Today we’d like to introduce you to Abdul-Hakeem Adeleye.
Hi Abdul-Hakeem, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I’m a freelance photographer who’s passionate about capturing the beauty and essence of the world around us through my lens. Photography has always been a part of my life, and I’m constantly striving to improve my craft and expand my skills. Ever since I was young, I’ve been fascinated by the power of photography and the entire filmmaking process, in general, to capture moments, tell stories, and evoke emotions. It’s always been a dream of mine to become a professional filmmaker, and I’m thrilled to finally be taking the first steps toward making that dream a reality.
I started by getting myself a camera and experimenting with different styles and techniques. I spent countless hours practicing and honing my skills, trying to capture the essence of the world around me through my lens. And while it wasn’t always easy, I found that the more I worked at it, the more my passion for photography grew. Now, I’m taking on small projects for friends and family, building up my portfolio, and gaining experience. I’m constantly seeking out opportunities to learn and improve, whether it’s through online tutorials, workshops, or mentorship programs.
What I love most about photography is the way it allows me to connect with people and the world in a deeper way. Whether it’s capturing the raw emotions of a subject in a portrait or the beauty of a landscape at sunset, I feel like I’m able to communicate something profound and meaningful through my images. Of course, there will be challenges along the way, and I know that building a successful career in photography is no easy feat. But I’m committed to putting in the hard work and dedication necessary to make my dream a reality.
I’m excited to see where this journey takes me, and I can’t wait to share my passion for photography with others. I’m always exploring new techniques and styles to push the boundaries of my work and create something unique and memorable for my clients. I understand that building a successful career in photography is not easy, but I’m willing to put in the time and effort to make it happen. I’m excited about the future and can’t wait to see where my passion for photography takes me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a career in photography is not always easy. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is building up my portfolio and gaining exposure. As a new photographer, I didn’t have a lot of professional work to show, which made it difficult to attract clients. I spent a lot of time networking with people in my community, offering my services for free or at a reduced cost, and sharing my work on social media platforms to gain more exposure.
Over time, I was able to build up a portfolio of work that I was proud of, and that helped me attract more clients. Another challenge I’ve faced is dealing with competition in the industry. There are many talented photographers out there, and it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd. To differentiate myself, I’ve focused on developing a unique style and voice that sets me apart from others. I’ve also tried to be strategic in the types of clients I pursue, seeking out those who are a good fit for my style and strengths.
Managing finances has also been a challenge. Investing in high-quality equipment and marketing materials can be expensive, and it can be difficult to balance the costs of running a business with the need to make a profit. I’ve had to be careful about how I spend my money, finding ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to pursuing my passion for photography.
I’ve learned to be patient, persistent, and adaptable in the face of obstacles. By continuously honing my skills, building relationships with clients, and investing in my business, I’m confident that I can continue to grow and thrive as a freelance photographer. I’m excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to creating more beautiful images that capture the essence of the world around us.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a freelance photographer, I specialize in capturing moments and telling stories through my lens. I work with a variety of clients, including individuals, small businesses, and event planners, to create images that convey a sense of emotion and meaning. My work primarily involves portrait, lifestyle, and event photography, but I’m always open to exploring new areas and genres of photography.
My specialty is in portrait, lifestyle, and event photography. I love working with people and capturing their unique personalities and emotions in my images. Whether I’m taking photos of families, couples, or individuals, I strive to create images that are authentic, beautiful, and meaningful. I also enjoy event photography, capturing the excitement and energy of a live event, and bringing that experience to life through my images.
I’m known for my ability to create images that are both beautiful and authentic. I have a keen eye for detail and composition, which allows me to create images that are both aesthetically pleasing and technically sound. I’m also known for my ability to connect with my clients and create a comfortable and enjoyable experience during our shoots. I believe that building a strong rapport with my clients is key to capturing authentic and meaningful images, and I work hard to establish a positive relationship from the outset.
I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients over the years. I believe that the key to great photography is establishing trust and understanding with your subjects, and I’m proud of the many lasting relationships I’ve built with clients who have become repeat customers and friends. I’m also proud of the images I create, which capture the unique personalities, emotions, and experiences of my clients in a way that is beautiful, authentic, and meaningful.
What sets me apart from others is my unique style and approach to photography. I strive to create images that are both beautiful and authentic, capturing the essence of my subjects in a natural and unforced way. I’m also highly collaborative in my approach, working closely with my clients to understand their vision and preferences, and to create images that meet their specific needs and goals. Additionally, I’m highly adaptable and versatile, with the ability to work in a variety of environments and under a range of conditions, from natural light to artificial lighting and beyond.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
As a photographer, I believe that continuous learning and improvement are crucial to staying relevant and successful in the industry. This is why I always make it a point to read photography books and listen to podcasts that offer new insights and ideas on how to improve my skills.
“Understanding Exposure” by Bryan Peterson, for example, is a fantastic resource for photographers who want to learn more about the technical aspects of photography, such as shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. This book provides a clear and concise explanation of these concepts and how to use them effectively to create compelling images.
“The Photographer’s Eye” by Michael Freeman is another excellent resource that delves into the principles of composition and design in photography. It offers practical tips and techniques for creating images that are aesthetically pleasing and visually compelling.
Lastly, “The Moment It Clicks” by Joe McNally is a great book for photographers who want to learn how to capture the decisive moment in their images. McNally shares his experiences and insights from his extensive career as a professional photographer, offering practical advice on how to anticipate and capture those fleeting moments that make for powerful and memorable images.
In addition to reading books, I also find editing software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop to be essential tools for enhancing my images. These software programs allow me to fine-tune the exposure, contrast, and color balance of my images, and remove unwanted elements from the frame.
Finally, I find social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to be great sources of inspiration for new photography ideas and techniques. These platforms offer a wealth of images from other photographers and visual artists, allowing me to explore new styles and approaches to photography.
Overall, I believe that continuous learning and improvement are essential for anyone who wants to succeed as a photographer. By staying curious and seeking out new ideas and resources, I can continue to grow and develop my skills and create images that are meaningful and impactful.
Pricing:
- Photo session with me as the photographer Location of your choice within a 30-mile radius of Houston (additional travel fees may apply for locations outside of this range) Up to 2 outfit changes Professional editing of 15 high-resolution digital images Online gallery for viewing, sharing, and downloading images. Cost – $100
- Photo session with me as your photographer Location of your choice within a 30-mile radius of Houston (additional travel fees may apply for locations outside of this range) Up to 3 outfit changes Professional editing of 20 high-resolution digital images Online gallery for viewing, sharing, and downloading images. Cost – $150
- Photo session with me as the photographer Location of your choice within a 30-mile radius of Houston (additional travel fees may apply for locations outside of this range) Up to 2 outfit changes Professional editing of 25 high-resolution digital images Online gallery for viewing, sharing, and downloading images. Cost – $200
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keemographer/
