Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaki Kirk.
Hi Kaki, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
For as long as I can remember I’ve always had a camera in my hand and I liked to be creative. My dad had a big influence on me as he captures everything which inspired me to do it. I never thought it would become the business it is now. Sophomore year of high school, I felt a little lost in what I really wanted to do with my time and it hit me that I could use the camera I have sitting around my house and possibly make it into something big.
I had been playing around with filters for editing pictures all the time so I added that with my camera and started there. I realized I have a passion for creating things artistically and this was my way to express myself. It was a very slow start but after working with people and finally getting “my bigger gig” with the Greek community at Florida Stare University, everything went from there.
I now am constantly doing shoots whether it’s with sororities, graduations, headshots, editorial, portraits, and families. It’s really become my LIFE these past four years and I couldn’t be more thankful for how busy it has made me.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Truthfully not the smoothest. As a photographer, there is so much competition when there are so many people in your town that do the same thing as you. You have to be different and stand out if you want to take the next step to book shoots. I had to work really hard on perfecting my editing style and getting the right equipment to make myself the best I can be.
There are also hardships in this business due to photography being a very season-based job. There are busier times at holidays with families or graduations in the spring — and those slower months can be hard.
Overall, it is just a slow process to get to where you are as a photographer and you just have to wait for that moment that it really hits you that this is your job and you’re progressing!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The generic description of me is that I am a photographer and videographer. I love them both equally but currently specialize more in photography. Photography is what I have started within my career and it’s something I’ll love forever.
Videography is a newer one for me, but I have had multiple collaborations working on videos for fashion brands which are very fun as far as being creative and clipping videos together. I would say I’m known for doing graduation shoots. I think that’s my “safe one” for my photography career, it’s become second nature for me constantly work with college seniors and learn their story and capture it.
It’s a very fun job for me, and although I want to continue doing graduation photos since it’s a big part of my career, I want to get more into the creative side of it working with models and planning editorial shoots. I would say I am most proud of my journey and progress. I never thought having this job would change so much inside me mentally. I am more confident because of photography, it has led me to get out of my shell, it’s helped me be creative and express my passion.
It’s pretty crazy to look back at my insecure sophomore self who felt very confused with life to now knowing that I have made something for myself and grown so much through it. (And I’m still growing and learning way more on the journey now). I believe what sets me apart from others is the warm feel of my pictures. I try to include sun and color in all my pictures and make them feel very alive to the audience.
As far as my videos, I think I am set apart from others by creating a story and message through my mash-up videos and helping make people feel something.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Well number one, definitely my parents, in different ways. My mom has been huge confidence and encouraging booster to my career. She makes me look at the positive side if I ever feel down and reminds me what a difference I am making in some people’s lives even just with a simple concept of pictures.
My dad has been the pusher throughout the experience. He likes to see my creative side since he loves working with cameras (for fun) but truthfully he just reminds me to work hard. Because hard work will pay off and he tells me I will reach my dreams (and I know that!!! I’m truly reaching them every day.)
Another group that deserves credit is other local photographers in Tallahassee and in Knoxville. Having the photographer community group messages helps so much. Everyone builds one another up and is constantly reminding each other that everyone is so unique and a hard worker. It’s really cool to know this community is uplifting one another and it doesn’t feel like a competition.
Contact Info:
- Email: kakikirkphotoss@gmail.com
- Website: www.kakikirk.store
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/kkphotoss?utm_medium=copy_link
Image Credits
Cassandra Grace
