Behind the lenses of Photograher Kareem Ajani

Freelance photographer, Kareem Ajani is an accomplished photographer who began shooting professionally in 2005, when he got his first break photographing recording artist, Eternia.Kareem opted to teach himself rather than be molded by the teachings of class-room dictators, which allowed him to create his own style rather quickly. In 2005, his official website was made public, and soon social networking websites and people from all over the world began buzzing about his work.

In 2006, Kareem Ajani saw one of his pieces get published for the first time in the premiere issue of 3Sixty Magazine, where his work not only made the publication but became the cover. He joined Urbanology Magazine in 2007, where he began photographing many recording artists both in and out of his local area. From Pretty Ricky to Masia One, his work has appeared in both magazine publications and graced the cover of several albums.

I linked up with this modest but hugely talented man of photography to find out a bit more about him and his work:

Ameyaw Debrah: Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I am the second eldest of 4 children and have grown up in Toronto, Ontario for a majority of my life. Photography was something I wound up in due to the lack of photographers in the city at that time (2004), compared to now when there is an abundance of photographers. My main history lies within art, so making that transition into photography seemed almost natural, although I have learned quite a bit since I started.
Ameyaw Debrah: What kind of photography do you do?
I’m a freelance photographer, so my work varies from editorial work to creative projects. I try not to limit myself into specific areas of photography, to avoid being pigeon-holed into one direction
Ameyaw Debrah: What inspires your work?
Everything and anything can inspire my work, just light in general. Once you begin to have a better understanding about the elements of a photo, you definitely see things differently, and appreciate even the most simplest of things.
Ameyaw Debrah: What is unique about your work?
This is more of a question that you would have to ask people that have seen my work. It’s hard for me to personally pinpoint exactly what makes my work stand out differently than another photographer’s
Ameyaw Debrah: How long have you been shooting?
I’ve had cameras around me all my life, but started to take it seriously mid-2005
Ameyaw Debrah: What have been the highlights of your career so far?
I have been blessed to have had my work printed, magazine covers, becoming a main photographer on a large-scale project such as Caribana, have done album covers and have participated in photo exhibits. I value each and every piece of positive feedback that I have received throughout the years and also appreciate each time someone actually wants to interview me.

Ameyaw Debrah: What’s your origin?
My mom is British/Jamaican (born in England) and my dad was St. Vincent/Trini (born in St. Vincent)
Ameyaw Debrah: What do you hope to achieve with your photography?
I want to continue working with new artists and talent throughout the world, and continue being apart of new projects. Later down the road, I hope to utilize my network and expand my business into other areas