We were lucky to catch up with Samuel Duah recently and have shared our conversation below.

Samuel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. The first dollar you earn in a new endeavor is always special. We’d love to hear about how you got your first client that wasn’t a friend or family.

My business was the result of me gaining a new hobby during the pandemic. I had a few years of experience being a graphic designer and decided that I wanted to merge those skills with photography and see what magic I could create. During my time at Temple University I was pretty involved and as a result, I made a lot of connections & friends. Once my friends heard I was becoming a photographer, I was instantly swarmed with requests ranging from birthday & brand shoots, to headshots & group shoots. I was blessed enough to have people around me who saw my potential, saw me trying and decided to invest in me by trusting me with their visions. During my first two years of being a photographer, I was doing photoshoots in the living room of an apartment I shared with 5 other guys, turned brothers, using a backdrop & lighting set that my best friend gifted me. My friends have been my biggest supporters in more ways than one.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Sam Duah, also known as SKD & I am a photographer and creative based in the DMV with clients in Philadelphia and New York City. I specialize in Creative & Portrait Photography, but am not limited to just that. I have been a photographer for a little over 4 years and have loved every single moment of it, good and bad. My biggest goal when working with anyone is to ensure that they are comfortable and satisfied with not only the final pictures and edits, but with the entire experience. I aim to be communicative and very accommodating, looking to never say no to whatever you feel you need when it comes to accomplishing your vision. I always ask plenty of questions and ask for examples and moodboards prior to shooting so that I fully understand what you are expecting from me and so that I can make sure that I deliver. I help create concepts, select wardrobes, discuss lighting, location and backdrop selections. No detail is spared. When working with me, no one ever needs to feel like they have to have it all figured out before inquiring about a shoot. If a client has a million questions or wants to hop on a few calls to fully iron out the details, I am down for it all. I want my clients to feel connected to me and for them to know that I care. The more they know that, the more comfortable they feel and all of those ingredients to me, are vital in providing the best experience. I never expect anyone to stand in front of my camera and instantly become a model. I tell anyone that I shoot with, that they should be themselves and allow to me to capture their essence. I will help with poses, I will compliment you as we shoot, I will build your confidence & do all that I can to ensure you leave a session with me feeling your best. I care so much about this craft and serving others with the gifts that God has blessed me with. I’ll work as hard as I have to in order to please those who are investing in me. There’s a Kobe Bryant quote that I love to recite that says ” You asked for my hustle, I gave you my heart”, which is the idea of giving one’s complete devotion to a pursuit, going beyond just the basic effort and putting one’s true passion into it. That says it all right there. I love what I do, and I am so blessed to be able to do it.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me has been word of mouth or referrals from my previous or current ones! I firmly believe in providing a good experience for those you service will naturally allow them to speak highly of you to others who may be seeking the same service. I have gotten so many inquiries that start with, “Hi! I’m in need of a photographer and (Name) referred me to you” and it warms my heart every time. Knowing that people loved my work and their experience enough to make sure others had the same will always reassure me that I am doing exactly what God intended me to do. I think this is the source I appreciate the most as well because it often allows me to foster more genuine connections & turn clients into friends.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I don’t think so! I truly just want to create limitlessly. I don’t want a limit or restriction on what I can create, who I create with or how it’s done. I never want to compromise on my vision. I want to be able to have access to whatever sets and equipment I want. I want to be recognized in the industry and have connections with the legends and include them in my shoots. I want a team of creatives who want the same. Man, I just want to create, that’s all. I have so many ideas and visions that are bigger than me and what I currently have access to, so I guess what’s driving me is wanting to get to a point where I can create and not worry about how it’s gonna get done, but rather just get it done.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.instagram.com/skdthebrand/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromskd/

Image Credits

SKD The Brand (@skdthebrand)