COVID-19 has made a huge impact on many people all across the world, and its put many people out of jobs and at some high risks etc. So here at The Vinyl we wanted to celebrate the insanely talented creators in the photography business. We are celebrating the Concert Photographers, the Lifestyle Photographers, the Wedding Photographers, the Wildlife Photographers and every other type of Photographer behind that camera that brings such joy to the eye.
Introducing DC Native, Abdullah Konte
The Vinyl: Please introduce yourself and tell us your primary photo location(s)?
Abdullah Konte: My Name is Abdullah Konte and I’m a DC Based photographer and I shoot mostly at the Fillmore in Silver Spring MD.
TV: How did you know that being a photographer is something you truly wanted to do, and what/who are some inspirations you may have had/have?
AK- I honestly didn’t know until I bought a camera. I always enjoyed taking photos of the city with my phone but once I actually purchased a camera I started to feel like a special connection to the art. I loved being outdoors and meeting people and capturing moments.
TV: What equipment is a must-have for you no matter where you are going to be working? What does your typical photographing setup look like?
AK: Well besides having my full frame camera, I never leave the house without my 24-70 mm. I know that no matter where I am I can get an image that I like with that lens.
TV: What are some of your favorite techniques when it comes to editing styles/ways you present your work? Do you have different aesthetics for different types of work?
AK: Well I definitely love to give my photos a more gloomy/moody feel. I love to give it a high contrast look that pops with color. I never try to use to many presets though as I love to see what I can make of a photo from scratch.
TV: COVID-19 has completely changed the lifestyle for soooo many different people, how has it effected you? Whether its work/photo related or just all together? How do you. keep yourself busy?
AK: Its affected me a lot in good and bad ways. I have been stressed when it comes to keeping my business afloat but the positives is that I have found ways to be more creative and to enhance my abilities as a photographer, videographer and editor. I want to take this time to build on my craft.
TV: Now that Concerts/Festivals/Events/ Social Gatherings(weddings, reunions, family portraits etc) /Sports etc are being cancelled/postponed all over the world due to COVID-19, how are you finding ways to stay creative?
AK: Mainly finding ways to be creative by watching videos of others and reading up on artists that have achieved so much. Trying to gain knowledge and use that when the time to go back out and work arrives.
TV: Once all this (hopefully) goes away, what are some of your plans to get back to a somewhat “normal” schedule?
AK: Well I anticipate that the world will have plenty of opportunities once this is over since we will all be looking for fun things to do outside. My plan is to get rest now so that I will be able to get after any opportunity that presents itself!
TV: What are some of your favorite creative pieces/photos/opportunities you have gotten to do in 2020 before all hell broke loose?
AK: Well I was doing a lot of sports photography actually which was fun. I started shooting basketball and soccer before this turned up and I was really enjoying it. I’m hoping to jump right back into sports when this is over.
Here are a few of Abdullah’s favorite photos:
Abdullah
TV: Is there anything you would like to add as we end this interview?
AK: All I would say is to everyone going through a similar position as me, Keep your head up and work hard on building yourself to be stronger in your homes, the dark times will be over soon and we will be stronger than before!
To Keep Up With Abdullah, Check Out the Links Below:
Website
Instagram