To You, From Akbar Works
My first hardcover photo book, To You, From Akbar Works, showcases my select portrait photography from 2022 to 2024. I designed the book and cover, ensuring a cohesive visual narrative, and oversaw quality control with the printing manufacturer to maintain top-tier production standards. To bring the release to life, I planned the rollout campaign and directed a commercial, crafting a full creative experience around the project.
Timeline
June 2024 - September 2024
Designer
Director
Photographer
Role
Director of Photography - @bfivev
Camera Op - @sincereblanco
1st AC - @supatrendysosa
Colorist - @bfivev
Talent - @velcroes_ and @akahaley
Team
Tools
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Indesign
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Illustrator
For the commercial release of To You, From Akbar Works, I wrote and directed a fast-paced, attention-grabbing narrative that blends chaos with curiosity. The story follows a woman overwhelmed by overdue book fees, ranting on the phone while rushing to return a massive stack of books. As the tension builds—slamming brakes, near-collisions, and unexpected interruptions—her frustration peaks when a stranger bumps into her, sending her books tumbling to the ground. But amidst the mess, one book catches her eye—my photobook, a title she doesn’t remember borrowing. This moment shifts the tone, leaving the viewer intrigued. My goal was to create an engaging, cinematic ad that grabs attention while seamlessly introducing the photo book in a way that feels unexpected yet memorable.