TK Eye Photography Interview - To me, photography is an artful tool that allows someone to create and tell a story the way they decide to, whether it's fiction or not.
Swanky Magazine Interviews the wonderfully talented photographer - Timothy Kionte' Isler of TK Eye Photography
PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT | Timothy Kionte' Isler of TK Eye Photography
Q1.Swanky Mag: Hello TK, Can you introduce yourself to Swanky Magazine's readers? Can you tell us a little about you?
Greetings, thanks for having me. I'm Timothy Kionte’, also known as TK, the Eye behind TK Eye Photography. I was born and raised in a small town in eastern North Carolina. Growing up I was always into the arts. I started playing the trumpet in the third grade, picked up drawing, painting, and worked a little bit on small school theater productions. I took a gap year after high school before I decided to go to college and major in Photography and media arts. After taking a mental break, I am now back to producing portraits and portfolios pieces not just for myself but for clients too! I've recently started taking roles on other creative projects, like creative directing, talent booking, and creative scheduling.
Assistant: Rae Bass Of Rae Bass Photography
IG: @fromwhereraestands
Photographer: TK Isler
FB: https://www.facebook.com/kiloloart/
IG: @tkeyephoto
Assistant: Rae Bass Of Rae Bass Photography
IG: @fromwhereraestands
Photographer: TK Isler
FB: https://www.facebook.com/kiloloart/
IG: @tkeyephoto
Q2.How and when did you get into photography?
During my sophomore year of high school, I was asked to join the school's newspaper team by the instructor, Mr. Jones (who was also my English teacher and worked with the local newspaper). During this time, Mr. Jones noticed my interest in photography and creative direction and started teaching me what he knew about photography. By the end of my senior year of high school, I was the Co-editor and Head Photographer of the school's newspaper. This is where I started my journey of photography.
Assistant: Rae Bass Of Rae Bass Photography
IG: @fromwhereraestands
Photographer: TK Isler
FB: https://www.facebook.com/kiloloart/
IG: @tkeyephoto
Assistant: Rae Bass Of Rae Bass Photography
IG: @fromwhereraestands
Photographer: TK Isler
FB: https://www.facebook.com/kiloloart/
IG: @tkeyephoto
Q3. What does photography mean to you?
To me, photography is an artful tool that allows someone to create and tell a story the way they decide to, whether it's fiction or not.
Q4.Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
TK Eye Photography style is intimate, clean, contrasty, conceptually lite, and eye-activating.
Q5. Where do you get your inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from everywhere! I have a wandering eye; I'm always looking at something from the textures of old walls to the color of mural paintings. I do pull inspiration from fashion, Pop Culture, African Spirituality, and mythology, Roman and Greek sculptures, music, dreams, Dutch Paintings, as well as personal stories I hear from family and friends.
Assistant: Rae Bass Of Rae Bass Photography
IG: @fromwhereraestands
Photographer: TK Isler
FB: https://www.facebook.com/kiloloart/
IG: @tkeyephoto
Assistant: Rae Bass Of Rae Bass Photography
IG: @fromwhereraestands
Photographer: TK Isler
FB: https://www.facebook.com/kiloloart/
IG: @tkeyephoto
Q6.Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?
Sometimes yes, and sometimes no. There is always a planning process that happens when I start to conceptualize a photoshoot. Now if that plan holds up at the end of the day is another story. Sometimes you might have a model cancel, the weather has shifted, or you might have forgotten an important element for the set. In that case, you'll have to put your plan B into action. Plan B isn't always a bad option; At times you might get something just as magical and Innovative with plan B than what you had originally imagined.
Assistant: Rae Bass Of Rae Bass Photography
IG: @fromwhereraestands
Photographer: TK Isler
FB: https://www.facebook.com/kiloloart/
IG: @tkeyephoto
Assistant: Rae Bass Of Rae Bass Photography
IG: @fromwhereraestands
Photographer: TK Isler
FB: https://www.facebook.com/kiloloart/
IG: @tkeyephoto
Q7. Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
I consider myself an artist.
Q8. What has been your most memorable session, and why?
My most memorable session has been photoshoots or events I have been able to share with team members. I enjoy a team setting. I love how a group of creatives can get together, share and bounce ideas off each other, technically talk out things, and push each other to simply do better or even to evolve. Sharing those developing moments and seeing the project come to life and be executed is what I live for.
Assistant: Rae Bass Of Rae Bass Photography
IG: @fromwhereraestands
Photographer: TK Isler
FB: https://www.facebook.com/kiloloart/
IG: @tkeyephoto
Assistant: Rae Bass Of Rae Bass Photography
IG: @fromwhereraestands
Photographer: TK Isler
FB: https://www.facebook.com/kiloloart/
IG: @tkeyephoto
Q9. Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
I shoot with Canon, Lens 18mm-105mm, 50mm, and 24mm-105mm
Q10. What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
The advice I would like to offer a new photographer or the next emerging artist looking to start their own business is to always keep your eye open; never stop looking, researching, and practicing your craft. I heard one of my photography professors say “You don’t want to be a jack of all trades, and a master of none”.
Assistant: Rae Bass Of Rae Bass Photography
IG: @fromwhereraestands
Photographer: TK Isler
FB: https://www.facebook.com/kiloloart/
IG: @tkeyephoto
Q11. What do you think of our new magazine?
I love the company's values in general and how they use their platform to allow artists to get their work
seen. The content that is chosen to be published in the magazine is outstanding.
Follow TK’s journey here:
https://www.facebook.com/kiloloart/
IG: @tkeyephoto