We had the good fortune of connecting with Romel Collins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Romel, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think risk is necessary for creatives in this world to put themselves out there. Sometimes no risk means no consistency. If people were so focused on being comfortable with what they were doing then they might miss out on opportunities. When I first started out as a young photographer, I would take risks by making sure I got around the right people by going to as many events as I could even if had little money or wasn’t formally invited. From there, the opportunities never stop coming so I didn’t stop either.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Personally I would take people to all the nice clubs that I know about in the city. There’s a few places that people can have some nice clean fun or even rowdy if that’s what there looking for. We would also have to hit up the food spots that’s not common in other states. The Chicken spot Harold’s Chicken is one of the few that is like no other. With the best ones being located in the south side, they offered some of the best tasting Chicken included with a condiment specific to Chicago known as Mild Sauce. Also there other places that make different ethnic food that other states make. I personally believe that Chicago has some of the tastiest options of these dishes than the other states. Our city really has alot to offer. There are skate parks here, bike trails, the beach downtown, and high fashion designer stores. Some of my favorite included an indoor skydiving location, a few arcades and

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I started off using my parents cellphones to take pictures and recording videos. So they really enabled my first experiences with cameras. Not until around my Junior year of high school did I rekindle my love for photography. Visiting the library nearest my school, (Harold Washington library) I was introduced to this program where I could learn and use cameras and editing software hands on. From there I was blessed to be lended a camera from the library where I began my journey.

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Instagram: romelcollins_

Twitter: RomelCollins

Youtube: Romel Collins

Other: Link to YouTube https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MnLLNuqG-LE

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