We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kayla Brock a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kayla, 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.

When I started I was shooting for friends and family but I noticed that when I travel I would use Airbnb to find a photographer to do an experience such as a photo walking tour etc. When I returned to Portland, I noticed that no one else was offering a photo tour in the city so I decided to use that as a starting point to see if I could make some clients either locals or out-of-towners. I advertised it as a walking toward where I would show them the basics of the city and take their pictures at some cool sites. I got my first client and I was really excited to work with her. She was from California and was in Portland for the first time. I loved that I got to show her the city as well as combine my love of travel and photography at the same time. It also felt like all the shoots that I had done with family and friends had really paid off so I didn’t feel too nervous or ill-prepared.

Kayla, 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?

I got into the craft probably near the end of high school. My dad gave me his camera that he was no longer using and I was always taking pictures with friends at events etc. When I went to college, I decided to take a photography course. I loved setting up the image and I would get my friends to do wild poses for me all the time. I started with a Canon Rebel T3 and worked my way up to a T6 which I still have now. I provide headshots, event work, and portrait images for websites and social media. I think what sets me apart is my natural setting imagery. A lot of people tell me my work looks really authentic and gives off a type of comfortability. I’m proud of making the art I want to make above all else. I don’t take every project because it might not fit with what I want. I want people to know that my goal has always been to showcase the beauty of a person and shine a light on them as they might not do it themselves.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source for me was becoming a part of creative directories. They are free to join and I’ve added my name to travel organization directories, creative outlet directories and PR directories. I’d search for your local business directories on Google and add your business to those. They do pay off.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I had done more research on finding accountants that could help me with my business such as understanding an EIN, quarterly taxes, opportunities to write things off related to my business as well. I also wished I had looked into more resources to help fund my photography from the beginning such as grants and scholarships to get starting equipment.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kaylabrockphotography.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kaylabrockphotography
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/kaylabrockphotography