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Kwaku Alston

Photographer // Director

Professional Background

Kwaku Alston is an esteemed American photographer, celebrated for capturing some of the most recognizable figures in the world. His impressive portfolio includes portraits of Hollywood royalty such as Brad Pitt, Will Smith, Robert Downey Jr., and Drew Barrymore. In addition to his work with celebrities, Kwaku has also had the opportunity to photograph President Barack Obama and the First Family, showcasing his ability to seamlessly work within high-pressure environments while delivering outstanding visual storytelling.

Kwaku's professional journey commenced in New York City, where he quickly made a name for himself thanks to his unique style that blends contemporary documentary photography with classic portraiture. He has collaborated with a broad range of editorial and advertising clients including marquee names like Crate & Barrel, Coca-Cola, Blackberry, Target, and Verizon, as well as prominent publications such as The New York Times Magazine, Real Simple, and Time. His photography captivates audiences around the world, achieving the elusive balance of bringing out the authenticity and charm of his subjects while keeping a fresh and modern edge.

Over the years, Kwaku has established himself as a multifaceted visual artist, acting not only as a photographer but also as a director. His versatility allows him to see and convey stories through a unique lens, making him one of the most sought-after personalities in the industry today. Balancing his thriving career in photography, Kwaku now splits his time between New York and Venice Beach, California, where he continues to evolve his artistic expressions and push creative boundaries in his photographic work.

Education and Achievements

Kwaku Alston's artistic foundation is built on a rich educational background. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the esteemed Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), where he specialized in Advertising and Photography. His commitment and talent were recognized when he was honored at RIT’s Distinguished Alumni Awards in 2012, showcasing the significant impact he has made in the field of photography and the arts since graduating.

His education empowered him with both technical skills and a creative vision that continues to fuel his work. Kwaku's time at RIT not only helped shape his style but also laid the groundwork for his quick ascension in the competitive world of professional photography, where he began shooting for leading magazines and ad agencies in his early 20s. His achievements at such a young age are a testament to his exceptional talent and relentless work ethic.

Community Involvement and Charitable Efforts

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Kwaku is deeply committed to giving back to the community. His participation in various charitable organizations reflects his belief that being an artist entails social responsibility. He volunteers his time and talent to causes such as the DesignACure Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, the Black AIDS Institute, the Smiley Faces Foundation, and the Venice Family Clinic.

Kwaku has also documented shoe drops by TOMS Shoes in Ethiopia and Argentina, showcasing his dedication to helping children in need around the globe. These experiences not only enrich his perspective but also contribute to his personal and artistic growth. He strongly believes that artists must engage with the world around them to achieve a higher level of self-awareness and insight. Kwaku's philanthropic involvement enhances his appreciation of life and art, offering a holistic approach to his career and personal journey.

Achievements

  1. Professional Recognition: Kwaku was honored at the Rochester Institute of Technology’s Distinguished Alumni Awards in 2012, recognizing his impactful contributions to photography and visual arts.
  2. Celebrity Portraits: His impressive portfolio includes portraits of major celebrities and historical figures, showcasing his ability to capture the essence of his subjects.
  3. Charitable Work: Active participation in charitable initiatives, including documenting significant events for nonprofits and campaigns such as DesignACure and TOMS Shoes, highlights his commitment to making a difference beyond his photography career.

Highlights

Jul 18 · linkedin

I was recently commissioned to shoot portraits in the Amazon Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios Blue Room at the Essence Festival Essence Communications Inc. in New Orleans.

Our mission was to create a mini studio in the Virgin Hotel Virgin Hotels penthouse. We had a 10x10 space with 8ft ceilings with just 5-10 minutes each for multiple talent to work with and our mission was to capture a portfolio of dynamic portraits cast in a blue ray of light.

Let’s just say I’m always up for a creative challenge and enjoyed the task of making this something special. Rather than use a seamless backdrop, we custom-built a 4x8x7.5 small corner set and painted it blue.

Our Amazon creative & production team, headed by Sarah Unger Hamilton, Bryn Blevins, Francesca Greggs, Erin Ryder, and Tate Sonnack of Herzog & Company organized logistics and provided me with the freedom to stay in the creative zone and make the best use of the little time we had with talent.

I love these types of shoots because they really force me to move quickly to find the right shot without being stuck in one moment for too long. Having a range of angles, lenses, poses, sitting, and standing really helps to create dynamic shots and capture unexpected surprises. Re-arranging lots of lights in a small space is never a good idea, so having a clear lighting direction planned in advance is crucial. One movable key light, handheld by our lighting director Braden Moran was essential to keeping the images flowing.

Bryn, Francesca and I edited images from each session and our digi tech Donny Tu uploaded them directly to our off site retoucher TOBIANN STUDIOS who gave these images a final color treatment & polish. The entire production and photo teams came from all over the country to make this happen. Lots of Amazon blue love in these images. THANK YOU TEAM!

#photoproduction #primevideo #neworleansproduction #photocrew

Related Questions

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What influenced Kwaku Alston's decision to pursue a career in photography?
In what ways has Kwaku's education at the Rochester Institute of Technology shaped his photography career?
How does Kwaku Alston balance his professional career with his philanthropic efforts?
What impact has Kwaku Alston made in the community through his charitable contributions?
Kwaku Alston
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Location

Greater Los Angeles Area