We’re looking forward to introducing you to Abdul-Hakeem Adeleye. Check out our conversation below.
Abdul-Hakeem, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
What I think is most misunderstood about my business is the idea that it is only about pictures and videos. On the surface, people see the cameras, the lenses, and the final gallery of images, but what they do not always see is the heart and intention behind the work. For me, Keemography is not just about taking photos, it is about creating something lasting that captures the emotions people often cannot put into words.
When I am documenting a wedding, I am not only focused on the big moments like the first kiss or the first dance. I am also looking for the small details that carry just as much meaning. It might be the nervous laugh of the groom before the ceremony, a tear falling during the vows, or the quiet way a parent holds their child’s hand. These are the kinds of moments that can easily be forgotten, but my job is to make them unforgettable.
What is often missed is that my business is about preserving people’s legacies. The photos and films I create allow families to relive the emotions of their most important days long after those days have passed. It is not only a creative service, it is a deeply personal responsibility that I treat with the care it deserves.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Abdul-Hakeem Adeleye, though most people know me as Keem. I am the founder of Keemography, a photography and videography brand based in Houston. Over the years, Keemography has grown into a team that captures weddings, graduations, portraits, and events, but at its core it has always been about people and their stories.
What makes Keemography unique is the way we focus on emotion. We do not just deliver photos and films, we create memories that feel alive every time you look back at them. I pay close attention to the small details, the fleeting glances, the nervous laughter, and the raw emotions that make each story one of a kind. For me, photography is not just a service, it is a way to preserve love, joy, and legacy.
Beyond the camera, my background in computer science pushes me to think creatively and innovatively. I am always exploring new ways to merge technology and art, whether through AI-driven projects or by designing systems that make the client experience more seamless. Right now, I am working to grow Keemography into a brand that is not only known for beautiful visuals, but also for the care and intentionality that go into every single project.
At the heart of my story is a simple mission: to capture moments that people can hold onto forever.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that really shaped how I see the world happened early in my photography journey. I had just finished shooting a wedding, and after weeks of editing and putting everything together, I delivered the gallery to the couple. The bride called me almost immediately. When she spoke, I could hear her voice shaking, and then she started crying. At first I thought something was wrong with the photos, but she explained that they were tears of joy. She told me the images made her feel like she was reliving every second of the day, from the nervous energy before walking down the aisle, to the warmth in her mother’s smile, to the way her husband looked at her when he thought no one else was watching.
That phone call changed everything for me. I realized photography was not just about producing beautiful pictures or meeting a client’s expectations. It was about giving people something they could hold onto forever, something that could bring back emotions and memories long after the day had passed. That single conversation made me look at my craft differently and also changed how I looked at people. It showed me how powerful small details can be, how fragile time is, and how much meaning can live in a single captured moment.
Since then, I have carried that perspective into everything I do. In photography and in life, I try to notice the little things that others might overlook, to slow down and appreciate connections, and to remember that impact often comes from presence and care rather than grand gestures. That moment taught me that my work is more than a business. It is a calling to preserve legacies and remind people of what truly matters.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was a time I almost gave up. It happened during a period when I was balancing my studies in computer science with trying to grow Keemography. I was pouring hours into both, but it felt like I was stretched too thin. I remember nights where I was editing until 3 a.m. and still had to wake up early for class or exams. On top of that, there were moments when clients were difficult and equipment failed, and I questioned whether all the sacrifices were worth it.
One particular night stands out. I had just lost some footage from an event because of a corrupted memory card, and I sat there staring at my computer feeling completely defeated. I thought about quitting, telling myself maybe this was too much to handle on top of everything else. But then I reminded myself why I started. Photography was not just a side hustle, it was a passion. It was the way I connected with people and gave them something meaningful. I thought back to the clients who cried tears of joy seeing their photos and realized I could not walk away from that.
Instead of giving up, I learned how to slow down and restructure. I invested in better systems, backups, and time management. That moment taught me resilience and reminded me that growth always comes with struggle. Looking back, I am grateful I did not quit, because pushing through that season helped me build not only a stronger business but also a stronger mindset.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the photography and videography industry tells itself is that the work is all about having the best gear or the biggest following. The truth is that clients do not remember what camera you used or how many likes your page has. What they remember is how you made them feel and whether you were able to capture their story in a way that felt true to them.
Another lie is that creativity alone is enough to succeed. Many photographers convince themselves that if they are talented behind the camera, everything else will fall into place. In reality, this industry is just as much about business as it is about art. You have to understand contracts, pricing, time management, and how to build relationships. Without those pieces, talent can only take you so far.
There is also a tendency to sell the dream that this job is glamorous and easy. People see highlight reels of destination weddings, styled shoots, or viral social media posts, but they do not see the exhaustion, the long nights of editing, or the stress of making sure nothing goes wrong on a once-in-a-lifetime day. Believing in that glamorized version sets many creatives up for disappointment.
For me, the truth is that this work is beautiful, but it is also demanding. It requires resilience, patience, and a deep respect for the people who trust you with their most important memories. That honesty is what grounds me and keeps me focused on the bigger picture.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I believe my customers would miss the way I make them feel throughout the entire process. Beyond the photos and videos, many of my clients tell me what they value most is the comfort, trust, and care I bring to their experience. From the first conversation to the final delivery, I focus on making people feel seen, celebrated, and supported. That energy is what often turns clients into long-term relationships and even friendships.
They would also miss the attention to detail I put into preserving their stories. It is not just about capturing big milestones, but about noticing the quiet emotions and in-between moments that they themselves might have missed. For many, those subtle memories become the most meaningful, and my clients know I take the responsibility of protecting those memories very seriously.
At the heart of it, I think they would miss the passion and sincerity I bring to my work. Anyone can take a picture, but not everyone approaches it as a way to preserve legacy and connection. If I stepped away, it would not just be the visuals they missed, it would be the genuine care and storytelling that come with every project.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://keemography.com
- Instagram: keemographer, keemographyweddings
Image Credits
All images were taken by Keemography
