Today we’d like to introduce you to Kollin Washington.
Hi Kollin, 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?
Everything started my Sophomore year of high school. I was looking to add an extra study hall to my schedule so I can sleep but my counselor advised me to take an art class and put me in photography 1. After looking at the works of Ansel Adams and Steven Mccurry, I was hooked. Since then, I’ve been studying different photographers and trying as many styles as I can, looking to perfect my style. Over a year had passed and I got my first paid gig, a basketball game. I charged my friend and former teammate, Kami, 35 dollars to take pictures for him. I felt like the man when I was counting the money I’d earned. Although I realized I can make money off my talents, learning about the business was the most valuable thing I could obtain.
Years later, I (finally) moved onto Morehouse’ campus. Looking to get my name out there, I tried to join every groupchat, organization, and media team I could get my hands on. Eventually, I was introduced to the Maroon Tiger. My friend and current Chief Editor, Elliot, put me on since he noticed my work and thought that I would be a good fit. Nearly two semesters and an overwhelming amount of content later, people have started to take notice of my work and help put me in positions where I can showcase it. God has been very good to me and fundamental in my learning process as businessman and artist and I will always be grateful.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
My main struggle was losing the passion for my first love, football. Up until my Junior of high school, I wanted to play D1 football for North Carolina and eventually go pro. However, all of that changed when I found photography. Although photography was my scapegoat, football took up most of time and after a while, I started to struggle. A once-starting running back was competing for playing time on a daily basis and I found myself losing a lot more than I was winning. I found myself becoming depressed and helpless and that attitude seeped into my schoolwork. Along with hard-hitting deaths in the family, life did not look like it was going in my favor.
Fast-forward to my senior year, week six of the regular season, we played our rivals, Mt. Zion. I got the ball on a handoff and felt my knee pop two steps into me running the ball. The physical trainer told me I “Hyperextended” my knee and suggested I kept playing, which I did. Seven weeks later (we went to the playoffs) our season ended and basketball season started. Looking to play basketball one more time, I went to the first practice and my knee popped again. This time my mom took the doctor to get an MRI and I tore my ACL, Meniscus, MCL, PCL and had cartilage damage. I had surgery January 6th, 2020 and started to rehab a couple of weeks later, up until Covid shut down everything.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a freelance photographer and filmmaker. I wouldn’t say I’m a specialist but a shoot a lot of basketball games. Ever since I’ve been putting my watermark “Kollin took this” on my basketball photos people have started to recognize my work.
Although I shoot plenty of sports games and events around the AUC, I am most proud of my street and nature photography. The photos with some of my favorite stories behind them have come from nature and street photography. Along with that I am also proud of my latest short film “I Dream of Paradise”. Though I shot everything on a very short notice, I was impressed by the improvements I made from my earlier films.
One thing that sets me apart from others is my hunger. Greatness has never looked this viable up to this point in my life and I’m taking advantage of the talents that God has given me. Another thing that sets me apart is my watermark. I didn’t think much of it when made it, I just knew I didn’t want to be obnoxious. Though when I started putting my watermark on my work people have started to take a liking to it.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
As far as a mentor is concerned, I need advice too. I have yet to find one in the lane of work I’m pursuing. In regards to networking, just be as social as you can. I’m naturally quite shy but every time I have a conversation with someone I try to be myself while also being memorable. Being memorable can look like you having a business card that you give a potential client (which I highly recommend), getting larger social media accounts to repost your work (with your watermark!), and giving people photos for free (which worked best for me). You will not get paid the second you pick up a camera, however it’s best you do free work of your friends and family and have them share your work so you can be put in front of someone who finds your work valuable enough to pay for it.
Pricing:
- Mini Freelance shoot $90: experienced photographer for 45 minutes 12 edited photos wo/ watermark all RAW photos link to all photos (15 day access) $30 for every additional 30min you need me 10% off if client has student ID available 10 day max turnout
Contact Info:
- Email: kollinwashingtonphotography@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.kollinwashingtonphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__kollin/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzdAGvBUkSrByyQ59Nfso6A
Image Credits:
Kollin Washington
