Join us in welcoming Kabelo, a talented photographer from Edmonton, Alberta, who transformed his childhood passion for cars into a thriving career in automotive photography. It all began with a chance encounter at a local car meet, where the striking image of a deep red, slammed E90 328i captured through his lens not only changed his professional path but also sparked a lasting friendship and a never-look-back attitude towards his newfound passion.
In our interview, we'll delve into Kabelo's distinct approach to automotive photography. We aim to discover how he skillfully blends technical skill with creative vision in his photos. What inspires the start of his new projects, and what challenges does he face in the specialized field of high-end car photography? Kabelo will share insights into his artistic process and provide guidance for budding photographers keen on breaking into the world of automotive imagery.
To see Kabelo's impressive portfolio, don't forget to check out his Instagram page.
I was originally just a run of the mill photographer but with a strong passion for cars since I was a wee boy. But the first car I photographed that made me realize this is something I could pursue was a deep red slammed E90 328i that I shot at a local car meet. After I posted it, the owner reached out to me to do a proper photoshoot, and since then, he has been a very close and trusted friend of mine. I just haven’t looked back since.
Hmm, I think what makes a great automotive photo stand out is if it has something unique or compelling about it, whether it be that the car is in an unexpected environment or the lighting is rich and perfectly complements the car as long as the photo compels the viewer to be more curious about the photo and its whys and hows, that makes a truly great automotive photo stand out.
This is a tough one. There are some really challenging shoots I have somehow managed to pull off, but I can’t delve into the details due to the questionable legality of what had to be done to pull them off, haha. But I think one of the most challenging ones on which I had to shoot a good friend's BMW F90 M5 in deep snow and extremely freezing temperatures, between him and me figuring the best drive settings to drift the car in the snow, me underdressed for -30C temperatures, slipping on black ice and trying to avoid security cards. The shoot took a lot of mental energy for me to do, but we had been waiting a few months for the perfect snowstorm to get this shoot done, so I couldn’t just give up. I am glad I didn’t, as the photos are some of my favorites I have ever done.
Easily my Sigma 85mm F1.4 lenses, I am a huge fan of prime lenses, and in my humble opinion, the 85mm is the best lens whether it be for automotive or portrait photography, this lens stays glued to my camera.
I think keeping up with trends and styles so you don’t fall behind is extremely important but making sure I always maintain my creative style and constantly finding areas I can improve and grow keeps my work innovative and gives me a unique edge.
I think there is both; just like any career or hobby, there will always be some level of competitiveness with others and with yourself. But automotive is a lot more collaborative as I would not be here without the great friends I have made along the way. Whether they would help me out by being my photography subjects or much more talented and experienced photographers offering my advice and unique insights, these have been paramount in my growth as a photographer.
To not easily get lost in the excitement and be very mindful of creative burnout, as that is a whole that can be very difficult to get yourself out of.
Oh, that is probably one of the hardest questions you can ask a photographer haha. I would say right now my favorite photo is the one I took during my most challenging shoot and it's of my friend drifting his F90 M5 around me and it just came out so perfect.
A Cadbury Purple McLaren P1, accompanied by a Pearl Brown Metallic Lexus LFA and a BT2 Champion Blue Nissan R33 GTR LM Limited. Kind of an odd trio, especially the colours. But there is something about these cars that has absolutely won over my heart.
We're grateful to Kabelo for sharing his experiences in the world of automotive photography. His journey, marked by a profound passion and exceptional skill, is truly inspiring and rich with valuable lessons. Kabelo's ability to capture the elegance and character of cars is remarkable. We value the insights he has provided about his art and look forward to witnessing his future accomplishments as he continues to make a significant impact in the realm of automotive photography.
Check out more of Kabelo's work and download the TCN app today and immerse yourself in a world where automotive beauty meets high-end technology. Stay tuned for our regular updates, and let's drive into the future of automotive enthusiasm together!
