We were lucky to catch up with Cam Kirk recently and have shared our conversation below.

Cam, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about your team building process? How did you recruit and train your team and knowing what you know now would you have done anything differently?

When I first started my career as an entrepreneur I was my companies only employee. I worked as a videographer and photographer so I did not at the beginning see the need for a team or employees. I booked and produced my own shoots for years until I realized I was going to burn out and reach a ceiling on my own. In 2015 when I really made the commitment to my business, i sought out individuals to help me in areas where I lacked. I surrounded myself with individuals who were more aggressive and outspoken than me because I knew that was area that I was not the strongest. I used to look at employees as expenses until I got a team and realized they were investments. With a team I have been able to scale a solo photography career into an multi-million dollar empire. I now have a team of 20+ employees!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello! I’m Cameron Kirkland, but you might know me as Cam Kirk, a name that’s become synonymous with Atlanta’s vibrant creative scene. My journey began over a decade ago when I was a Business Marketing student at Morehouse College. It was during this time that I first picked up a camera, not realizing then that it would become my instrument to capture and define the essence of Atlanta’s hip-hop culture.

I got my start working with legendary trap artists like Gucci Mane, Migos, 21 Savage, Future, and Young Thug. Working closely with these icons, I honed my craft and developed a unique style that blends the raw energy of hip-hop with the artistry of photography. My work aims to tell stories, immortalize moments, and showcase the unseen sides of the music industry.

Recognizing a gap in the Atlanta scene, in 2017, I founded Cam Kirk Studios. This space isn’t just a photography studio; it’s a creative hub where artists, models, businesses, and other creatives come to network, grow, and create. We’ve become a pillar in the community, known for our collaborative spirit and our role in highlighting local talent. With over 500 appointments a month, we’re not just capturing images; we’re capturing the heartbeat of Atlanta.

Our services extend beyond traditional photography. We’re a media powerhouse that spotlights talent across various platforms, from social media to live events. Cam Kirk Studios is a place where music and visuals merge, offering artists a comprehensive suite of services to bring their vision to life.

The latest addition to my portfolio is Collective Gallery, a pioneering venture that’s part record label, part photography studio. Here, we’re investing in photographers the way labels invest in musicians. Our partnership with Atlantic Records, a first of its kind, is a testament to the innovative nature of this project.

What sets me apart? It’s my commitment to community, culture, and creativity. I’m not just capturing images; I’m telling stories, preserving culture, and fostering a community of artists. What am I most proud of? It’s seeing the impact of my work in the smiles of up-and-coming artists, in the growth of the Atlanta creative scene, and in the recognition of photography as a powerful medium in the music industry.

To potential clients, followers, and fans, know this: when you work with me or engage with my brand, you’re not just getting a service; you’re becoming part of a movement that’s bigger than any single image. It’s about passion, culture, and community. That’s the essence of Cam Kirk and everything I represent.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

When I first started my career as a photographer I worked with a bunch of artists as their day to day content creator. At the beginning I was just so happy to be in the room and in the industry that I made the most of any and every opportunity. As the years went by though I began to feel like I was being put in a box as just somebody you call when you want something quick and simple. I did not feel like my creativity was being used to the best of my abilities. To change the narrative I put together a marketing art exhibit that went on to change my life forever. I knew the artist needed an incentive to give me a shot for bigger projects so I came up with an art project that put artists on billboards around the city of Atlanta. I knew that if I came to them with the value of a free shoot AND a free billboard I would be creating a offer they could not resist. Me and my team researched the cost of billboards and started a go fund me to raise money. I went on to put 8 artists on billboards in 2016. The move not only changed my perception with artists but it also allowed to world to see my creativity and photography on a big stage. It instantly made me a BIG photographer.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

In 2017 when I started Cam Kirk Studios I definitely thought of it as a side revenue stream. I had know idea that it would scale to be so massive in a few short years. Prior to my studio I was simply known as a photographer but after the success of my studio I have been acknowledged and respected as. a business man, philanthropist and more. Cam Kirk Studios has really allowed me to further push my creative ideas even without having an assignment from a client or artist. Today we have celebrated over 30,000 scheduled appointments at my studio and I have developed a whole other fan base for my brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thecamkirk.com www.camkirkstudios.com www.camkirkstudios.tv
• Instagram: thecamkirk camkirkstudios
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-kirkland-30748721/
• Twitter: thecamkirk camkirkstudios
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGQphLraakzy-uromf0i7vQ

Image Credits
Cam Kirk Studios