Today we’d like to introduce you to Kunta Aungkh Heru Men Gary.
Kunta Aungkh Heru Men, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my photography journey during the midst of the pandemic. I’ve always been interested in photography as I was able to receive my first DSLR camera when I was in high school and I would take pictures with it periodically but I was not taking it seriously and it was just a hobby of mine. When the pandemic hit, I had to move back home to Oakland, California. I had a lot of time on my hands just being home while trying to get back settled living at home after being at Morehouse college for one and half years. It was a rough time for me mentally during that time and the world seemed to be going down a downward spiral with this new disease that is killing a large sum of people. As well as the racial tensions increased as the death of George Floyd an unarmed black man who was murder by the hands of a police officer. This sparked many protests across the country, who wanted to see change of how Black people are being treated within this country.
Since these protests happened where I was from, I was inspired to go out and document what was going on as well as the beauty that came from these different protests in my city. This pushed me to tap back into my craft. As I started shooting again, I began to find real joy and drive in what I was doing and I did not feel this same type of drive with anything else that I was doing at the time. I saw that I was improving in my work as I am still documenting Oakland and the rich culture that Oakland has to offer. I then began shooting portraiture work as I was shooting friends and family within the city. I then switched mediums while I started out shooting digital photography and switched to analog (Film Photography). My friend from Morehouse college Trey Byrd is the one who first introduced me into film photography. When I started to shoot film, I fell so deeply in love with this way of taking pictures and capturing work on film. I started to truly understand the art of photography and that it is truly a skill that you need to develop to take memorable photos. So I appreciate him for introducing me to this way of taking pictures. I then bought my first film camera which is the Pentax K1000. I then to started doing editorial work, my main mission is to create frames that uplift black people. While starting to create my own narrative about my people and not let other main media outlets tell a false narrative about black people. Narrative change is very important and it was a main concept that stuck with me throughout my entire childhood.
Also because of my new love and passion for photography, I became closer with my grandfather who also has a love for photography. He saw my passion and gifted me his old photography equipment that included a new film and camera and five different lenses that has helped me get better and produce quality work. I began to be consistent which helped me stay focus on creating work and getting better at my craft. Another friend of mine Jamaree Woods created a photography team called Cinematic Shooters Only (CSO) which is a collective of other Black photographers/ videographers that work together and help uplift one another in projects that we are working on. I was happy when he asked me to be a part of his group because I felt that this was a wonderful opportunity to meet other creatives that have a common goal in mind and is willing to help where the help is needed. I’ve gained a lot of experience while being a part of this group which I am extremely grateful for. It has helped me to be more conscious of the work that I do put out and how to do it in an effective and organized way. In the past year and a half, I have learned a lot within this journey and every event that’s happened has led me to where I am right now. I am very appreciative and excited to what is to come next for me in this journey.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road, as I have been learning the skill of photography on my own by looking at different videos on youtube and actually shooting to gain the necessary experience. The main struggle that I have came across while is always staying inspired and being consistent with work that I put out. It is mentally taxing but what I’ve learned is that it takes time to come up with a solid concept or theme. I want to make meaningful work and that comes with time. Also, I would say as creators/ artists, we are our biggest critics which can hinder the work that we put out. However, how I’ve came over this stigma is by believing in myself and my ability to produce the work I put out. When you believe in yourself then others will start to do the same.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in Film Photography and I use this medium to continue to change the narrative of African Americans. I’ve grown up on a phrase that is “I will not let television tell our vision”. This is what I feel that has happened to African Americans in this country which is why there is a lot of misconceptions that are floating around in the mainstream media. I want to specialize in film photography and this is what I am known for. I am most proud of in the way I can set up different concepts and execute them as I have imagined in my head. What sets me apart is the way that I can compose a scene and bring my images to life. I believe people can really resonate with my work because I want to show the real-life situations of my culture and lifestyle in an abstract way.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I believe that risk taking is a key to success. Sometimes you need to be able to take risk to get where you are trying to head to. The risk I’ve taken is choosing to be dedicated to film photography. People have always told me that I should do both digital and film but I have found a different love and passion for film images that is unmatched. I believe in my skillset and in what I want to do I believe that film is the best medium to achieve that goal.
Pricing:
- Outdoor shoo is 175$ per 1hr
- Indoor shoot 220$ per hr
Contact Info:
- Email: Kuntagary@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/g.i.m.o/
Image Credits:
Jamaree Woods
