Today we’d like to introduce you to Kea Jefferson.
Hi Kea, 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?
While shopping at Best Buy on Black Friday back in 2019 I casually walked down an aisle full of DSLR cameras. I had played around with the idea of buying a camera and taking pictures of my family as a hobby. I had already looked at the Black Friday ad prior to us (my fiancé and I) arriving at the store. I asked him “I really want to do something I love and enjoy”. He looked at me and said “Which camera do you want?” I searched the rack and realized the camera that I wanted was sold out. I took that as a sign. What I didn’t realize was an employee on the other aisle heard us talking. He approached me and told me that they had the camera that I wanted in the back. He went to the back and returned with it. It was my lucky day. I went home and charged the batteries. I began watching YouTube videos on my particular model (Canon T7i). January 2020 Klicks by Kay Photography was established.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has unexpected turns and roadblocks. In January, it seemed the whole world was applying to get their LLC’s and many entrepreneurs were being born. It took a while for my business to get up and running. My first photoshoot was me shadowing another photographer in the Tampa area. She was amazing and such a great help. I was struggling to understand the settings of my camera, lighting, and outdoor lighting. When I got home from the photoshoot I uploaded my photos and I was amazed at my work. Photoshop was a huge learning curve for me. I was actually intimidated by the software. I applied myself and although it’s always something new to learn, I love to take on a new challenge. Booking clients, in the beginning, was a struggle, as we were in the middle of the pandemic and uncertainty. I kept taking pictures and applying myself and business started booming. I am forever grateful for my new and returning clients.
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?
I offer professional photos from family photoshoots, lifestyle, product line, headshots, kids, and events to name a few. If you have an idea, I do my best to make it happen. I am most proud of my “in the box” photography. It’s a really cool way to show your personality in many different ways in one picture. Another big accomplishment is that Klicks by Kay has a home studio. I’m hoping to have it up and running within the next month or so.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Risk is sometimes necessary. It was a risk to start a photography business. I remember asking a few individuals when my dream was just a vision. I was told the market was oversaturated with photographers. I heard all the negatives and nothing positive. I had to put it into perspective on my own. There are McDonald’s on almost every corner, within a 4-5 mile radius sometimes, but they all serve billions and billions of customers. Photography equipment is expensive. It’s a risk buying equipment and not getting your return in sales. Yes, they’re many other amazing photographers, however, we are different. Our styles are different, our visions can be different. I had so many doubts but I had more hope which outweighed my doubt. My fiancé, family, and friends have been supportive which motivates me and keeps me pushing forward. I love learning new things and always bettering myself in my field
Pricing:
- On-Location (One location) $275
- 1 hour session
- 10 digital images (additional edited images $10 per image/full gallery can be purchased for $75)
- Professional retouching
- Access to private online gallery
- On-Location (Two locations) $375
- 1.5 hours
- One outfit change
- 20 digital images (additional edited images $10 per image/full gallery can be purchased for $75)
- Professional retouching
- Access to private online gallery
- Events $325 (Starting price)
- 2 hour MINIMUM coverage
- $75 per additional hour
- Private online gallery
Contact Info:
- Email: klicksbykayphotos@gmail.com
- Website: www.kbkphotos.com
- Instagram: @KlicksbyKay
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/klicksbykay
- Twitter: @klicksbykay
