial. This global perspective shows up in his documentary locations across multiple continents. Justin doesn’t just visit places; he documents them with an outsider’s curiosity and insider’s respect.
He’s been working in production since around 2002, starting before he was even twenty years old. This early start gave him nearly two decades of experience by the time he hit major projects. That kind of longevity builds instincts you can’t teach in film school.
FAQ’s about Justin Ervin
When was Justin Ervin born?
He was born on December 31, 1988, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Who is Justin Ervin married to?
He married supermodel Ashley Graham on August 14, 2010.
How many children do Justin and Ashley have?
They have three sons: Isaac, Roman, and Malachi.
What is Justin Ervin’s profession?
He’s a filmmaker, cinematographer, director, writer, and producer specializing in documentary and narrative visual work.
What is Justin Ervin’s estimated net worth?
Estimates range from $1 million to $9 million, with most sources citing around $9 million.
What are Justin Ervin’s major film credits?
Notable works include cinematography on Is That Black Enough for You?!? and 761st: The Original Black Panthers, plus directing Elephant In The Room.
Where did Justin Ervin study filmmaking?
He earned a BFA from Columbus College of Art & Design and an MFA in Social Documentary Filmmaking from the School of Visual Arts.
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