In the digital age of social media and online magazines, viewers follow the lives of their favorite models and influencers. Many adore the clothing that the models are wearing, but few notice the person who is taking the photo - the photographer who is going beyond their limitations to capture the moment. This week, I had the pleasure of interviewing DC native Octavius Wilson who discussed what it means for him to be a photographer in the industry.
Abeke: What inspired you to get into photography?
Octavius: Believe it or not, I was helping a lady with her Vine video and she told me that I wasn't good at it. I took that to heart, and realized I wanted to dig deeper into my creative side. I found myself enjoying photography more than video creation. At first it was for fun, but then I really got into it when I realized that black models are not properly represented in the industry because it's harder for photographers to edit black skin tones.
Abeke: Going off of what you said, I noticed that a lot of models or celebrities have had issues with magazines whitewashing black skin, and photographers edit photos to the point where sometimes the model is unrecognizable. Do you think that they are whitewashing black models on purpose?
Octavius: I think it's a very intentional strategy. If you think about it, black people don't make up most of the population in the United States, so technically we are selling to the white crowd. Certain photographers try to whitewash people as much as they can to fit into the market, but black people aren't suppose to fit in.
Abeke: Since we are on the topic of editing, what edit platforms do you recommend for photographers?
Octavius: I would recommend using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Everything flows better when you use those two platforms together. Some people use Capture One, but personally I use Lightroom and Photoshop.
Abeke: Do you prefer candid or posed pictures, and how have you grown as a photographer in your career?
Octavius: When I first started, I was more interested in taking candid photos over posed photos. Honestly, I think I was too scared to branch out and try something that was difficult. Now that I am more advanced in my craft, it is easier for me to branch out and communicate with people. In my photo sessions, I now prefer posed photos because I can be creative. With candid photos, you will need to wait for the shot.
Abeke: What advice would you give to new photographers who are starting out?
Octavius: Don't worry to much about gear. As you progress in your career, you will be able to buy gear along the way. Focus on honing your craft and getting really good with your concepts. Everything is a process.
To see more of Octavius' work, visit https://www.octaviusphotos.com/.
Instagram: @2dococt2
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