FIRST GEAR: SAM AFTERLIFE

In our 2nd FIRST GEAR feature, we were curious about what song @samafterlife would play first in the luxe Rolls-Royce Ghost audio system. He said that it would definitely be A-Reece feat. Riky Rick – Pick You Up, which we felt was a fitting choice! We also got to explore his journey and uncover some insight into his photography inspiration and vision from automotive, music, artists, and culture and how he brought that experience to his documentation of RR the Ghost.

INTERVIEW:

Firstly, which RR Ghost model/year were you shooting?

I was shooting the Rolls Royce Ghost 2020.

What was your first impression of the RR Ghost?

When I first saw the RR Ghost, I was struck by its elegant and timeless design. The car exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication, with its sleek body lines, iconic grille, and stunning detailing. As I approached the Ghost, I couldn’t help but be impressed by its sheer size and presence, which commanded attention and respect. Once inside, I was surrounded by a sumptuous interior that combined traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, creating a truly opulent driving experience. Overall, my first impression of the RR Ghost was that it was a masterpiece of automotive design and engineering.

While shooting the RR Ghost, which features stood out the most for you?

While shooting the RR Ghost, the feature that stood out the most for me has to be its the Iconic angel on the hood of the vehicle.

If you were to describe what the RR Ghost feels like to you, what would you say?

Once behind the wheel, the Ghost feels smooth and effortless to drive, with handling that is refined and poised, capable of navigating through the busy city streets as well as the open highways with equal ease. The engine rather purrs than roars and glides through the gears as you accelerate seamlessly, effortlessly propelling you forward. The suspension is soft and refined, soaking up the imperfections of the road so that the ride quality feels as close to floating on clouds as it could get. In summary, driving the Rolls Royce Ghost is a luxurious and sophisticated experience, as comfortable and fluid as one could hope for in a car of their dreams.

What’s the first song that you would play in the RR Ghost?

The first song I played in the RR Ghost was Riky Rick’s “Pick You Up” ft Areece.

What inspired you to pick up a camera and how long have you been shooting for?

There is something magical about capturing a moment in time, freezing it forever, and being able to revisit it whenever you please. This is what inspired me to pick up a camera. I wanted to capture the raw beauty of the world around me and share it with others. Photography has the power to evoke emotions, tell a story and leave a lasting impression on someone’s heart. I love being able to turn something ordinary into something extraordinary through the lens of my camera. The art of photography challenges me to see the world differently and constantly explore new perspectives. It’s a never-ending journey of learning and growth, and I am immensely grateful to have found my passion in capturing life’s fleeting moments. I have been shooting for 4 years now going to 5 years and we’re still growing by the day.

How would you describe your photography style?

When it comes to my photography style, I like to think of it as a unique blend of artistic expression and timeless elegance. I strive to capture not only the beauty of the subject at hand but also the essence of the moment. My photographs are characterised by a natural, unassuming quality, as I prefer to let the magic of the moment unfold on its own, rather than forcing it through elaborate posing and setup. The colours in my images are vibrant, yet subtle, and my compositions are often minimalistic, with a focus on the subject and the emotions it evokes. Overall, I would describe my photography style as a celebration of life, love, and all the little moments in between.

What advice would you give to someone who is trying to get into photography?

Firstly, it’s important to remember that the equipment does not make a good photographer – it’s the person behind the lens that truly makes a memorable shot.
Next, practice makes perfect. Get out there and take as many pictures as possible. Experiment with lighting, angles, and composition. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new techniques. The more you practice, the better you’ll become.
Finally, don’t focus too much on the technical aspects of photography. Photography is an art form, and while it’s important to understand things like exposure, aperture, and shutter speed, creativity and intrinsic vision are equally important. Express yourself through your photographs and let your passion shine through.”

Besides the RR shoot, what’s your most memorable moment behind the lens?

Well, besides the RR shoot the shoot that has to be most memorable is the shoot with Riky Rick where we were on a desert-like setting and he was sitting on an E30 BMW wearing a limited Louis Vuitton 2-piece denim set which was purple. That shoot still stands out amongst many shoots I have done and I could say it is one of the most impactful in my career.