 | Philadelphia is the city, he's coming from and it's also the city, he's living in ... and creating his photos! We like to introduce you photographer Kevin Blackson, the creative brain behind Keo Arts Photography. Just some days ago we discovered his photos on YouPic, one of the most interesting photo communities, and immediately contacted him for an interview. And here we are with the result. Besides the interview we are happy to be able to show you several of his amazing photos. But have a look yourself. |
Kevin, can you please tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Kevin D. Blackson. I was born on June 6, 1988 in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As of today, I am 28 years old, and I still reside in South Philadelphia. Nonetheless, I’ve been a professional photographer for over five years now, and I have been running my own independent photography studio since the beginning of 2015. With that being said, photography is all I know. It has truly become a part of me. All I do is eat, sleep and breathe photography everyday of the week. As a result, I can’t see myself doing anything else outside of that as of right now.
My name is Kevin D. Blackson. I was born on June 6, 1988 in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As of today, I am 28 years old, and I still reside in South Philadelphia. Nonetheless, I’ve been a professional photographer for over five years now, and I have been running my own independent photography studio since the beginning of 2015. With that being said, photography is all I know. It has truly become a part of me. All I do is eat, sleep and breathe photography everyday of the week. As a result, I can’t see myself doing anything else outside of that as of right now.
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Have you been involved in the arts in some form other than photography?
Growing up as a child, I used to enjoy drawing. However, I never pursued it any further. It was just a hobby and that’s it. Although that was the case, I never thought that I would be pursuing photography, either, the way that I am today.
Growing up as a child, I used to enjoy drawing. However, I never pursued it any further. It was just a hobby and that’s it. Although that was the case, I never thought that I would be pursuing photography, either, the way that I am today.
  | Have you been involved in the arts in some form other than photography? Growing up as a child, I used to enjoy drawing. However, I never pursued it any further. It was just a hobby and that’s it. Although that was the case, I never thought that I would be pursuing photography, either, the way that I am today. After seeing your remarkable work, where does your creativity come from? My creativity comes from looking at cartoons, anime, comic books, movies, artwork and other photographers’ work. By doing so, you’d be surprised at what kinds of ideas and inspiration can come from taking the time out to really observe and appreciate someone else’s work. How did you first become interested in photography? My interest in photography began when my father had decided to start his own production company, known as Urban Shots Productions, in 2005. Even at that time, I still never thought about pursing photography as a career. It was literally just a thought. It wasn’t until the year 2006 that I discovered that being a professional photographer was something that I really wanted to do. |
What equipment are you using now and with what did you get started? What is your favorite lens?
As of right now, I use the Nikon D7200 and D5200 DSLR cameras. Also, I use other equipment such as strobe lights, softboxes, umbrellas, a flash, reflectors, fill cards, backdrops, an 18-50mm and 50mm lens, and a cyclorama wall. As for what I first started off with, I used the Nikon P90 and D40 DSLR cameras, an 18-50 lens, reflectors, umbrellas and a flash. Nevertheless, my favorite lens is the 50mm. It has really helped me advance in my work.
Can you tell us about your workflow from the point you first step onto the street up until you showcase the developed picture?
Whenever I have a scheduled photo shoot at my studio, normally they last up to an hour or two, depending on the model who I’m working with. Once I am finished working at the studio, I go home and immediately start working on selecting photos from the photo shoot which usually takes about an hour. Then, I spend another hour editing each selected photo in Adobe Lightroom and two more hours editing in Adobe Photoshop. Last but not least, I always like to put together a short-length video of my photo shoot(s) for advertising purposes and so that my models will have something that they can add to their portfolios (this process can take up to 2 hours to complete).
As of right now, I use the Nikon D7200 and D5200 DSLR cameras. Also, I use other equipment such as strobe lights, softboxes, umbrellas, a flash, reflectors, fill cards, backdrops, an 18-50mm and 50mm lens, and a cyclorama wall. As for what I first started off with, I used the Nikon P90 and D40 DSLR cameras, an 18-50 lens, reflectors, umbrellas and a flash. Nevertheless, my favorite lens is the 50mm. It has really helped me advance in my work.
Can you tell us about your workflow from the point you first step onto the street up until you showcase the developed picture?
Whenever I have a scheduled photo shoot at my studio, normally they last up to an hour or two, depending on the model who I’m working with. Once I am finished working at the studio, I go home and immediately start working on selecting photos from the photo shoot which usually takes about an hour. Then, I spend another hour editing each selected photo in Adobe Lightroom and two more hours editing in Adobe Photoshop. Last but not least, I always like to put together a short-length video of my photo shoot(s) for advertising purposes and so that my models will have something that they can add to their portfolios (this process can take up to 2 hours to complete).
| Do you see a particular influence, be it a photographer or school, on your work? Is there any subject that attracts you? The one and only thing that has had any influence on my work is my family. Without their love and support, I wouldn’t be who I am and where I am today. As far as what subject(s) I am attracted to, there isn’t anything in particular that I find attractive. In my eyes, anything can be attractive to me. I can find beauty in anything. Can you tell us your funniest or most awkward photography story? I remember one time when I photographed a young woman who said she was an exotic dancer. At the time, I had no idea what she meant by that (sometimes I can be very naïve to certain things). In fact, I thought that she did ballet or hip hop dancing. Even funnier, during the photo shoot, the young woman kept swinging off one of the chairs in my studio. I had no idea why she was doing it, and I still wasn’t aware of the fact that she was an “exotic dancer.” Nonetheless, once I got home from the photo shoot, I began talking to my brother about how I met this cool dancer who did ballet and hip hop; but for some reason, he didn’t believe me and asked, “What type of dancing does she REALLY do?” So, I told him that she was an exotic dancer. After I said that, he began to shake his head and laughed, and said, “Dude, she’s a stripper! That’s what an exotic dancer is! You didn’t know that!?” Then, I thought to myself, “Is that why the young lady was swinging off the chairs in my studio?” and I laughed. As of today, I still think about that moment and laugh at myself for not knowing for so long. That will always be a moment that I will never forget. |    |
What would you say characterizes your work in comparison to other photographers?
To be honest, I don’t really know what makes my work stand out from other photographers. Yet, I often hear a lot of people tell me that I have a good eye when it comes to creating new shooting angels and lighting patterns. Whenever I hear people say that, I always think that this is just what comes natural to me, so I don’t really think much of it.
Among your work, which is your favorite? Why?
Believe it or not, I can’t really say that I have a favorite because with every photo shoot that I do, it always takes my skills to the next level, along with giving me a new challenge to face, which makes me appreciate and love all of the work that I create.
What would you tell a newcomer who asks for your advice on how to start?
For those who want to become a professional photographer, first off, make sure that this is something that you really want to do and that you’re not in it for the wrong reasons. Once that has been established, you can start off by reading books on photography and watching beginner photography tutorials on Youtube. Once you are confident about the things you’ve learned through doing your research, you can go on to purchase a camera, one that is based on your comfort level, and began practicing. At this point, it’s all trial and error. The more you do it, the better you become at it. And from there on, wherever you decide to go with it, that all depends on you. As being a photographer, it’s not just about taking pictures and perfecting your craft. You have to take it a step further and put yourself out there, get to know people and network. But most of all, don’t give up no matter how slow things may start off or how bombarded you may become in the future. If this is what you really want to do, you have to handle both the good and the bad. Your career as a photographer depends on YOU and what YOU make of it. So, if you don’t work hard and stay consistent, then you won’t get anything out of it.
To be honest, I don’t really know what makes my work stand out from other photographers. Yet, I often hear a lot of people tell me that I have a good eye when it comes to creating new shooting angels and lighting patterns. Whenever I hear people say that, I always think that this is just what comes natural to me, so I don’t really think much of it.
Among your work, which is your favorite? Why?
Believe it or not, I can’t really say that I have a favorite because with every photo shoot that I do, it always takes my skills to the next level, along with giving me a new challenge to face, which makes me appreciate and love all of the work that I create.
What would you tell a newcomer who asks for your advice on how to start?
For those who want to become a professional photographer, first off, make sure that this is something that you really want to do and that you’re not in it for the wrong reasons. Once that has been established, you can start off by reading books on photography and watching beginner photography tutorials on Youtube. Once you are confident about the things you’ve learned through doing your research, you can go on to purchase a camera, one that is based on your comfort level, and began practicing. At this point, it’s all trial and error. The more you do it, the better you become at it. And from there on, wherever you decide to go with it, that all depends on you. As being a photographer, it’s not just about taking pictures and perfecting your craft. You have to take it a step further and put yourself out there, get to know people and network. But most of all, don’t give up no matter how slow things may start off or how bombarded you may become in the future. If this is what you really want to do, you have to handle both the good and the bad. Your career as a photographer depends on YOU and what YOU make of it. So, if you don’t work hard and stay consistent, then you won’t get anything out of it.
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