THROUGH THE LENS: AKBAR KHAN
Atlanta-based photographer and creative director Akbar Khan has spent the last four years developing a distinct visual language rooted in intention, consistency, and storytelling. A Pakistani-American creative whose journey began with a disposable camera in college, Khan has grown into a sought after photographer known for his thoughtful compositions and commitment to capturing authentic moments.
Driven by a desire to create lasting impact, Khan approaches every project with curiosity and discipline, constantly pushing himself to find fresh perspectives within each frame. His dedication has led to notable opportunities, including photographing Usher and his sons for Instagram's “Conversations" series. As he continues to refine his craft and explore new creative opportunities, Khan remains focused on the values that have guided his growth: patience, community, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
In the following interview, reflects on his creative journey, artistic influences, and the mindset that continues to shape his work today.
“More than anything, I want my work to communicate the power of consistency. Every project I've been brought onto is a direct reflection of the time and discipline I've invested in sharpening my eye and my craft”
-AKBAR KHAN
WHAT IS YOUR WHY? WHAT DRIVES YOUR CREATIVITY?
The ability to make a lasting impact and inspire is at the core of everything I do. I'm constantly challenging myself to find new and refreshing compositions, pushing beyond the obvious to uncover something unexpected. When posing a subject, my mind starts asking how many angles or stories can I pull from this single moment? That pursuit of depth within simplicity is what keeps me motivated and evolving
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME AN ARTIST ?
It started with the people around me, friends who were already shooting film and the energy of being surrounded by other aspiring creatives in Atlanta. I picked up my first disposable camera in college because a few friends were shooting 35mm point-and-shoots, and from those early posts, the addiction to film only grew. That curiosity led me from disposables to manual cameras and eventually to medium format, which is primarily what I shoot today. The community of photographers and models who supported me early on gave me both the confidence and the portfolio to keep going.
WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST ARTISTIC INFLUENCES ?
There are many artists that influence my work starting with Shamaal who draws me in through his distinct visual style and the authenticity he brings to every frame. Another is Linus (@linusandhiscamera) who inspires me through his experimentation with light, various film formats, and his transparency in documenting the creative process. Cian Moore (@sweetcian) is also someone I deeply admire not just for his photography, but for what he's building with his agency Clover NYC — that intersection of creative vision and business is something I see for myself down the road. And TJ Saw represents the caliber I'm actively working toward — his editorial output and relentless work ethic are a reminder of the standard I want to hold myself to.
WHAT MESSAGES OR EMOTIONS DO YOU WISH TO CONVEY TO THE MASSES THROUGH YOUR WORK ?
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS ?
Intentional, consistent, and evolving
More than anything, I want my work to communicate the power of consistency. Every project I've been brought onto is a direct reflection of the time and discipline I've invested in sharpening my eye and my craft. I want people especially those just starting out to look at my body of work and see what's possible when you stay committed even when results aren't immediate. The emotion I hope comes through is intention: that every frame was considered, and nothing was by accident.
WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENT'S ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
My most proud moment to date was being hired to photograph Usher and his sons, Cinco and Naviyd, for the debut episode of "Carversations", a series created by Instagram where parents and teens have candid conversations about navigating social media. I was brought on to shoot the press images used for thumbnails and promotional material surrounding the talent. It was both my most impactful project professionally and one of the most genuinely enjoyable experiences I've had on set. I'm incredibly proud and grateful for that opportunity it affirmed that the work and patience have been worth it.
IF YOU COULD SPEAK TO THE VERSION OF YOURSELF WHO WAS JUST STARTING OUT, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?
Be patient and trust the process even when it feels like nothing is moving. Early on, I'd reach out to artists and models with concepts I was excited about and hear nothing back, which was discouraging. But this industry runs on timing, and the right collaborations will come together when the moment is right for everyone involved. Keep building with the people around you, stay consistent, and let the work speak for itself. Also capture more BTS of yourself working haha.
Community has been foundational to where I am today. Atlanta's creative scene pushed me out of my comfort zone through events and shoots in the city that forced me to show up not just with my camera, but with the willingness to connect. Through those experiences, I met creative directors, photographers, DPs, and label creatives who would later refer or hire me for real opportunities. Solitude, on the other hand, gave me the space to refine my eye — those quiet hours spent studying images, experimenting with light, and developing my aesthetic are just as responsible for my growth as any networking moment.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE CURRENT CHAPTER OF YOUR CREATIVE LIFE?
This chapter feels like refinement. As the professional work has grown, I've become more intentional, more selective about the projects I take on and more protective of my time and creative energy. I'm carving out space for passion projects that keep my artistic instincts sharp outside of client work. I'm also exploring agency representation as a next step, which feels like a natural evolution of everything I've been building toward.
