We had the good fortune of connecting with Kevin Blackwell and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kevin, how do you think about risk?
I’m a huge believer in taking risks. Just go for it—you’ll be glad you did. “Only boldness can deliver us from fear,” right?
As a photographer, risk rears its head in various ways. There’s the risk of rejection, such as reaching out to someone I admire and asking to take their portrait, even if I know it’s a slim chance. Surprisingly, people often say yes more than they say no. It might involve overcoming my extreme fear of flying to photograph destinations all over the world. Or it could mean making a bold decision to change my career path to focus solely on my photography.
I never run out of opportunities to take risks, and I hope I never do. If you want to grow your passion for what you love doing, take risks and take them often.
For me, taking risks has been a huge accelerant for growth, both personally and professionally. It has opened doors I never thought possible. So, embrace boldness, face your fears, put your big-person pants on, and take every chance to step out of your comfort zone. You’ll be amazed at where it can take you.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Short and sweet—I’m a visual storyteller. Creative Director, commercial photographer, and award-winning wildlife photographer (toots my own horn), born and raised in Atlanta.
I’ve never settled on one single photography genre, and I like it that way. One day, I’m shooting a portrait of a three-Michelin-star chef in his kitchen; the next, I’m shooting salamanders deep in a cave. Switching it up keeps me moving and happy.
My love for photography kicked off in 2005 when a friend gifted me a Mamiya RB67 with a Polaroid back—a camera I still regret letting go of. Back then, I knew little about photography, but I connected with it instantly.
That same year, during a layover in London on my way to Africa, I took the Mamiya out to photograph anything I could. Sitting by a fountain in a park, I started talking with a guy who had dreadlocks that reached all the way to the ground. He asked me to take his photo, and we watched the black and white Polaroid 667 film develop, making him smile. That moment taught me the power of photography to freeze time. I still love that photo to this day and you can still see it on my website.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my favorite places to sit with friends is Six Feet Under on Memorial Drive in Atlanta. Countless times I’ve sat on the rooftop with my wife and pals, nursing cocktails and laughing. Right next across the street is the historic Oakland Cemetery. It’s become a bit of a tradition for us to wrap up our nights at Six Feet Under with a long walk through the cemetery. There’s something awesome about wandering among the gardens and pathways.
If you’re looking for some of the best tacos and margaritas in town, that would be Taqueria del Sol. Great patios and delicious cheese dip.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to give a big shoutout to a fellow photographer and my sub-surface ride or die, Chris Duncan (Instagram: @chriscousteau). Chris is an incredible underwater photographer and an even better friend. If you need someone to push you to be your best, that’s Chris. He’s a wanderlust-driven optimist who knows how to have a good time. Here’s to you, pal.
Website: https://www.kevinblackwellphoto.com/
Instagram: bonesbugsandharmony
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blackwellkevin/