Interview with Photographer Kenneth Avery
What inspired you to become a photographer?
I've always been interested in creative arts. I like to produce music, write screenplays, draw, ect. So naturally, I explored photography and quickly developed a passion for it. Photography is a powerful medium, the story a well-composed image tells, the mood lighting creates, the visual pleasure aesthetics like textures and colors evoke. It inspired me to become an Independent Filmmaker, having majored in Film Production at Temple University in Philadelphia, and to pursue something I have a passion for is exciting.
How long have you been in the business?
I have been shooting photography professionally for about five years. I first picked up a camera over 15 years ago. Growing up, there has always been a camera around but I spent most of that time shooting unconsciously. It wasn't until recently that I began to understand the art of photography.
How did you become ill?
I've known one of the masterminds behind ILLview Incorporated, the Prince Malachi for about 10 years. We met in upstate NY through his sister Tracy, whom I am friends with and we connected immediately. He's like a brother from another mother. We even share the same birthday and of course the same desire to become successful, creative entrepreneurs, so it was only right to become a partner in ILLview.
What keeps you driven or motivated?
To know that my best work is yet to come keeps me motivated. As a student of photography and life itself I know to become a master of any craft, it takes time and practice. So essentially with hard work and patience, I will be much closer to capturing the same images that inspired me to become a photographer.
What do you enjoy the most about you sector of art?
I enjoy photography because it is easy to get into and has never felt like work. You don’t have to have a large crew or a lot of money to become a successful photographer, and it’s a versatile art. You can become a famous fashion photographer; you can shoot candidly capturing images of an unsuspecting natural world or simply shoot to document moments in time you would like to revisit. There are really a million ways to shoot and make a living from photography.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I envision myself working full-time for ILLview Incorporated while contributing to various creative endeavors, including photography, filmmaking and helping continue to build a successful company.
What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?
Learn the fundamentals first, composition, use of lighting, play around and know all your camera settings. You should be able to look at a scene and determine what setting would work best to achieve your desired effect. It’s fine to compare your images to that of which you see in magazines etc. but once you have a confident understanding of the art find your own style of shooting. Finally, keep shooting. There are an abundance of photographers out there and with the proliferation of cameras in society you have to pay your dues to be taken as a serious photographer.
