Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to K.D. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
K.D, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I started my journey in photography, inspired by the beautiful, organized photo albums my mother created. These albums sparked my love for visual storytelling. Since 2015, I’ve been passionately telling stories through my lens, focusing on capturing the extraordinary in the ordinary. I attended two photography classes but didn’t retain much; my brain just didn’t work that way. I am 95% self-taught in most of the random things that interest me.
My approach to photography involves immersing myself in the moment to capture genuine, unposed shots that speak volumes. Over the years, I’ve developed my skills in candid photography, nature and landscape photography, and action figure photography by consistently practicing and exploring these areas.
Knowing what I know now, I realize that seeking out mentors and engaging more with the photography community early on could have significantly sped up my learning process. Participating in workshops and joining photography groups would have provided me with valuable feedback and new perspectives. Additionally, dedicating more time to studying the technical aspects of photography and experimenting with different techniques would have accelerated my growth.
The most essential skills for my development as a photographer have been an eye for detail and the ability to capture candid moments. Understanding lighting and composition has also been crucial in creating visually compelling images. Technical proficiency with my camera and editing software has enabled me to bring my creative vision to life. Furthermore, patience and persistence have been key in perfecting my craft, especially in nature and landscape photography where timing and conditions play a significant role.
One of the main obstacles I faced was balancing my introverted nature with the need to network and seek feedback from other photographers. Initially, I found it challenging to put myself out there and connect with others in the field. Additionally, finding the time and resources to invest in new equipment and learning opportunities was sometimes difficult. Overcoming these obstacles required stepping out of my comfort zone and being proactive in seeking growth opportunities.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hello, I’m Karlin Canady, often known as KD. I’m an African American photographer and veteran based in Los Angeles, the creative force behind Gifted Captures LLC. My journey into photography began in 2015 when I started taking pictures as a hobby. By 2021, I had transformed this passion into a full-fledged business, offering a variety of photography services that capture the essence of the world around us.How I Got Into My Industry: My entry into photography was driven by a deep-seated love for capturing moments and telling stories through images. Initially offering free photoshoots to gain experience and exposure, I honed my skills over the years. My background as a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and my technical expertise in collision repair and welding have given me a unique perspective and discipline that I bring into my photography work.Products and Services: Gifted Captures LLC specializes in a range of photography services including:Action Figure Photography: Custom photography of various action figures from Marvel to anime titles like Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, and Hunter x Hunter. I personally set up the action figures in different locations with suitable backgrounds and meticulously edit the images.Nature and Landscape Photography: Capturing the beauty of natural scenes and landscapes during my travels.Wild Animal Photography: Photographs of wild animals in zoos and natural habitats.Candid Family Photography: Relaxed and fun photo sessions capturing genuine family moments.Portrait and Couples Photography: Professional portraits and intimate couples photos, perfect for engagements or anniversaries.Car Photography: Stunning photos showcasing every detail of your beloved vehicle.Additionally, I create prints, posters, and tapestries of my work, particularly action figures and African American visual art, which are available through a third-party website.Problems I Solve for My Clients: My goal is to capture the unique essence of each subject, whether it’s the intricate details of an action figure, the dynamic beauty of a car, or the natural elegance of a landscape. I provide my clients with high-quality, professionally edited images that bring their vision to life. For families and individuals, I create lasting memories through candid and portrait photography.What Sets Me Apart: Several factors set Gifted Captures LLC apart:Veteran Experience: My military background instills a level of discipline, precision, and dedication in my work that is reflected in the quality of my photography.Technical Expertise: My skills in welding and technical disciplines enhance my attention to detail and composition in photography.Unique Specializations: I offer niche photography services such as action figure photography, which is a rare and specialized field.Community Engagement: I am actively involved in building a network of Black creatives and am open to TFP (Time for Print) collaborations, fostering a community of shared creativity and support.Proud Achievements: I take great pride in the journey from hobbyist to professional photographer and the impact my work has on my clients. One of my proudest achievements is my project titled ‘In Their Own Light,’ where I collaborate with individuals to capture their unique inner light through photography. Additionally, building Gifted Captures LLC from the ground up and expanding into diverse photography services is a testament to my dedication and passion.Key Messages for Potential Clients/Followers/Fans: Gifted Captures is all about telling your story through powerful imagery. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a family looking to capture cherished moments, or a fan of action figures, my goal is to deliver exceptional and personalized photography services. Follow me on Instagram @gifted_captures to see my latest work and book your next session to create beautiful memories together.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
The goal is to take what was given to you and share it with the world. My gift is connected to my heart, not my wallet. I fill my heart, then my wallet.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The best aspect of being an artist and a creative is undoubtedly the community. In the artist community, we realize that all creatives and artists end up needing each other, whether we create graffiti, design digital art, make clothing, or produce music. The artist community needs each other in various unexpected ways. As you immerse yourself in the artist and creative world, you see how diverse, mixed, and special everyone is, which leads to no boring moments. The people in this community have different styles and perspectives on life. This diversity highlights how small you are individually but also how significant the collective community is. It provides a broader perspective about life and your place in it, making you appreciate the unique contributions of each member and the powerful impact we create together.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Gifted_Captures
Image Credits
Karlin Canady