Interviews

Great stories don’t always start with a camera. Sometimes they start with a family recipe, a conversation, a moment between classes, or simply paying attention to the people around you. For Kayla Rivers, storytelling is about finding those moments and giving them the space they deserve. As she builds her career across documentary filmmaking, content creation, and the entertainment industry, Kayla is interested in creating work that feels authentic, personal, and representative of the people behind the story. We caught up with Kayla to talk about finding her voice at Spelman, making meaningful work with the gear you already have, taking creative risks before you feel ready, and why listening may be one of a storyteller’s most important skills.

There are plenty of ways to learn photography, but some of the best lessons come from photographers who have already been where you are. Whether you’re balancing classes, building a portfolio, or trying to land your first paid shoot, hearing how someone else navigated those challenges can make the path ahead a little clearer.

Marcus Lloyd’s photography is rooted in movement, but his images encourage you to slow down. Through travel, film, and intentional storytelling, he captures the feeling of a place as much as the place itself. As his creative journey has evolved, so has his approach to photography, shifting from simply documenting moments to creating a lasting body of work. We sat down with Marcus to talk about the power of film, building community through the Negroni Photo Walk series, and finding a creative path that feels authentic.

If you’ve ever come across an Elianel Clinton photograph and found yourself stopping to look a little longer, you’re not alone. His work—spanning editorial, commercial, and personal projects—is rooted in culture, identity, and a deep commitment to authentic storytelling. We sat down with him to talk about where that comes from, how he works, and what it means to build a body of work that’s genuinely, unmistakably yours.

Adventure, storytelling, and intentional creativity are at the heart of Jonny Hill’s work. Known for capturing cinematic landscapes, meaningful moments with family, and life on the road, Jonny has built a style that feels both aspirational and deeply personal. 

AB+DM don’t just take photos—they build worlds. The award-winning duo of Ahmad Barber and Donté Maurice have become known for bold color, rich texture, and portraits that feel as alive as the people in them. From standout magazine covers to striking images of names like Zendaya, Viola Davis, and Simone Biles, their work blends fashion and storytelling in a way that’s instantly recognizable. In this In Conversation, they get into how their creative partnership works, where their ideas start, and what it means to grow while bringing others up with them.

There’s an unmistakable energy to Beatriz Valim’s work—bold, expressive, and rooted in feeling. Shooting primarily on film, the LA-based portrait photographer brings a sense of immediacy and authenticity to every frame, blending vibrant color with raw, human moments. Influenced by her Brazilian roots and a love for nostalgic, magazine-style imagery, her photos feel both timeless and alive. We spoke with Beatriz to talk about how she found her voice behind the lens, why film continues to shape her perspective, and the importance of creating space for people to show up exactly as they are.

I’m Stan Johnson, an Atlanta-based documentary and portrait photographer. I care about trust. I try to meet people first, and make photographs second. My work is about life and the documentation of my community. I photograph with respect and love. I want people to feel seen, not observed. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s honesty.

Photography has a way of slowing time—of holding onto moments that might otherwise slip past unnoticed. For this installment of In Conversation, we sat down with Luis, a KEH staff member and photographer whose work is rooted in observation, presence, and the quiet human moments that live between big events. From documenting family life to long-term street photography projects, his approach reminds us that storytelling often happens when we’re paying close attention.

At KEH, photography isn’t just our job—it’s part of who we are. Behind every campaign, partnership, and piece of content is a team of photographers, creatives, and storytellers who keep shooting long after the workday ends. It’s how we stay curious, connected, and inspired—and why we care so deeply about the gear that helps make those moments possible.

Some cameras don’t change your work overnight. They change how you see—slowly, quietly, over time.

Hi Laura! Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us. For those who don’t know, could you tell us a little bit about yourself? What first drew you to photography, and how did your creative path evolve into what you’re doing today?