Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelvin Aiken.
Hi Kelvin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve never considered myself an exceptionally creative person, yet I’ve always been told I have an “eye” for photography. When I received my first camera as a gift from my parents in middle school, I was intrigued by all of the settings and intricacies involved in the photography process. I always liked to tinker with things when I was young and I’m sure this was an effort by my parents to keep me occupied. The camera followed me through the years and so did my passion of photography.
My professional photography career started in 2018 when I felt confident enough to advertise myself and my services. I started taking photos of any and everything! Cars, animals, food, architecture, landscapes, motorcycles, sports; whatever was appealing to me at the time commanded the attention of my camera and I snapped away. I researched, talked to other photographers, watched endless YouTube videos, and took many, many photos as I developed my style and found my area of expertise. I discovered I liked the connection of working with other creatives and people to be the most fulfilling. I latched on to it and kelvin.captures was born.
I’m on an endless journey to sharpen and hone my photography skills, nurture my photographic “eye” so I can capture my subjects in their idyllic state, and have fun in the process!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My biggest struggle was finding my style. When I first started out, I found photographers that I really admired and studied their images and tried to emulate them. I came to a roadblock where my ambition for a certain image outweighed my skill and this was very frustrating. I also wanted to distinguish myself from me peers and my role models. Another challenge is balancing my photography with my corporate career. I have accepted a new position with my company that has moved me across the country. I’m now in the process of rebuilding my photography clientele and it’s challenging starting over again but not impossible. These obstacles are crucial parts of the growing process because they give you an opportunity to learn and develop yourself.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a fashion and editorial photographer. I love incorporating harsh elements of the environment I shoot in to contrast my subject. I’m known for my very clean and timeless photography and editing style. I’m proud of creating something that is all my own that introduces me to a variety of people. The world is full of so many unique people all with interesting stories and beautiful souls that I would never have met if it wasn’t for photography. I’m always honored when someone books me. I know they have come to trust me and the quality of my work and it’s a great feeling showing them the finished images and watching their face glows with excitement. I take pride in my images and I love connecting with others, creating meaningful bonds, and spreading positivity throughout the process.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Oh man… The one that sticks out to me is going with my dad to get his first tattoo when I was young. He was a hard worker and was pulling long hours to make sure my mom and I were taken care of so we didn’t get to spend too much time together. We were on our annual family summer vacation, this time to Florida, and he decided he wanted to get a tattoo. He picked a scorpion for my mother’s zodiac sign and got my name under it. I got to join him while he got his tattoo and I thought it was so cool. The shop transferred the same stencil on my arm so we technically left with matching tattoos! Ha!
Contact Info:
- Email: kelvincaptures@gmail.com
- Website: www.kelvincaptures.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/kelvin.captures
Image Credits
kelvin.captures
