Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris.

Hi Chris, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

I started around 3 years ago. I was preparing to start my own clothing brand. When I was getting ready to drop my first product, I was introduced to a friend that was going to help me capture all photos for my products and lifestyle shoots. As he helped me navigate that process, I also was learning about photography. Not only did I want to begin to become efficient with my photography for the sake of my clothing brand, but I also began to really enjoy the process. I started to understand what it felt like to capture a product. From there, I started learning what it felt like to capture a moment. I began to apply that skillset to things that I was interested in like outfits and fitted hats. As someone that loves clothes, sneakers, and hats, I was able to apply this skillset in areas that I loved so that I could really develop as a photographer. I was able to shoot celebrities like Jalen Rose and Chris Brickley during NBA All-Star Weekend in 2024 for the major hat company Lids. From learning how to use a camera, I was able to capture moments from weddings to birthday parties and even my son’s first Christmas photos in front of our tree with our dog! Along with all of that, I began to create social media content as well. From producing videos that showcase specific hats and shoes to promoting products from various brands, highlighting my own brand, and capturing moments from my daily life, I’ve created content that resonates with and inspires others. I’ve even been able to apply for contracts that allow me to create content that pays! Turning a hobby and a passion into something that can pay my bills and feed my family is a major blessing!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

It definitely hasn’t been the smoothest process all of the time. There have been plenty of projects I’ve been denied. There have been times where I didn’t know how to properly communicate my skillset. There have been times where I wasn’t selected to create even when I thought I earned the opportunity. At times, that has put me in a place to doubt my skillset. Funny enough, up until NBA Alls-Star Weekend, I never even considered myself to be a photographer. That was my first “real” gig. Up until that point, I would half joke with my friends, who are all great photographers, that I was just a guy with a camera. After I edited and submitted my All-Star Weekend photos to Lids, I realized that I was a photographer. It was a bit of imposter syndrome mixed with a lack of confidence. Thankfully, my friends continued to reinforce that I was indeed a photographer, critiqued but also praised my work, and continued to put me in a position to succeed. From there, I was able to shoot my first wedding by myself. Then I was able to shoot my first birthday party for a close friend’s mom by myself. Then a close friend trusted me to shoot their maternity photos. I highlight “by myself” because it was then that I had no one looking over my shoulder and no one to ask how my photos looked. I had to trust my skillset and what I knew. From there, I was able to really grow. However, within those spaces of growth, I had to sit and look at my work and realize where I could be better. Those self-realizations are not always the easiest moments to navigate, but they were the most impactful moments for my growth.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I love to say that I specialize in attention to detail. I have grown into a confident photographer, and that has allowed me to say that I don’t think there’s a photography job that I can’t handle. Whether it’s capturing an important moment or even all the way down to the minute details of a product, I’m able to capture it! From a video perspective, I’m able to create eye-catching content that will highlight items/products or inspire someone else to style something from their closet. One of the reasons I’m confident in my ability to inspire others is that I have fun with everything I do. Every time I take a photo and capture that perfect moment, I always smile. Any time I create a video with a transition that works exactly how I envisioned it or inspires someone else to recreate it, I always feel like I’ve accomplished my goal. Each project inspires me for the next. Another thing that sets my apart is my desire to constantly grow. I’m not complacent even if whatever I create is considered good. I want to be better every time I pick up my camera whether it’s a shoot for someone else or content for my personal page. I’m proud of how quickly I’ve grown to where I am. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities that have been presented to me. I know everyone can’t say that they’ve done some of the things I have, and it’s been in a very short timeframe. While I do attribute that to putting in the work myself, I have to give credit to those around me that have taught me, guided me, and given me a chance to create. I’m proud to say that I’m a part of a group of photographers and content creators that are like brothers to me and that we don’t view each other as competition. We grow together and we push each other. We celebrate each other’s success and continue to put each other in positions to win! I’m extremely proud to be connected to individuals like that!

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?

Everyone is not your customer. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but everyone is not going to support your business – even the people you expect to. Regardless of your relationships, sometimes your price may not be something people you know are willing to pay. It doesn’t have to apply just to people you know. You could pitch yourself for a job or a contract or whatever applies to your specific niche, and they may not have the budget to support paying you. Sometimes, you may decide to take the job at a lower rate of pay. Other times you may decide that the job is not worth you lowering your price. Either option is perfectly fine! It truly depends on where you are in your journey and what works best for you. That isn’t an easy lesson at first though. You may feel at times that you don’t deserve to charge a price as high as you are. In some scenarios you may feel offended that your price is questioned. There are a ton of emotions that can take place when operating a business or offering a service. The sooner you can remove your emotions and remain a professional, the better you will feel. Vegan restaurants don’t cater to non-vegan customers. They know their customer. Understand who your customer is. Understand your pricing structure and how you want to be viewed. The sooner you figure that out, the sooner you can begin to target your customers.

Pricing:

• Free Consultations for all work!
• Minimum $500 per 30-60 second video (not including posting on my page)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bychristopherkicks.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christopher.kicks/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.hernandez.902
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-hernandez-a4038534a