Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenton Elliott.
Hi Kenton, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Well, honestly, my Photography journey started with my Grandfather. My Grandfather served in the Vietnam War and was a military Photographer. He managed to take pictures throughout the world from Florida, South Carolina, Europe, and Vietnam. I guess his interest in taking pictures was passed down to me. When I first came to college, I used to take photos of my friends with my iPhone, and they always would tell me that these pictures were “so dope” or ” I should take pictures professionally.” At first, I didn’t buy into it, but my older cousin, who I consider my big brother made me change my mind. Seeing his success and how people reacted to the quality of his images made me realize I could do this as well.
The problem was I didn’t have enough money to buy a camera. I knew people wouldn’t take me seriously if I took pictures with my phone. Luckily, my Grandfather saw my growing passion and decided to give me his camera. It was an old Nikon, but it was a good starting camera. I started my business Tealpine Productions beginning of 2020.
From January to March of that year, I took pictures of friends and associates to grow my brand and practice.
Everything was looking good until Covid happened, then I had to stop and Quarantine as everyone did. Quarantine was a blessing and a curse. I bought a better camera, which I still use to this day, but the problem was I couldn’t practice with anyone.
Thankfully, School was back open that fall, and I managed to retake pictures with my new camera. With this new camera and lens I bought, people I didn’t know were hitting me up for shoots, and my business grew even more.
Today I managed to shoot for Magazine covers, Grad shoots, Birthday shoots, sports events, Organizations, and the School. Since last year, when I started everything, a lot has happened, and I am genuinely excited about future opportunities. As of right now, I graduated from Florida A&M University and moved to Orlando to continue my journey in Photography.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has its ups and downs. Sometimes I questioned myself and asked if I was good enough or why people didn’t want to book with me. Like this past November and December, I had over 17 inquiries, and unfortunately, none of them booked me, so I missed out on a lot of money.
That hit me hard, and I quit doing Photography for a min. I talked to more seasoned photographers, and they told me everyone who is just starting would have growing pains. I moved to Orlando, and nobody knew who I was, so it’s still a challenge to keep my name known, but it’s slowly changing. This month alone, I got booked four times, so that’s a good start for the year.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have been doing Photography for about three years now and this has been quite a journey for me. I specialize in Portrait, Brand, Sports, and Lifestyle Photography.
I was originally a Tallahassee photographer but now I am an Orlando Photographer. I am most proud of doing this Photography thing on my own. I managed to gain over 1ooo follower on Instagram, have over 100 clients, and managed to make well-known connections in my field.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Just be patient, don’t let anybody take advantage of you.
Sell yourself, be respectful, and communicate properly when you first start out. You can have the best Photographer and editing skills in the world but no one will book you if your customer service skills are trash.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tealpineproductions.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/tealpine__productions?igshid=giknxqzl22mn
