Meet Keo Valentino | Photographer

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

Hi Keo, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Growing up I saw my mother working two and three jobs sometimes, and even though we always got what we wanted it still took time from me and my sister being with her. Of course she would be tired and try her best to catch up on the time she missed, but we would never try to bother her because we knew how tired she was. My mother inspired me to open my own business, because I saw how working for someone else wore her out, and I said that I would want my own business to create my own schedule, and have time with the ones I loved.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Well I’ve been doing photography for 7 years wow can’t believe it’s been that long, but like a cliche I started out as a model, when I was very young in highschool I modeled and trained with the Kathy Larson agency in Birmingham, AL, I learned how to walk, they taught us etiquette, and how to pose. As I came into my adult years I started working for Jon Reon Modeling agency I birmingham, AL that’s where I started getting my shine and became one of the most requested models in the city. So as I got older modeling got boring and I started to think well I want to be behind the scenes more so I picked up a camera, I studied alot about lightening, and different settings, Then came the editing I studied that alot also, but it was easy for me to learn quickly due to the fact I’m an IT technician learning software is second hand. It was a arduous journey because I never got respect in my own city, I had to move to atlanta make a name for myself then come back home. Atlanta will always be my home and stomping ground though because they always gave me respect and accepted my talents and work. I’m self made everything I’ve done these past years from editing, to setting up meeting and appointments, from the brand ambassador deals I got them on my own with nobodies help , but the lord Jesus.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well a week vacation for me would be to visit 3 of my top cities, I would start out in atlanta of course because it’s closer attend a few day parties because there’s always one to go to, and for night partying I would visit Bulldogs one of my faves in Atlanta, then I would head down to Tampa, and party with them on the eboard walk and one of my favorite clubs there is the honeypott, last but not least I would end it in new orleans to get that culture , and of course partying lol.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
wow well I have quite a few first off is my mother she was always a hard and determined person and worker, which made me the way I am today. My sister and best friend has always kept me grounded, because no matter how known I became she’s always spoke to me like nothing changed and I truly appreciate that. last but not least My mentor I call him celebrity blogger Andre Mcconnico henderson, he taught me all the ropes when I first got into the entertainment business, and he even blessed me with my first interview when I was modeling on his popular blog site.

Website: keovproductions.com

Instagram: @valentinokeo

Facebook: Keo Valentino

Youtube: keovproductions

Other: subscribe to my snap Keo Valentino

Image Credits
Photographer on my personal photos goes to Willis Adams AKA Jacq, on instagram @alwaysdebonair, personal friend and assistant, He’s also my personal make up artist.