Meet Nasir Walker | Film Photographer, Editor, & Videographer

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

Hi Nasir, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Learning, obtaining knowledge. Knowledge is game, you feel me. I listen more than I talk. From the outside looking in, my journey may look smooth but it’s far from that. It’s more than what you see on the surface. In my profession, I’ve taken my fair share of Ls but it comes with the territory right? One of the healthiest things, you can do as a creative is master how to not take anything personal. This is Atlanta, this is black Hollywood. Photographers don’t get the respect we deserve, unfortunately that’s just how it is. We slowly changing the narrative though, trust me. That’s a point of emphasis of mine. It’s time photographers and videographers and DJs and any other creative profession start receiving their flowers too. That disrespect is what inspires me. It fuels me. I’ve been an underdog my entire life and I love being counted out. I love proving people wrong. It’s crazy that this is my second interview and I still feel like I’m just scratching the surface of my full potential. I feel like that chip on my shoulder is what allows me to persevere through any situation. The same way I embrace the highs is the same way I embrace the lows. My faith is what inspires me. Faith is the ability to have trust in powers greater than yourself, to confidently stride into the unknown & to believe in your own abilities. God working overtime for me, I can’t stress that enough. Embracing the unknown allows me to never become stagnant. I know God is going to put everything I want to achieve in my hands when the time is right, on his timing. That’s why I’m not stressing. My confidence in myself never wavers and my faith in God is the reason I know I’m gonna attain success and be able to take care of my entire family. I think more now than ever we live in a world where people lack faith. People want that overnight success, people want handouts, people don’t want to work for what they want in life. Luckily for me I’m different. I was raised different, I never had my handout, I brought my hand to the table. You know how many times I failed before I started winning? A LOT. I’m inspired by what’s next for me, I can’t speak on what I got planned right now for the foreseeable future but you’ll see in due time, just know it’s going to solidify and separate myself from the masses. Knowing my family is behind me 100 percent inspires me as well. My parents been working my entire life and that’s the reason I’m working so hard so they won’t have to work anymore. Without my family, I wouldn’t be here. I’m inspired by the fact I did it my way, I didn’t have to act like anyone but myself to get here. I did it organically. I want longevity, in 25 years when you speak on the subject of film photography I want my name held in those conversations with the greatest ever. Honestly that’s what I’m inspired by.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a film photographer, an editor, and a videographer as well. What sets me apart from others in my versatility. I can shoot in studio, outdoors, any location, any concept. I like to speak with clients and get an idea of what they’re going for and what they want to create with the photos we take. Film photography provides a more grainy vintage look to photos and it’s an older practice. Film was way more prevalent in the 80s and 90s but I fell in love with it as soon as I picked up a film camera. Even before then I used to watch Gunner Stahl’s Noisey interviews on Youtube all the time, he’s one of my biggest inspirations and definitely a reason I picked up a film camera. I love the fact I can’t see the picture until it’s developed and scanned, that’s how I know this wasn’t a coincidence. I have an eye for this, a true talent. What makes me the happiest is when my clients get their photos back and they’re just elated about how amazing the photos came out. Photographs provide memories, when you look at work I want it to feel like you took the picture. Like you were there in that exact moment. My photos provide an interactive experience with the audience, a nostalgic feeling. I got to where I am today but just being myself. I networked I made connections, I sacrificed and persevered. It wasn’t easy at all. I cut off any and all distractions. Some of the people I was closest to I couldn’t take with me on this journey and it’s unfortunate but it’s apart of life. You can’t bring everybody with you. Make sure you circle is on the same type of time you’re on. Hold one another accountable. When you work hard and have faith and trust in God and the process, good things will come if you just stay down. Overnight success is rare and it doesn’t happen like that for everyone. Lessons I’ve learned along the way is that people will play with you and your time if you let them. Sometimes you have to be firm and stand your ground. I’ve learned when it’s time to be a leader and when it’s time to be a role player. Free work is not always free work. It’s all about relationships. I never understood the magnitude of networking until I gotten older. That one relationship could get your foot in the door. I want the world to know Nasir Walker is framing the modern world through his lens and this is just the beginning. Never underestimate God’s timing. I’m supposed to be here. You got to walk in these rooms like God sent you there.

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?
It just depends what they’re in the mood for. Atlanta got the best wings so you know we’d have to go get some wings for sure. Cafe Bourbon St is fire. Kelz Kitchen is also really good. Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks is good. I like to have fun so we’d probably slide to Andretti’s, Puttshack, might go bowling, Six flags, or even sky zone. I would also take them to stores I shop at for my clothes and kicks. Then I’d take them to the belt line to walk around and shoot there and after we could go to a club or lounge. Then the next day if they’re in the mood for brunch I’d take them to Toast On Lenox.

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 got to give a huge shoutout to my boy, Terrius Mykel. The amount of endless opportunities and free game he’s given me throughout the years from just being around him is priceless. Terrius is a huge reason why I am where I’m at today. Just a pure genuine soul, he took me under his wing and showed me ropes and to this day I could call him or pull up on him if i have any questions or just want to talk about anything. Big shout out to the hardest director in Atlanta. Thank you my brother. I also have to shoutout my parents. They’ve instilled me such good values and morals and just showed how to move in this world. My mother is my rock, the strongest person I know by far. Her resiliency and attention to detail is the reason why my I’m always in control of my emotions. My mother is the true definition of self made. I’ve seen her grind to make sure I was good since I was born and now it’s my turn to make sure she wants for nothing. My dad the coolest ever man. That’s my guy for real. I appreciate my pops cause he always keeps it real with me and puts things in perspective for me. He’s taught me how to think logically instead of irrationally. I can talk to him about anything and he keeps me level headed but he’s a go getter too. My pops is a very laid back guy but he’s about his business. I also have to thank my stepmom as well. I don’t even think her as my stepmom anymore that’s my 2nd mom. She’s a very strong woman as well and her work ethic is unmatched. She gives me guidance as well and without her I wouldn’t be where I’m at. My support system is extremely strong and I’m truly grateful for my family.

Instagram: FRAMINGTHEMODERNWORLD

Twitter: FLYGODNAS

Image Credits
Gucci Mane, Sahbabii, Tony Shhnow, Ski Mask The Slump God, Benny The Butcher, Conway the Machine, Rubi Rose, PFUSA Meet all photographed by Nasir Walker