We had the good fortune of connecting with Ahmad Martin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ahmad, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I definitely decided to pursue this career because I wasn’t looking to just work another 9-5 minimum wage job. I worked my first and only job at 21 and after I got fired I swore to never do that again. I was a still a photographer at the time but working 40 hour weeks killed my creative side. I felt like I wasn’t really living my life and was doomed to be working for the rest of my life. I always loved being creative so when they fired me I knew it was a sign that I need to be doing something else.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a direct expression of who I am. In think what sets me apart from most of the photographers I’m my city is that I only shoot film. I haven’t owned a digital camera in a while. I feel like shooting film gives everything a different feel. It takes people back to the past and for some people it brings back memories of being a kid. I was able to really make it where I am now thanks to all the people who shot with me when I first stared and was shooting in a closet in my apartment. Being in Winston Salem and being a creative has been a challenge because not a lot of people here are open to new things. The photography community here is very gated and closed off. I was able to really navigate through and make my own way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In my city there is a lot of places that are very nature oriented. There are so many beautiful waterfalls and lakes and fields. The people here in Winston really make this place what it is. There is so many creatives here so there is always something going on. I would definitely take them to Famous Toastery downtown Winston, it’s easily my favorite place to eat. I think the most important thing to do while in my city and let me take pictures of you so that’s definitely something I’d do.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Bosh (@boshnovart) Terry (@terrysauave)
OG Spliff (@ogxspliff)

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Twitter: @phanypaxk

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.