Meet Adam Kent | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adam Kent and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adam, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
One thing that outsiders might be unaware of in the photography industry is the significant amount of time and effort that goes into post-production. While many people see the final images and may assume that capturing them is the main challenge, a large part of a photographer’s job involves editing, retouching, and organizing their work. This process can be time-consuming and requires technical skills with software like Lightroom/Capture One or Photoshop, often taking as long or longer than the actual shooting itself.

Additionally, there are business aspects such as consults, marketing, client management, and licensing that are crucial to a photographer’s success but often go unnoticed by those outside the industry.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I owe a lot of my success to the unwavering support of my friends and family. The journey has definitely not been easy! In today’s competitive photography landscape, where the market is saturated with talent, it’s all too common to feel overlooked, price-shopped, or even ghosted.

How did I get here? It all began in the enchanting world of weddings, where I still capture those magical moments. But I wasn’t ready to stop there—I wanted more! My love for portrait photography ignited a new passion, and I dove in headfirst. That’s when my inner drummer kicked in, and my journey into the realm of music unfolded.

I’ve traveled the globe photographing breathtaking destination weddings, and my portrait work has brought me face-to-face with legends like Kobe Bryant—oh, do I have an epic story about my five minutes with him! I’ve also had the honor of capturing moments with stars like Justin Bieber, Stan Lee, Usher, Alexa Bliss, and many more.

And the music? Wow! I’ve photographed incredible performers including Snoop Dogg, Brantley Gilbert, Boyz II Men, Sevendust, Live, Bush, Ryan Cabrera, Ne-Yo, Skillet, O-Town, and Pillar. Each experience has been a thrill, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next!

To truly stand out, whether through your work, business methods, or personality, is essential. With so many photographers out there, finding a way to be memorable is key. It requires resilience, an open mind, and a genuine hunger for learning.

Many people think that simply buying a camera and starting a business is all it takes. While it’s possible to do that, without the right knowledge and skills, it can be a challenging road. This is why I always recommend finding a mentor—having guidance can make a world of difference and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Embrace your mistakes; failure can be the best teacher. Each setback is a lesson, and as the saying goes, “The master has failed more times than the beginner has even tried” (Stephen McCranie).

Lastly, remember to focus on your own journey. Don’t compare yourself to others. Every artist has a unique voice, just like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, who were both incredible yet distinct in their styles. Celebrate your individuality and let it shine through your work.

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.
Once my best friend arrived in Los Angeles, the adventure began with a delicious brunch at The Griddle Cafe, where the famous pancakes set the tone for the day. After filling up, we ventured out to explore the iconic Hollywood Boulevard, soaking in the sights of the Walk of Fame and the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. As the sun began to set, we made our way to Griffith Park, where the expansive views of the city took our breath away. Dinner at Musso & Frank Grill, a true Hollywood staple, capped off our first day perfectly.

The next day was all about the beach. We started with breakfast at Eggslut, savoring their mouthwatering sandwiches before heading to Venice Beach. The vibrant atmosphere and eclectic boardwalk were a blast, and we couldn’t resist a leisurely stroll down to Santa Monica Pier. With the ocean at our feet, we enjoyed dinner at The Lobster, where the stunning views of the sunset over the water made for a magical evening.

On our third day, we dove into LA’s rich art scene. Our morning was spent at The Getty Center, where the impressive art collections and beautiful gardens inspired us. In the afternoon, we wandered through LACMA and marveled at the Urban Light installation. We ended the day with dinner at Bestia in the Arts District, indulging in some of the best Italian food we had ever tasted.

Day four brought adventure as we hiked Runyon Canyon, enjoying the fresh air and panoramic views of the city. After our hike, we explored the fascinating La Brea Tar Pits, learning about the prehistoric creatures that once roamed this land. Dinner at Huckleberry was a cozy delight, and later, we enjoyed a night of laughter at The Troubadour, where the live music filled the air with energy.

As we entered the fifth day, we set off to Silver Lake for breakfast at Sqirl, where the unique dishes were a highlight. We spent the day exploring Echo Park and Silver Lake, discovering quirky shops and vibrant street art. Dinner at Kismet followed, and we finished the evening with drinks at The Rooftop at The Standard, where the skyline views were simply unforgettable.

Our sixth day was all about excitement at Universal Studios Hollywood. We spent the morning riding attractions and immersing ourselves in the magic of the films. After a fun-filled day, we grabbed lunch at CityWalk, then relished a classic In-N-Out Burger for dinner before heading to The Comedy Store for a night of laughs.

Finally, on our last day, we decided to relax and reflect on the wonderful week. We started with brunch at Republique, enjoying the lively atmosphere. A peaceful stroll through the Venice Canals followed, allowing us to soak in the beauty of the area. To wrap up the trip, we dined at Nobu Malibu, savoring exquisite flavors while watching the waves crash. As the sun set, we gathered around a beach bonfire, sharing stories and laughter, cherishing the memories we had made together in this incredible city.

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?
This question is a bit tricky because, as the saying goes, it truly takes a village. When I discovered my passion for photography, I immediately sought out a mentor. I reached out to many photographers in Los Angeles, and while I faced a lot of rejection—something I now recognize as gatekeeping—one person responded: Robert from Robert Evans Photography. He took me under his wing and guided me in my craft. We had the opportunity to shoot some amazing weddings together, and I learned so much from witnessing his expertise and wisdom firsthand.

I’ve also been fortunate to have incredible friends and colleagues support me along the way. Sanjay Jogia of Eye Jogia Photography in the UK has been a great resource, and for video work, Dustin from Cinema Life Weddings has been my go-to. Elizabeth from Wink Wed has also provided invaluable assistance in various aspects of my field.

Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to my clients. Their support over the past two decades has been essential to my journey. Seeing their faces light up when they receive their wedding photos or portraits is what truly makes this all worthwhile for me.

Website: https://adamkentphotography.com

Instagram: @adamkentphotography

Image Credits
All Images belong to me. Adam Kent Phtography