Meet Kollin Washington | Photographer and Filmmaker

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

Hi Kollin, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
The most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make was associate myself with people who can help me with my craft. Though it’s not a bad thing, I was reluctant to switching who I associate with because I felt like I was neglecting my original friend group, to an extent I still do. However, I’ve come to understand that my gifts call for specific people to help nurture it, regardless of my attachment to them. I’ve also learned that neglecting someone can only happen if you don’t care for that someone, and I’ll always will.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a photographer and filmmaker.

I believe what sets me apart is my work ethic. I love being around a camera and around people who create art so I’ve always tried to make time for it.

I am most proud of my maturation as an artist, I believe I’m on an endless quest to find my style and I’m constantly studying different creators’ work to gain inspiration. The maturation aspect is understanding there’s something good to get from everybody, you just have to be open to find it.

My parents were a huge help in getting me to where I am professionally. Coming from corporate backgrounds, my parents instilled the importance of being presentable and sharp. Another part would be trial and error. Understanding how I gained or lost a client has always proven to be valuable information.

The process was certainly not easy. There were multiple times I’ve missed out on some dope opportunities. There were also times where there have been droughts: people just didn’t want my work for months at a time. This taught me the importance of finding long term clients, how to save money incase of a drought, and not to be discouraged because of rejections. I know my work is dope, my job is to find people who think the same.

I want the world to know my tag. “Kollin took this”. It has created a little buzz around the AUC but I need that buzz to be worldwide. I want everyone to be able to experience my storytelling through pictures and films.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Considering I’m a homebody this is a tall task. For entertainment I would take my friend to the Atlanta Contemporary Museum. Then we’d go shopping. Nothing glamorous, some thrift stores around my hometown or Little Five Points. Then we’d get something to eat. It’s a toss up between Da Vinci’s Pizza or Cookout if I’m on a budget. Lastly, we’d go to Ponce City Market to hang out.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to my parents because they’re my biggest fans.

Website: https://www.kollinwashingtonphotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__kollin/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzdAGvBUkSrByyQ59Nfso6A