Today we’d like to introduce you to Blako Leonard.
Hi Blako, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story isn’t anything too crazy. My cousin is a photographer in New York, and it looked like something I wanted to do, but I always procrastinated on it until maybe July 2021. I had a few friends over for my 18th birthday, picked up my stepmom’s camera, and started snapping for fun, have memories, that whole deal.
I didn’t touch a camera other than my phone camera for the rest of the year but fast forward to May 2022, and one of my favorite artists was having an album signing not too far from my house. I asked my dad if I could borrow the camera for fun and take pictures whenever I saw fit, and he agreed and dropped it off the night before the signing. The day is the signing is a little blurry because I was so nervous the entire day. I remember some parts: I met a fantastic group of people who have supported my photography journey ever since, and I met Kehlani, someone I’ve been following and looking up to for years. I was so nervous when I walked up to her that I said almost nothing but somehow asked if I could take a picture. Luckily they let me, and that picture was the first post on my photography page. That day made me realize that photography was something I truly wanted to do. I just didn’t know what kind yet, so I’ve been doing small things since. In July 2022, I snuck my camera into a show Kehlani was having in New York (In Bloom with Grey Goose); that night, I took great photos and felt concert photography could be my thing. That brings us to now, and I haven’t done much, and most of my concert photos were taken on my phone due to not having credentials. At least until November 2022, I got the opportunity to photograph Jessie Reyez at her show in Atlanta, which was a fantastic experience since it was officially my first time photographing a concert. Who knows what the next chapter will be from here?
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?
There’s been a few bumps. Well, only one big one, not having proper photo credentials to take photos at the show I attended between In Bloom and Jessie meant I’d have to take pictures with my phone. Luckily I had a good spot at all of them.
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’m a 19-year-old photographer looking to specialize in concert photography, but I do a little of everything. I’m a beginner, but there’s still time to learn new things and improve my craft.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Oh, College Park. I’ve lived here my entire life and have always loved meeting new people, mainly from school, but you get it. I also loved the small businesses, especially when it came to food.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/swisslandphotography
Image Credits
SwisslandPhotography
