May i introduce: Kevin Amato
Photographer Interview
I came across Kevin Amato checking out Hood by Air and KTZ a lot. His name popped up again and again until I finally decided to research it. It became clear quite quickly that his photos seemed to be around everywhere. The thing that makes his photos so special to me is not his technique or the quality, but the people and objects he decides to shoot. Impressive characters which you have to know more than a few minutes to be able to shoot such portraits or series. All combined with a sense of fashion I think is amazing. But I shouldn't be surprised as Kevin is working with Hood By Air since 6 years now.
I've asked him for a little interview, only to get a few very interesting insights in to his work. You'll find the complete interview below, and also check the video interview my friend David did for FashionDaily.TV following rapper TK, and Kevin at their stay in London!
What clients/magazines do you work for?
Dazed & Confused, Clash, Roller coaster, Vibe mag, Out mag, WAD mag, The Guardian, Sony, MTV, hood by air, KTZ, Interview mag, etc.
How did you start with photography?
I always took pics... My father traveled a lot for work and would give me his camera to stay busy on the road and whatever city we were in. He was a hobby photographer. My first camera was given to me by my brother. I was 12/13, he stole it from some girls house party and gave it to me for my birthday. I love that story. At about 17..18 I began shooting DJs and artists on tour.. and later studied at the School of Visual Arts.
What was the first photo you actually got money for?
Some actor for interview mag. It was only $50bucks though.
Spontaneous or Staged?
Spontaneous!
Do you have a favorite face (you photographed)?
Too many.. I like discovering new faces.
Anyone you would like to shoot in the future?
Jack Nicholson before he kicks it.
Digital or analogue? Why?
Film, because it's honest, but I'll shoot digital as well to accommodate limited editorial budgets. It took me a few years to match that film aesthetic to my digital. I'm not a techy..!
Do you have an all time favorite photo (or on one of them) describe it.
This paddy cake photo..
Why that one?
It just makes me happy. I also like the b/w with the air streams in the air. It was spontaneous and only three photos were taken.. The rush to shoot it and the final image makes me feel free in a bizarre world. A lot of people think it's photoshopped.
Favorite photographer?
Peter Beard
On Location or in the studio?
Location
Any city/location you would like to live in the future?
London or Paris
Piercings or tattoos?
Both
What was the weirdest thing that ever happened at a shoot?
Oh wayyyyy too many.. The Ku Klux Klan in Kentucky, Walmart employees in Florida, trans gendered undocumented prostitutes.. the list goes on!
Most special piece in your closet?
All my original hood by air stuff. We've been working together since 2007- the pieces are more for memory.
A shooting with no budget limit...what would you like to do?
Probably something involving a lot of travel & street casting.
Magazines or blogs?
Either! A creative platform is a creative platform no matter the medium it's applied to
Which magazine would you like your photos to be published at?
I love LOVE magazine
Where or who are you in ten years (feel free to exaggerate)
Who knows.. Maybe living in Louisiana shooting voodoo children and Victorian homes. Thinking of making the move to London as well.
Oct. 6, 2013
Labels: On track, May I introduce
