Conversations with Ababacar (AJ) Wilane

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ababacar (AJ) Wilane

Hi AJ, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Looking back, I’ve always been intrigued by the natural beauty of my surroundings. A lot of my time growing up was spent outdoors usually exploring the countryside. I always loved taking photos on my iPod early on without too much thought other than capturing whatever caught my eye. I finally got my hands on a camera in 2020 during COVID. Given the amount of free time the pandemic provided, I spent a lot of it learning more about photography and watching tons of YouTube videos over the topic. I remember starting out, I didn’t want to take photos of people (ironic considering that’s what I primarily shoot nowadays) because I had to talk to them. It wasn’t until 2021 when I got more comfortable taking people’s portraits which is also the same year I started my business. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t help me get through my final years of high school as well. I’m very grateful to have stumbled upon a craft this early on that resonates with me on my journey of life. I’m three years into the craft and finally feel like I’m starting to navigate towards work I’m confident about. I’ve been able to meet many talented creatives and friends through photography alone which is something I always desired growing up. It’s much more than a hobby or creative outlet for me. It’s provided growth in so many different aspects of my life. To be at a point where I can call this a reality feels refreshing, and I’m stoked for what these upcoming years have to offer!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
For the most part, yes. I experienced a lot at a young age prior to starting photography so most of my struggles these days feel like a walk in the park. That’s not to say I don’t get affected by my current struggles, but rather that I’ve been able to build up a bit of resilience to incoming ones. A big part of that is from the mindset I’ve worked to develop within these last couple years. There’s been a lot of self-discovery and internal work I’ve done that’s helped immensely. I’d consider myself to have a positive outlook on life, and have come to realize anything negative will eventually resolve. Because of this, I’ve been able to keep the road maintained as well as I can.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a 20-year-old photographer specializing in editorial, fashion, and environmental portraiture. I’ve shot a wide range of portraits, from concerts to fashion shows, and I enjoy them all. I’ve had the opportunity to work with KC-based clothing brand Made Mobb, the alternative rock band The Velveteers, local hip-hop/alternative indie band BLACKSTARKIDS, and KC’s most recent 24th Annual West 18th Street Fashion Show. I work with both film and digital mediums, and my stylistic approach leans towards an editorial, creative, and cinematic look. I love working with different subjects, capturing fashion, and creating images that tell a story. Whether I’m shooting outdoors or in a studio, I focus on capturing authentic moments that highlight the individuality of my subjects and the concepts at play. My goal is to create photographs that are aesthetically striking and make viewers want to take a second glance.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The journey still feels like it’s just begun. I’ve been pursuing this for a little over three years now, and I’m constantly learning something new each day. Lately, two life principles have resonated with me deeply — presence and accepting the natural ebbs and flows of life. Actively learning to be more present has benefited me greatly, especially in the past year. Being aware and present in the moment offers a sense of peace and clarity that’s often hard to find nowadays.

From my experience, much of this challenge stems from social media and the illusory experience it provides. I have a love-hate relationship with it, and I’ve been working on finding better balance by seeking presence away from the digital world in nature. Spending time outdoors and appreciating the views, whether mundane or beautiful, brings me so much tranquility. Finding this balance and recognizing that there will always be ebbs and flows has been incredibly helpful. Life flows in many different directions, taking us on various paths. That’s just how it is. We have to trust and follow that flow because it often leads us to a greater purpose, even if we don’t immediately recognize it. Allowing life to unfold with as little resistance as possible makes everything feel ten times easier. I believe much of the resistance I (and many others) experience comes from trying to hold on to control. Letting go can be scary, but it’s so worth it. Every time I’ve accepted that I don’t have control over a situation, things have improved in unexpected ways. Sometimes, it may take longer to recognize the greater purpose, but it eventually reveals itself.

Change is a constant part of life, and you won’t solve your problems by fearing it. You have to trust that whatever path you’re on is unique to you, and there’s no time limit to success. No one before you has experienced the world through your perspective, so of course, your journey will differ from someone else’s. Why would you want it to be the same? The best thing we can do for ourselves is to be authentic, kind, and empathetic to others and to ourselves. That’s the true way to cultivate success in my eyes. Learning and applying these principles has had a profound impact on my journey as an artist. It’s how I’ve maintained a positive outlook on life and know that, wherever I’m headed, everything’s going to be just fine. Success will come if you truly want it. It’s not a matter of if, but when.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ajwilanephoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajwilanephoto