FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER ARTHUR KEEF

Fashion Photographer Arthur Keef

Arthur Nyakiamo, commonly known as Arthur Keef, is a beauty, fashion and commercial photographer based in Nairobi, Kenya. We recently discover his latest work Red in Behance and we knew we wanted him on Lemontrend, therefore we prepare a little interview about his career and how his journey as a photographer started.

When did you know you wanted to be a photographer?

I have always been artistic, I used to draw and sketch stuff, I guess I was pretty good at it at some point, but my interest in photography came when I came across LINDSAY ADLER’s work, her images completely blew me away, she still stands as one of my favourite photographers to date.

What is the most important at the moment you take a picture?

Making sure everything is exactly how I want it, the makeup, the model poses, the facial expression etc. only then will I take the picture.

From where you get your inspiration

I scour the internet for hours on end looking for ideas I can use, sometimes it can be a pattern I see, other times it might be a mix of colours that capture my attention then I manipulate it to how I would like it to morph with my concept.

Describe a typical shoot.

A typical shoot would start with me having an idea, then choose the models I want to work with for the idea, next is to get a makeup artist, then a designer or stylist. Thereafter we get to work. It’s always a combined effort.

Were you educated in photography, or are you self-taught?

Everybody learns from somewhere, so I feel like “self-taught” is not really a term I should use. With the current times, information on the internet is vast and I happened to get all I needed on youtube. From, what gear to use, to how to shoot, to editing and retouching. I really appreciate the content creators that try to get what they know, out there for the next person who might be seeking similar information.

What camera do you use most of the time?

I use my Canon 550D which I fell in love with! Despite the fact that it is an entry-level camera I’ve been able to create amazing images with it.

Which photo are you currently most proud of?

Currently, I am really obsessed with my new editorial fashion series “RED” featuring models KEN FREDRICK and BELINDA CHRISTELLE. I had not done a personal fashion project in a long time so this was the first and I went all in with this one. I am really proud of the outcome, though it won’t take long before I am over it and I start thinking of the next one.

What could you done differently to get to where you are sooner?

To be honest I would not change a thing. It has been a learning curve for me and I think that my experiences are what have moulded me to who I am today.

Favorite photography book?

I am not an avid reader so I don’t think I have a favourite book leave alone a favourite photography book

To know more about Arthur, please visit: Keef Photography