We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kasey Nichols. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kasey below.
Hi Kasey, thanks for joining us today. Any thoughts about whether to ask friends and family to support your business. What’s okay in your view?
Thank you, I appreciate the opportunity
The word ASK is a lot in itself. I used to have a hard time asking others especially close family and friends for their support in helping me grow my business but now to me it’s how you grow and put yourself out there by asking. Photography is such a competitive field and we as photographers are finding ways on how to stand out. The support from friends and family is the most resourceful and beneficial in the long run. For those that have supported me have helped get the word out, sharing my work, helping me find ways to get leads, helped build my portfolio and so much more. These are the type of people that can and will help grow businesses.
It’s quite interesting how the dynamics of relationships can impact business decisions. Over time, I have come to understand that true friends and family appreciate the value of my work and are more than willing to pay for my services. Conveying the mindset that becomes crucial as the business matures.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
It all started with taking a few college photography classes then a camera kit for Christmas from my husband. As a hobbyist, I jumped in taking portraits of animals to sports and then I had my first gig with a Wedding! At the same time I had been in the medical field since I started working when I was 15. I had just completed Radiology School and entered in the position as a CT technologist in which I thought would be my career until I retired. I loved helping people and enjoyed my job. However, Covid changed things and gave me a different perspective in the working field.
We recently moved to Michigan to start a new chapter as a family but the excitement quickly turned to sadness and a rollercoaster of emotions. My husband was diagnosed with End Stage Kidney Disease and my job had become a full time Mom and Caregiver. An 8-5 job was not in the cards for me so that was when I decided to go all in on starting my photography business allowing myself the flexibility to tend to my family at the same time doing what I love to do in doing portraits for other families. From time to time, I would do discounts and special sessions for various reasons. One of them was a special back to back portrait sessions for all the first responders, police and firefighters in which it was showcased on the local news. I love collaborating with other local businesses as well.
I am the photographer that is open to other people’s vision as well as adding my artistic eye to it. I’m the one who is willing to jump in the waters to get that shot and make something unique out of it. I’m also the one that loves talking and trying to make things fun and enjoyable.
While I have been building new relationships here in Michigan, I have been working to set up a studio of my own where those wanting indoor portraits or during colder weather have the opportunity to continue family, newborn, etc sessions without having to wait for warmer weather.
I have enjoyed being a photographer and meeting other individuals and families and am so grateful for the opportunity to do what I love. I continue to look forward to building more relationships and getting creative to add to my brand.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I had slowly grown my facebook followers but was at a standstill. I saw a few trends that was happening on TIkTok and decided to do the same as well and started doing a few BTS (behind the scenes) videos. Those helped gained traction following a giveaway after surpassing 1k followers on facebook. I’ve learned viewers are interested in something new, educational or fun to watch.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Utilizing word of mouth and ads to promote in local communities.
Contact Info:
- Website: kaseykinneyphotography.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/kaseykinneyphotography
- Facebook: facebook.com/kaseykinneyphotography
- Other: https://www.TikTok.com/@kaseykinneyphotog
Image Credits
Kasey Kinney Photography LLC