“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.” – Aaron Siskind (American Photographer 1903-1991)
The many genres of creative expression are boundless, but one field has great interest to me and that is Photography. Capturing the essence of life, freezing time for that one moment is a feeling that is truly everlasting. Inspiration comes from many things and one of them for me is the work photographers produce. Today T.B.N Interviews the young photographer Kadeem Johnson of “K.John_LaSoul“, and discuss’ the talent, goals, and views on photography and art of the Bronx, New York native.
T.B.N: So Kadeem or if I may “K.John_LaSoul”, (is that a nickname?) You are the sole editor and contributor of “K.John_LaSoul“, a blog created by which showcase’s your photography. How has the blog been coming along since it’s conception? Are you getting positive feedback on your work?
Kadeem: Well K.John_LaSoul is a self-given nickname. I have other childhood nicknames that I try to forget now. Haha. But it started off as my twitter name and branched off to my blog title simply because I liked the way it flowed. The blog has been going really well man. I was really reluctant in starting one but I was speaking with my boy Josh from Street Etiquette and he talked me into doing it. That was about four months ago. Ever since then it’s been all good. I’ve been receiving great feedback. Nothing negative…YET.
T.B.N: When did you first realize your passion for photography? Did something or someone trigger an inspirational spark?
Kadeem: Photography has always been a great interest of mine. I realized my true passion for it when I began taking self portraits of myself and shots of my cousin Yaasmiin, who’s a painter. We began selling our work on the streets of SoHo, which was a pretty good hustle. I realized that it was something I love when onlookers would stop and just stare at my photos. So yea, my cousin and those individuals’ kind words triggered an inspirational spark.
T.B.N: Prior to your blog, I came across your work on Lookbook.nu, and majority of your work was photographs of your personal style. How do you describe your style? Does your photography take direction from it?, and how do you relate the two? What are your favorite things to shoot?
Kadeem: I don’t really know how to describe my style honestly. I guess I can call it afro-grunge haha. I don’t really put much thought into what I wear. My photography does not really take much from my style, but from photographs that I have seen from other photographers. I look at a lot of street style blogs and get inspiration from those images that I see. My favorite things to shoot are people. I love the beauty that people give and that I capture through my lens.
T.B.N: Creativity and artistry is something that I hold in high regard, what do you hope your photographs convey to people? What do you
want people to feel when they look at your work?
Kadeem: Well I do not really talk much. I’m a really quiet individual so I try to express myself through the pictures that I take. Photography has become a great outlet for me to express myself without words. I want people to feel what I feel when I take my pictures along with feeling whatever they want to feel as well. Positive or negative it doesn’t matter. I just want people to feel something.
T.B.N: In 5 years time, where do you hope to be? How do you think your work will progress? What is your ultimate career goal?
Kadeem: In 5 years hmmm. I hope to be living comfortably. I don’t want to be rich, but just satisfied. With any individual’s talent or hobby it progresses. So I see my work possibly being sold and displayed in different places. My ultimate career goal is to scout, develop, manage and market high fashion /editorial models. When I tell people that they are always surprised because it’s something that they will never think of me doing as a career. I have always been captivated by the beauties that walk the runway and bring life to editorials. Hopefully I can incorporate my photography into that career as well.
The Black Nouveau would like to thank Kadeem Johnson for his time.
Visit K.John_LaSoul for more info.
By: James Field
The Black Nouveau 
