Who would you call a photographer?
Most commonly, a photographer is best described as a person who can take a photograph by adjusting their camera’s settings to capture the subject in the most optimal way. However, I believe that in order to be unique, one must move beyond trying to find the optimal.
My definition of a photographer is someone who looks at a subject, visualizes how they want that subject to appear through the lens, and uses the camera’s settings to match their desired vision with the final outcome. A photograph doesn’t have to be perfectly exposed, and the subject doesn’t have to be crystal clear. There are no strict rules for capturing and creating a composition in photography that would aesthetically please your eye. Sure there are some guidelines to follow to capture technically better photographs, but if I had to choose between being technically well-equipped but lacking the aesthetic eye, or taking the photograph in auto mode but having the eye to capture the moment the way I want to, I’d definitely choose the second option. I believe that while technical skills can always be improved, the ability to see—not just look—is a gift.
Who is behind the lens?
I’m Ali Akgün, a freelance photographer specializing in architectural and commercial photography. I've been passionate about photography for as long as I can remember. I began my career as a freelance photographer by conducting photoshoots for various brands across different industries. I would describe my style as versatile, with a focus on using natural light as the primary source of exposure in my photographs.
During my college years at The George Washington University in Washington, DC, I realized that aside my marketing major, I wanted to pursue my passion for photography. So, I minored in Fine Arts at the Corcoran School of the Arts & Design. My early experiences played a significant role in shaping my career as a photographer. I enrolled in several photography courses that taught me the fundamentals of photography and made me fall in love with the mathematical aspects of the art form. Cheers to my mentor, Chan Chao, for helping me initiate my photography journey!
So what does The Archived Visuals stand for?
The Archived Visuals has come a long way. It’s a service for potential clients, providing social media content creation through capturing photographs and still clips. I work closely with clients to understand their vision and bring their visual concepts to life. Whether for businesses or individuals, The Archived Visuals offers a comprehensive solution to create engaging and compelling visual content that resonates with its audience.
With my background in marketing and photography, I understand the importance of visual storytelling in today's digital marketing world. Hence, The Archived Visuals offers personalized and professional services to help clients elevate their online presence. From concept development to post-production, The Archived Visuals aims to deliver high-quality and unique content that align with clients' brand identities and marketing objective.