“It’s alright, the camera is talking. Oh. And even though I can’t be sure, memory tells me that these times are worth working for.” – Camera Talk, Local Natives
Do you know someone who you encountered multiple times before actually taking time to stop and talk to them? I happen to have crossed paths with Atlanta-based documentary and commercial photographer Kevin D. Riles in what seems to be the most random of manners over the years.
I first met Kevin when he was on staff at our college newspaper. I was a member of the student radio station attending a meeting where he was instructing members of student media on the ways of WordPress.
As it turns out, his photography career began before he walked the campus of our Alma mater. Kevin began as a journalist at The Moultrie Observer. It was there that he gained his experience using a Canon AE-1 to capture photos that accompanied his stories. He later decided to supplement his experience with a college degree.
During my senior year of college, he took a photo of me in costume during a rehearsal of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. I was pretty proud of that photo as it was used as the cover of a school pamphlet.
In 2017 while reading a BuzzFeed News article about a militia that had set up camp in a metro Atlanta area, I recognized the name to which the photos were credited. “Could that be school newspaper Kevin D. Liles?” It was school newspaper Kevin, and in addition to featuring in that Buzzfeed piece, he had shot photos for several publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post and Sports Illustrated among others since his days on campus. He was clearly finding success doing the thing he enjoyed.
I was in attendance during the game where the Atlanta Braves claimed the title of 2018 NL East Division Champions. After the game ended and lines quickly grew for championship merchandise, I overheard chatter about players lingering on the field and the potential to grab a photo with one of them. Hesitant to bother people or gather things like autographs rather than soak up the moment, I slowly wandered closer to the field before opting instead to watch the players interact with one another and young fans instead.
Before leaving, I curiously peered into the dugout and was surprised to see Kevin’s familiar face. Not only was Kevin shooting stunning photos for respected publications or capturing moments in the lives of a militia, he was also photographing Braves games. The guy was clearly good at what he did.
Soon after seeing him at the game, I uncovered the not-so-hidden treasure that is his Instagram account. The account is full of impressive work Kevin has created. I also looked into an event he hosts called ATL Photo Night and decided to attend. The event is a free artist talk that is open to the public.
I eventually decided to ask him about being featured on my channel. When the time came to ask, I nervously hoped he’d remember me and be willing to make time for an interview. After stumbling through words, I got out the fact he had taken my photo in the theatre during Macbeth rehearsals and a light bulb seemed to go off. He remembered! Unbeknownst to me, that theatre photo was in his portfolio for years. After crossing paths with Kevin and his beautiful work, I thought it was time to make time to actually chat with him and allow him to tell stories of how he approaches his craft. I’m a fan, and I’m sure after you watch him speak and view his photography, you will be too.