Today we’d like to introduce you to Akosua ‘AK’ Jah.
Hi Akosua ‘AK’, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up, images always appealed me but it wasn’t until high school when I began envisioning myself professionally holding a camera. At the time, I decided to take a photography class where I learned the basics and begged my father for my own camera. I would spend time after school between cheerleading and dance practice taking photos. At school events, I admired the adults taking action shots. I dreamed of one day doing the same thing. During my senior year, I expressed my excitement about studying photography in school but after a family member told me, “that isn’t a real job”, my heart was crushed. I stopped taking photos and set the camera down. That didn’t stop the itching feeling in me. A few years later, I began using my camera and making video content and then finally, in 2019, I decided to give my dream another shot. I purchased a Canon EOS 5D and it felt like a new beginning of something great. I began doing it for fun but as the quality of why work increased so did my realization of my worth. I came out with my first website later that year. A year later, I moved to Atlanta to pursue my dream and here I am. I am excited for the day when I can do what I love full time. I one day will own my own photography studio for my work to fully flourish as well as create a resource for other up and coming Black Photographers.
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?
The road has most definitely not been smooth. But is anything worth it easy?
A major challenge for me has been finding new clientele because of the move. I was already established in my hometown so moving felt like starting over but I made sure I didn’t let that stop me.
Another challenge has been betting on myself. Working in the corporate world means most of my availability for photography is limited but as most would say, I am using the opportunity to finance my photography dream.
As you know, we’re big fans of AK Photography. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My work focuses on capturing all the big AND small moments in life because they are all important.
I do all types of photography but I specialize in natural lighting portraits.
My work is different because it is simple quality that has no limits.
My brand name ‘AK PHOTOGRAPHY’ comes from my first name Akosua which means born on Sunday. I go by ‘AK’ which are the first two letters.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
God – for blessing with an eye that sees each person/place/thing as a subject to be captured.
My Dad – for getting me my first camera and supporting me throughout.
My friends – for always sharing me work and agreeing to be my models.
Airielle Thornhill – for being an amazing Black Women and for the referral.
Contact Info:
- Email: akflickss@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.akphotography.online
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ak.photographyofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ak.flickss
