How did you get into photography/videography?

It just developed from a love for taking videos and photos of my friends when we’d go out skateboarding when we were young. Ever since I’ve just kept doing it and doing it more and more until I reached where I am now, and I love what I do.

What did you first use to take photos?

I first started off taking photos on a Lumix DMC-GX80 that was a present one day, I thought it was a good way to start really taking photos on a proper camera as I only ever did it on my phone before that.

Where did you go to school? Do you have any formal training/self taught?

I actually never studied photography, I did art for my GCSEs but I wasn’t allowed to do much photography, and felt limited so I wanted to do it freely on my own. I taught myself how to use a camera, watched some videos but the majority of what I learnt came from trial and error, practicing lots and shooting all the time! I reached a period where I’d never leave the house without my camera, and I’m still like that now, but I carry round a point and shoot.

Do you have any nicknames? How did you get that name?

I’ve never had a nickname really because I’ve always stuck with my real name as what I go by with my work and everything I do. I feel like to me, a nickname or other name would make my work feel less personal to me and less associated with me if you know what I mean.

If you could take photos of any 3 people who would it be?

I think firstly I would say ASAP Rocky because he’s been a huge creative inspiration to me in many ways, and I am always drawn to whatever he creates because I can always feel what’s behind it. I’d love to meet him and explore that through the Lens. Another person who I’ve always wanted to take photos of is actually someone I used to go to school with called Silvan. I feel like he would be a really good model to work with and I like keeping connected to people who work in the same industry as me that I’ve known for a long time. And finally I’d have to say Tyler the Creator because his style is so unique and he is a very inspiring creative that I would really enjoy working with and understanding his thought process for his art.

If you could take photos of any 3 people that are no longer living who would they be?

100% I’d have to say Tupac as his music is iconic and will always remain one of my favorite artists, but he also seems like a very interesting person which an interesting background that I’d love to explore through a photoshoot.

If you could take photos in any 3 cities what would they be?

Firstly I’d say Venice, because I just love the atmosphere of Italy, how it’s the perfect blend between traditional Europe and the modern west, with so many unique features that you can’t find anywhere else in the world! Another place would be Tokyo because I would love to explore how life is there by documenting someone’s life through the lens, I feel it’s a city with so much life and energy that I’d like to experience. And lastly I’d have to say London. It’s my home, and where I grew up and I can’t stress just how important it is to me, there are so many creative minds in London and there’s such a wide range of backgrounds to explore through the people.

What is your goal when you capture photos of someone?

My goal would be to perfectly capture the person’s personality and identity in the photo. Everything counts, from setting to outfit to expression. To me it’s all about capturing the person in the photo either in their natural environment on instant film or creating an atmosphere that perfectly suits the model, bringing out their character through the photograph.

What music do you listen to when you edit photos?

I listen to mainly hip hop and R&B music when I work because I feel it inspires me the most. It really depends on what work I’m doing but normally it’s that kind of music.

What's your favorite app on your phone?

I can’t lie my favourite app is Spotify because it’s honestly a life saver, and has made my life so much more enjoyable whenever I need it!

What is your dream as a photographer?

My dream is to create work with my idols and the people who inspired me at first such as people like ASAP Rocky and Rosie Matheson but also to continue working with the people who helped me get there, just working on a bigger budget and bigger scale projects!

What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream to be a photographer/videographer?

The best advice I can give that helped me a lot is actually that networking is key! If you don’t get your name out there you’re not going i progress. Make yourself known and have a presence in the area you wanna work, whether that’s gigs, shows, events just make sure you’re there and you meet people as networking will be key to finding work and earning you a living to keep doing what you love.

Where can people find you? (social media, website, etc.)

Instagram @adam.ali27

My website https://grouse-soybean-cnhk.squarespace.com

Respect the Shooter Interview with Adam Ali @adam.ali27