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

Alright, Rucky thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.

If we’re being completely honest, my official journey of learning photography/videography started in 2014, but that’s a story in it of itself. The idea of doing photography full-time first came across my mind January 2017, literally 2 weeks after graduating from Towson, with an exercise science degree. Yeah, I know, absolutely nothing to do with my career. But I didn’t pursue it then, I kept it as a hobby and consistently kept trying to figure out what I should be doing because I was always just short a few points on my strength & conditioning exam. I remember always saying about photography to myself “By God’s grace, I know that would be successful in this field, if I got into it.” Looking back, I kept dismissing it for one reason or another.

Fast forward to Covid-19. The lockdown occurred and the week leading to it, I expected to lose my job, which I did and ultimately got it back shortly afterwards. But it was during the lockdown I made my decision to start the transition to full-time. In that period of universal confusion and anxiety, I felt at peace. I knew that I would be fine. I already had everything I needed to be successful, in that period (Jesus, my camera, and my car). There were people in times of crisis became millionaires, why couldn’t I? (Still working to become a millionaire by the way).

The lockdown was lifted and from May 2020 – Dec 2020, all I did was continue to shoot and prepare myself for the transition. I constantly reminded myself two things:
1) The first month will be lowest grossing month, EVER from that point on. It was, I made $800
2) More importantly, I can only get better..

My last employed day was December 31st, 2020 and January 1st, 2021, was my first self-employed day. The biggest thing I had to learn and still do is the business side. What is my worth? How do I charge? Am I providing way more service than what I’m being paid (the most consistent issue for me)? Will I run out of ideas? And throughout my journey, at that point specifically, 2 photographers Eugene (@getboxed) & Allen (@stewdiovisuals) really aided and guided me to where I am currently.

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

Of course! My name is Rucky Likekele (pronounced Ricky). I’ve gotten a lot of nicknames of the years but I mainly go by Papa K, Papa Kele, or simply Kele, these days.

I’m a photographer & videographer focusing on weddings, lifestyle, and commercials. Honestly, I got into it from a hobby in college to career. Maybe it was always inside me at a young age but not many opportunities to discover it growing up.

My willingness to learn and truthfully collaborate with my clients before and during our shoots is what sets me a part. You hear often times that creatives need/love creative control over a project, and honestly I definitely understand why, I’m guilty. But I make sure to ask my clients their thoughts and opinions because it may be better than mine and helps elevate the production. Side note: my ability to speak French also sets me a part, I’ve seen it come in handy a few times.

I’m most proud of my growth. This journey not only helped me grow professionally but also as a man. The tough times, were tests to see who I was and what I needed to improve. In addition, I actually own my cameras. When I first started, I didn’t even own a camera. I borrowed a lot. S/o to y’all who let me do that!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative for me is impact. Seeing the reactions from my clients.

As a photographer, especially in the wedding space, I see myself as a server. It’s not about me, it’s about my clients. If you know me, I say this all the time, I could like it all I want, but if my client does not, then it doesn’t matter. If they look good, then I look good.

All of the great people that we refer to often times, were servers. They put others before themselves.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Everyone has a story to tell. Testimonies are what inspires each other. They examples, lessons, a roadmap for us. History is much more important than I believe we give it credit.

I love listening to stories and I pride myself on being able to document stories with photography & motion visuals.

Contact Info:

• Website: Papakphotos.com
• Instagram: Papakphotos