Meet Jamal-Akil Marshall | Photographer & Videographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamal-Akil Marshall and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamal-Akil, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Through my experience risk is the missing link that connects your true self to your creative expression. Being yourself, standing in the light that God has gifted you with requires taking a step out on faith. Choosing to be your authentic self no matter the judgement of others that may impede on your growth including your own self is one of the best risk you can take. Bet on yourself every moment of every day. In doing so you allow who you are meant to be to unfold in a manner that is unhindered by mental or exterior shackles placed on you either by others or by your own self talk.

In my life taking this risk hasn’t been the easiest thing. But overtime you become more self aware with the source of your continuation being your insatiable desire for self expression. In my career choosing to photograph and edit in a way that I know is unique to me has been one of the best choices I’ve made in this creative profession. Each day I’m constantly striving either through my actions or through mental deliberation to achieve skills that allow my freedom of expression to push more of the risk taking boundaries I’d like to see in my work and my life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
One of the goals in my life even as a teenager has been getting all of my creative ideas out of my head and out into the world. I still strive for that goal with my creative outlet being photography and art direction. Fashion immersed in colors that tell a story and sets a mood is a frame of mind I like to sit in. I’m proud of the way photographers relentlessly push their creative visions day in and day out. There is so much inspiration that we all provide as artist to a world of individuals who we have no idea we are affecting. It’s beautiful. I have to say I am excited for what the future brings in terms of collaborations. Being in the room with other creative minds brainstorming or simply having a free expression day helps remind me of why I love this kind of work. With the guidance of others along with my endless pursuit of cultivating my talents, my success professionally blossoms. It wasn’t easy getting to where I am now. But nothing worth having is really easy. I overcame the challenges by overcoming myself. Becoming best friends with your inner voice allows you to focus more on the craft with which you work. I’d like the world to know that being true to yourself expressing who you are for the sake of your own happiness is the priceless payment that is immediately restored back to you.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This question made me both smile and laugh as I thought of my best friend visiting. I would have us to wake up early grab breakfast at a local restaurant and then proceed to fill the day with a tour of Los Angeles. We’d see all the touristy locations from the Hollywood sign, the studios in Burbank, the fashion district, ride down through Long beach, head over to Venice which by that time we’d be hungry again. This provides a perfect opportunity to try some tapa style restaurants grabbing some cocktails along the way. We’d have to go out dancing! We’d look up whatever events are happening in the city, choose the most appealing one and immediately head there. With it being a week long trip you have to mix in some nature museums and music. One of my favorite places to go hiking is Vasquez Rock. The rock structures there are insane. The weather is consistently nice where you can’t visit Los Angeles and not hit the beach. There is a place I’d take my friend called Table Rock in Laguna Beach. Very serene and calm. LACMA would be my choice of museums to see along with a trip to the Getty Villa out through Malibu. When it comes to live music, LA is a destination spot for numerous bands and musicians so throughout the week I’d take my friend to local venues like the Echo on sunset blvd and snag some tickets to see a show at the Hollywood Bowl. The possibilities are endless.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh there is absolutely no way I’d be where I am standing today if it weren’t for the community of people I have had on my journey from Cleveland to LA pursuing photography. I have been in Los Angeles for 11 months and the continued support and encouragement of my family and friends back home in Cleveland has been everything for me. My transition to Los Angeles couldn’t have been as successful if it weren’t for Remy Levy, Jermeel Hewitt, Josiah Jones, Stefano Langone, Chelsea Langone, Jordan Tucker, Natasha Martin, Jasmine Richard Brooks and all the incredible models, make up artist, stylist who I’ve had the pleasure of creating with while out here. Everyone I mentioned and more have helped in numerous ways where I can’t express enough how appreciative and grateful I am for them. It takes a team!

Website: jmlakl.com

Instagram: @jmlakl

Linkedin: JMLAKL Studios

Twitter: @JMLAKL

Facebook: Jamal-Akil Photography

Other: Vimeo: Jamal-Akil Marshall

Image Credits
Natasha Martin – DISCO SAVED ME