RESPECT. Interview: Aaron Ricketts

Photo Credit: @aaronricketts_

Aaron Ricketts is a photographer coming from Philadelphia who has finished his enlistment in the Air Force, and now he’s turning his dreams into a reality. We know you have seen his work at Rolling Loud Festival and with Finish Line, Red Bull, K-Swiss, True Religion…even Powerhouse last year when Migos‘ Offset created a viral moment by proposing to Cardi B on stage. I caught up with him recently, and we talked about his favorite moments he captured, what motivates him and what is next for the young cat.

I see that you are a photographer, what were some of your favorite moments you captured this year?

There are two moments that stood out to me the most. First was, at the beginning of the year with the first Rolling Loud in Miami, Playboi Carti was performing and he brought out the entire A$AP Mob to perform “Magnolia.” A$AP Rocky and he were perfectly center on stage with the crowd in front of them. The energy was crazy and you can feel it in the image.

Photo Credit: @aaronricketts_

The second moment was at Powerhouse in Philly. Migos was performing when Cardi B came out on stage but nobody expected Offset to propose to her. An iconic moment in hip-hop history was taking place, and I just knew I couldn’t miss the shot. I ran out on stage and captured what some could say is the best engagement photo of all time.

Photo Credit: @aaronricketts_

Who do you look up to as an inspiration? What motivates you to get up in the morning?

I believe I’m most inspired by Kanye West. His “I can do whatever I want” attitude resonates within me. I’m motivated to get up every morning because I love what I do, every day is a new experience and you will never know what’s going to happen that might change your life.

I have been following your work and see that you released a project on December 1. My question is what is your definition of “A Gallon a Day?” What do you want people to take from it?

“A Gallon a Day” is a project based on my life and the journey I’ve been on up until now. It speaks about the struggles I had to go through, and the determination I had to get through it all. I called it “A Gallon a Day” because I aim to drink a gallon of water a day; I take on all the internal and external issue the same way, day by day. The main thing I wanted to do with this project was to let people know its okay to talk about and embrace on all the bullshit they’ve gone through or currently going through. Majority of the time there is someone else who has gone through it or is currently going through it as well. The main thing is to stay focused on your goals because eventually, it gets better.

Photo Credit: @aaronricketts_

Where can we find your work? Do you have a book for photographers, who you look up to you, to where they can buy?

You can find my work on my website aaronricketts.com, and my Instagram @aaronricketts_. On my website you can find/purchase my photo book that was released recently and soon I’ll be putting out a fine art book in connection with my project “A Gallon a Day”.

Photo Credit: @aaronricketts_

What tools are your favorite to use to create your art/images?

Photoshop, Photoshop, and Photoshop. (Although not everything I do goes through Photoshop).

What is your definition of RESPECT?

Pay me and talk to me like you have common sense. That’s it, ahah.

You have released your photo book, what did you want the world or people who look up to you as?

I just want people to see me as someone who creates whatever they want and is good at it.

Do you have anyone you want to work with side by side? If so, why?

If I can work with Kanye on something I know I will make it. I feel like he would be down with some of my crazy ideas.

What advice can you give to your younger self or for freelancers to chase your dreams?

Be unapologetic about your work and success. When people don’t know you they could care less about you. Make people care and build a good relationship with them along the way. No one knows what you want, but you are to never be afraid to speak up or ask for something.

What is next for you?

I just received my LLC and established Aaron Ricketts Media, LLC officially but I’m also looking to get signed by an agency soon to expand my work.

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