Elton Anderson » weddings. lifestyle. fashion.

For me, one of the hardest parts of being a lifestyle photographer is shooting absolute and complete strangers. By no means am I calling any of my clients strange — although they could probably say that about me — but it can be kind of challenging to tell someone’s story and you’ve just met them. So my solution to this dilemma has always been food. Keeping that in mind, Kevin and I decided to meet up for a quick lunch a few days before his shoot. 

Over some of the best Thai food in New York, I got a chance to know the real Kevin Madden and found out we had a lot in common. Both from the Midwest, both attended HBCU’s and both at the start of our entrepreneurial journeys. At only 24 years-old Kevin is the President and CEO of Behind It All, Inc., a full-service brand management company based out of NY. With his Blackberry Tour on deck and the kind of confidence very few are born with, Kevin is already getting familiar with the social and entertainment circles in New York. Better yet, these circles are getting familiar with him.

Kevin is one to watch as a leader of the next generation and if it’s success, he’ll be behind it all.

Check out the full line-up here: http://eltonandersonblog.com/slidingstories/kevinmadden/

As I creep up on my first full year of business I’ve learned a lot about what it takes (and will take) to be a successful photographer. Developing your style, effective branding and staying inspired are all key to reaching your business/creative goals. But, if you ask any renowned photographer what the most valuable element to their business (besides the camera, of course), I’m sure they’ll say a strong team. Most people don’t realize this but it takes a LOT of talented individuals to make a great picture happen. Sure you have a model and the photographer, but the stylist, creative director, make-up artist, producer, hair stylist, lighting assistants (and the list goes on) are all an integral part of every picture taken.

With that being said, I have the honor of working with one of the most talented up-and-coming creative directors/stylists in the game. If you’ve seen any shoots I’ve done in the east coast recently, they have all been due to the creative vision of Mr. Apuje Kalu. Although his Engineering degree has little to do with fashion or photography, his keen sense of style and experience behind the scenes has made him a natural at creating high-end concepts. Plus, his “make-it happen” attitude is the perfect match for the slight case of ADD I think I may have developed over the years. But all jokes aside, Apuje is a great friend and even greater at what he does, so I’m guessing we’ll see a lot of future success.

**FYI: Today just happens to be his birthday… Make it a great one homie!** http://twitter.com/Apuje