Black History Month - Kino
In honour of Black History Month, I have interviewed people who have taken 2020, a year of so much dramatic change, into their stride. From a worldwide pandemic to a summer of BLM protests, this year hasn’t been a year to sit out and just watch.
Kino is a director & fashion photographer based in London who specialises in fashion, beauty, fashion films, music videos, TVC and brand content. He has worked with a number of brands including Pantene, Kite Eyewear, O2, Ultra/Sony Music and Warner Music. His work has also been featured in multiple publications like FGUK Magazine, PhotoVogue Italia, British Vogue and House of Solo Magazine.
Did you always know this was the career you wanted?
I actually started off as an actor. I started acting when I was five years old, doing plays and a few television shows - it was not until I moved to the UK in 2014 that I started moving into photography and directing.
What is the most fulfilling part of your work?
The most fulfilling part of my job is creating a concept and seeing it completed visually. Makes you feel like anything is possible.
How has working as a photographer changed for you during the pandemic?
Things have slowed down in the photography work. You need a big team to do great work. I believe I lost about 60 percent of my work due to the coronavirus - Things are picking up so I'm keeping positive. I directed 5 projects this year which is surprising given the circumstances.
What's your favourite thing about being a creative?
Being able to work with fellow creatives and bond over a piece of visual work.
I don't understand why it's so difficult to have an even playing field.
What are your thoughts on diversity within the industries you work in? Do you think much has changed this year?
I also work as a creative director on the brand side and there's a massive problem. There are hardly any BAME creatives in advertising. We need to do better. I don't think things have changed. I don't understand why it's so difficult to have an even playing field. This massively hurts me especially when you are the only black creative on set. As a director, I try to hire as much BAME crew as possible especially on TVC projects.
I don't know what the answer is but I'm hopeful at least in my kids lifetime this conversation is something left in the past.
What are you currently working on?
I just wrapped up a Short film I directed called "Wearing Thin" and two other personal projects I'm currently editing and colouring. I'm hoping to get back to shooting more editorials.
What advice would you give to those pursuing a career in photography?
Take your time. Don't rush. Start shooting film and don't move on to digital unless you really feel you need it for your story. I didn't start getting into photography until I was 30.
If you had to choose a song to describe your year, which would you choose?
Sadly I would have to say it's going to be the famous musical score to the film Jaws.