We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Celina Kenyon a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Celina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about how you got your first non-friend, non-family client. Paint the picture for us so we can feel the same excitement you felt on that day.
It was maybe 13/14 years ago but I remember my first client, I met them through mutual friends and it was so great because we had already established a type of relationship where everyone felt comfortable around each other to execute their vision properly. Of course I was nervous because I had never been paid before but being able to be open about any questions I had really helped. I’ve always known I wanted to do photography so getting my first paycheck was so satisfying and rewarding since I genuinely love doing what I do and I just so happened to have got paid!
Celina, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I was born and raised in Southern California, and I grew up actually as a child model. I loved being on sets and was always so intrigued from a young age about the other side of the camera. Even growing up I would always ask my friends to model for me or direct little music videos in my backyard. Being behind the camera has always felt so comfortable. As I’ve grown I’ve always enjoyed really getting to connect with clients or models. Which honestly still holds true to this day, I love making connections and most of my business is based off word of mouth. People just feel more comfortable if they already know you or someone else does that they trust. I’m really grateful that I’ve come this far based off that and obviously as well as talent. So honestly when I go to work it really feels like I’m just making art with friends.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
I usually keep in touch with clients just by reaching out. Most of them I have formed personal relationships or we follow each other on social media so keeping new work constantly flowing there and my website are great. For clients I don’t have a relationship with I will usually send out a new work portfolio just to show them what I’ve been up to!
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Honestly, just being easy to work with. I’ve heard a lot about how photographers have shown up with bad attitudes or thinking they know all. But being pleasant on set makes everyones day so much easier!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.CelinaKenyon.com
- Instagram: @CELINAKENYON