Interview with Photographer, Kemet Alston by Deja Leonni
Question 1: Every photographer has felt lost at some point in their career. Have you? How did you handle it? What advice would you give another photographer who may feel the same way?
Answer: Yes, every photographer has felt lost once in their career. Pursuing a career in photography is not as easy as it seems. These days it is easy to pick up a camera and shoot that anyone can do it. One must have a bigger purpose with their camera if they really want to make a living off it.
There were times in my career journey I did not feel confident in who I truly was as a photographer so I traveled in spaces I should not have. The way I managed situations was sitting back, talking with God, and understanding my value and self-worth. Nothing in life comes easy. There is no shortcut to this thing called life. Become appreciative of the journey you are in with all the wins big and small. When you find that happy place work hard to stay in it. You will be ever grateful for what you went through to get there and maintain that joy and love for the art of photography.
For those who doubt themselves because of what they see in the eyes of media know there is light at the end of the tunnel. Your success does not mount up to the media. Other photographers have their success, and you have your success. Art and photography are so beautiful because there are so many lanes. Find what you enjoy and do it to the best of your abilities. No matter the size of the win, it should feel like a big win. You worked hard so celebrate that win even if others won’t. You are the only one living your life and you want to be happy about the life you live.
Question 2: Did you have any other career aspirations besides photography? If so, what were they?
Answer: Did I have other career aspirations besides photography? Yes, I did. Going into my first year of college I had just started making photography a small piece of my life. I did not see photography as a career path for me at the time. I just wanted to tackle photography as a hobby. When I picked out my major, I decided on Mass Communications not for photography but for Sports broadcasting. Growing up I was in love with sports and still am to this day. My passion ran deep. I would come home from school and read the sports section of the newspaper every day. I would get online and read ESPN and watch sports highlights. I could tell you so much about sports from all the information and knowledge I got. My memory for sports was so good I would get upset with my mom or dad because they did not remember sports like I did. Long story short while in college I did not indulge in sports broadcastings outside of class because my focus became photography. Because of my photography focus I now have my business Kemet Alston Photography.
Question 3: What is the best camera you would recommend for a beginner?
Answer: When we talk about cameras in the photography field, we tend to feel like we need the best equipment out there. People feel the camera makes the photographer. That idea is not true. The photographer makes the camera. It is not about what equipment you have but what you do with what you have. Take time to learn the skills of photography. People wonder why two photographers with the same camera do not have the same kind of work. People have different skill levels no matter the kind of equipment they have.
Let us talk camera recommendations for a beginner. There are so many choices to pick from. First, what is your budget and what are you using the camera for. Next, I would let them know that it is not so much about the body as it is the lens on the camera. After those things I would say you cannot go wrong with finding a used DSLR Rebel to get you started and adding a 50mm prime. Hopping on the mirrorless wave is fine and a wonderful place to start is a Sony A6000. That camera is reasonable priced for what you get out of it. Lastly Nikons like D3200 and D3500 you cannot go wrong with that as well. At the end of the day, it is about what you know about photography and your camera to maximize everything you can get out of what you have.
Question 4: What would you like your end game to be with photography? In other words, how far do you plan to take it?
Answer: When I look at the future of Photography for me, I want people to know I had a love for the art of photography. I want to be able to make a life for myself doing the thing I love the most. I want to say I got to go on tour, I want to say my photography made an impact in people’s lives through my storytelling and I want people to see my work and know that is the work of Kemet Alston. So many accomplishments, but I am still looking for that stamp that says this is Kemet Alston Photography. When the time comes, I will feel like I have made it to where God has truly place me in this beautiful space called Photography. Until that time comes, I am loving where God is taking me on this journey.
Question 5: Tell me about a moment where you felt the most accomplished in your career.
Answer: One of the most accomplished moments for me in my photography career would have to be my recent Shoutout Atlanta article. This was my first article about Kemet Alston Photography. That for me was special because it allowed me to share my truth in why I do what I do. That allowed me to sit back and be proud of the photographer I am today and will continue to be. I’ve had quite a journey and still have people who have been by my side through the ups and the downs. I cannot thank those people enough and so many more who have had a positive impact in my career. I love that God is slowly showing me who I am meant to be as a photographer and cannot wait to show everyone the full transformation.
Link to my article: https://shoutoutatlanta.com/meet-kemet-alston-photographer/
