We recently connected with Esmee Kyles and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Esmee thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?
I think I’ve searched my soul on many occasions to be sure that I stay true to myself in everything I do. I think that’s what changed everything for me in my business: deciding to “do me” and not follow trends or concern myself with what others were doing. I drew inspiration from other photographers, but I always have danced to the beat of my own drum, and have stood in my own lane. My legacy is authenticity: in my intentions, in my art, in my life. I love color, I love the human spirit, I love happiness and seeing people enjoy the life they have been given because life is so so precious. So I want each and every photo to represent these things, because I’m passionate about them. I’m more interested in seeing YOU in your photos and not an image of what you see others do. I love that my clients allow me to be ME. They trust my vision and direction and my editing style. They know I’m going to give it to them straight. They put their most important moments in my hands and know I will respect and value those moments like they were my own. If I’m remembered for nothing else… I want to be remembered for being true and real. You can’t put a price tag on that.
Esmee, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Esmee and I’m the owner of Incredibly Wee Photography. I am a Lifestyle and Wedding Photographer and I’m coming up on year 10 in business. Before photography, I booked travel for a living and I used to plan many tours and group excursions, taking pictures on digital cameras, then coming home and editing them on different software programs. I decided in 2012 that I wanted to get a “real camera” after not being satisfied with all the point and shoot cameras I had been using on trips. My husband purchased a camera for me (Canon T2i Rebel) and I became consumed in learning about the camera’s functions, understanding photography, and learning how to capture what I was seeing. Before long, I started sharing my photo journey on Facebook, and almost immediately my friends began asking me to take photos for their events and big moments. In the early part of 2013, I decided I would pursue photography and then booked my first wedding gig which was absolutely frightening! My friend Faith believed in me and trusted me to capture her day, so I submerged myself into everything I could find to teach me about wedding photography, including what equipment to use, what to capture, flash settings – you name it, I was either researching it, signing up for a course on it, or practicing it! I came to Faith’s wedding in September of 2013 ready and prepared like I was going to war! Everything turned out so much better than I had expected and once my jitters were calmed, I jumped right in and felt completely comfortable behind the camera. The rest is history! I quit my travel job within 3 years and started doing photography on a regular basis. I was passionate about it for many years and I’m happy to say – it’s still my passion! I think I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients – especially my wedding clients! Their love stories become an extension of my own love story (married nearly 25 years) – and often we work together again and again after the wedding day. I view them as my photography family and I love each and every one of them! What sets my work apart from others is probably my love of bold and colorful photography. I want the photos to pop and I want the colors we see in real life to come thru in photos: a dramatic sky, a colorful bouquet of flowers, fall leaves, even the type of blue you are wearing in your suit jacket – all of it matters. Besides that, you are going to also get my energy and personality – and they’re both big!
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Persistence. I was not known, I was unheard of, and not even acknowledged by many local photographers. Showing up at networking events, consistently posting, joining communities on Facebook with similar industry folks, building relationships with fellow vendors in the area, posting content almost every day, getting better with my skills…. you are going to know who I am, and it won’t be because I walk around screaming my accolades or tooting my own horn. It will be because you heard my name, saw my post, or met me in person. I encourage everyone to stay persistent. Don’t back down just because it seems like “no one” notices you. They will. And the main ones that you want to notice you are potential clients. If they know who you are, then others will too.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I started this journey at age 39. That’s a lot older than most photographers start their journey. So I have battled thru issues common to those my age: pain, anxiety, caring for an elderly parent, and lots of self-doubt, especially when comparing your abilities to those much younger than you. I had two surgeries in 2020 and still shot all my weddings that year and in 2021 with a smile on my face. I learned resilience from my mother and my grandmother. They single handedly raised their children and provided for them despite all the odds against them. My mom went to school and worked while still putting a roof over our heads and home-cooked meals on the table every night. And she battled chronic pain like I did as well. So I guess I can say – I got it honest. Hard work, no excuses, and a “can-do” attitude fuels my resilience, as does my faith in God. I’m still here, and I’m still smiling. :-)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.incrediblywee.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/incrediblywee/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/incrediblywee
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH2nfllNb2E6sgkNZD6H8rQ
Image Credits
Incredibly Wee Photography