Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Abbie Knights. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Abbie, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

Growing up I always had an affinity for the performing and creative arts. As a kid I spent hours studying performances by major artists, music videos etc. Began sketching and drawing when I was 5, and picked up my first camera at 11. Music and photography ads something I’ve always shared a great passion for, about 7 years ago, people were contacting me all the time to hire the photographer that was shooting all my Instagram content, which happened to be my “iPhone” at the time. So in 2018, I finally decided to start my own business as a digital creative, Kimani Media Group.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started out pursuing my dream at 13, as an aspiring artist. Over the years, that journey led me to hosting my own morning show on a top 40 / FM radio station in California, where I had over 1 million listeners. To working on many feature films and TV shows, where I received on screen credits like Avengers: Endgame, Avengers: Inifity War, The Walking Dead and many others, including music videos and creative visuals with some of your favorite artists like Drake and 21 Savage. Had several podcast shows, one of which placed top 20 in 12 different countries, and over the last few years I’ve had the opportunity to work as a celebrity photographer for The Hype Magazine, a 22 year long standing publication… I remember when I used to see them on the stands next to HipHop Weekly and The Source, and hoping that someday I’d be able to have my work featured, a real full circle moment for me. Truly grateful to the owner of the magazine, Dr. Jameelah Wilkerson, for believing me and always pushing her entire team to continue growing and elevating, and to the Editor-in-chief, Jerry Doby, for his unwavering support and all the amazing lessons he’s helped me learn, that have made me better as a professional in this space. Their work culture is unmatched and a family dynamic that you have to experience to understand, forever thankful.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Photography for me, is an incredibly meaningful and personal form of expression. When I created Kimani Media Group, a sub-business to my company C12 Media, my priority has always been to ensure everyone I worked with, was always left with a positive and memorable experience, hence our motto “voice your style”. For me, it’s all about the client and making sure that they not only feel amazing but that they are elated with the results of their photoshoot or digital assets. The most rewarding part of being a creative, is knowing I was able to impact someone else’s day or journey in a positive and uplifting way.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

When I was younger, the goal was always simple, to be successful. But as I’ve grown and matured, I realized that true success is about purpose. Some people see you holding a camera and the reaction is typically always, “oh they’re just a photographer” or “they just take pictures”, but in reality we create impactful moments for the people we work with. It’s like having a portable frozen moment, that you get to relive anytime you want…incredible memories with loved ones, people that may have passed away, or simply seeing someone in real time, smiling a little brighter, or walking taller with more confidence, because they loved the experience and the way their images turned out. Throughout my entire life, my Mom was always my greatest inspiration, she always supported my dreams in music and gave me first camera when I was 13. Unfortunately, she passed away last year, she is the purpose that continues to drive my creative journey everyday.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @AbbieKnights @KimaniMedia

Image Credits
Celebrity Images by: Abbie Knights / Kimani Media Group – Megan Thee Stallion – Janet Jackson – Young Jeezy – Bad Bunny (Image of me with camera in Arena & photo with Eric Bellinger) Justin Kase No Credit for the other images.