PHOTOGRAPHY • INSPIRATION

Creator Collective: Mohammed Abdulle.

The self-taught digital native is inspired by the work of online and IRL friends.

When did you first get into photography? Tell us about your journey.

It was actually entirely accidental — I never planned to become a photographer. I was studying computer science in London and I started going out and about to take photos around the city in my spare time. It was my release from university. I just enjoyed doing it and it was always fun to meet new people and explore new places.

Film or digital? Why?

Digital — always. I grew up on digital. Ninety-nine percent of my photos are digital. Nothing against film but digital just feels comfortable — it works. It's what I'm used to shooting on and I love being able to have full control of the camera, as well as being able to see real-time how the photos will turn out. 

Where do you draw your inspiration from? 

I get most of my inspiration from friends. So many people look up to these old-school, celebrity photographers, but for me it’s always been friends online and in-person. The main reason is that I can relate to them. It inspires me because they’re people just like me taking these amazing photos and if they can do it, then so can I!

What’s your dream project? 

Honestly, this is a tough question. My dream projects change so regularly. Right now, it would be to have a long-term project, exhibition, class, or school. Something that would allow me to educate and share my story, knowledge, and experience so that I can show people — the same way others have shown me — that it is possible, that you can do it, and here’s how.

Any tips for those starting out? 

The best tip I have is consistency — practice makes perfect. Life starts at the edge of your comfort zone. You’re a human being capable of achieving anything; the internet has all the information you need and the only person who will ever stop you is yourself.

How do you approach collaboration?

Collaborations are like friendships — you’re not working with a brand, but rather working with another person. You’re building a relationship together. It’s not one-sided; we're working together in this collaboration for the best results.

Please tell us how your project Take More Photos came about.

Take More Photos came about for a couple of reasons. First, we wanted to set up the type of community and platform for other photographers that we wish we’d had earlier in our journey. A space where creatives could meet, hang, and connect with other creatives, because growing up and starting off in my early days it was hard to find and connect with other photographers/creatives.

Secondly, we were always pitching and hitting up brands and companies to do these cool ideas, events and activities that we wanted to make happen. In the end, we realized we could do it ourselves.

What’s one piece of kit you couldn’t live without?

Anything that has a camera, so I guess the first option would be my phone. The best camera is the one you always have with you, so as long as I have any type of camera with me, I’m good to leave my house.

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