Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashar Khalid.
Ashar, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Where do I start? Born and raised in Kirkwood. I’ve always have a thriving mentality. Growing up, I live with my grandma and a bunch of relatives; it had to be about 14-15 ppl living in a two-bedroom house. No matter the case, my family always instill in me good character and moral fortitude. They always taught me that life is gonna test you, regardless, but how you respond builds the man you will become. So growing up, I’ve never thought I was good enough or have enough talent. Maybe it was the fact that nobody would recognize it and I’ll get in my feelings. I could draw, I could write poetry, I could sing, but it was like I was still invisible. I mean, I would draw my favorite NBA players and NFL players at like 11 years old, freehand. Then I’ll show my folks and it’s like, “cool” or “aight.” I guess I was looking for more. One thing that changes my perspective and mindset was when I joined the Army and I deployed and I made it back home. Right then, I knew nothing would ever defeat me again. Whenever we go on trips or do anything as a family somehow, I always end up with the camera taking pictures. Even as I got older and people would as me to take a picture, it was always a talent that I never knew I had that people saw in me. Like I said, the army changed my mindset, so it leads me to starting my own business RED KAMera Innovations.
Great, 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?
Honestly, it’s been a pretty smooth road so far. I’ve had break after break after break and I have friends in the photography business that are helpful along the way. Judging by the photos, people never tell that I’ve only been shooting for a couple months. My talent speaks for itself and people enjoy their whole experience shooting with me. That’s where I get the most joy, seeing other’s enjoyment throughout the photoshoot.
RED KAMera Innovations – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
When it comes to RED KAMera Innovations, my motto is, “You Dream it; I shoot it.” I feel like nobody is better at envisioning a work of art that the person I am shooting. I feel like the atmosphere I create sets me apart other photographers. The whole experience shooting with me is one that makes people want to come back for more shoots. I feel like when you look at my photos, they tell a story; whether I’m doing portraits or nature, every photo tells a story. Gordon Parks once said, “If you don’t have anything to say, your photographs aren’t going to say much.” I’ve taken that quote and powered my whole business.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment of my career would be this impromptu Photoshoot I did about a week ago. So I had a mother and her sons shoot scheduled but last minute, the lady cancels on me. So, I started walking around piedmont park, passing out business cards. Then, I saw these two ladies doing a photoshoot with there iPhone. Gordon parks also said, “The guy who takes a chance, who walks the line between the known and unknown, who is unafraid of failure, will succeed.” So, I calmly approached them with my business card and I ask them to follow me on IG and then one of the ladies asked me, Can I do a shoot right now? Of course, let me run to my car and get my equipment. I came back and we did an impromptu Photoshoot. The excitement, joy, and vibe on those women’s faces made my day. They were so proud and thankful. That was the proudest moment for me.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 404-969-6298
- Email: redkamerainnovations@gmail.com
- Instagram: @redkamerainnovations
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