Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Keno. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Keno, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Honestly, I am still learning. Just like life, everyday is an opportunity to learn something new. I took a photography course taught by Photographer Chris Parker and learn so much that it definitely boosted my confidence. Speeding up my learning process was not something I wanted to do. I want to learn to retain and there is so much to learn that you can not learn it quickly. My background in photo editing has definitely been essential. I taught myself photoshop and other apps just to edit photos as a hobby. One obstacle that did stop me years ago was, while I was using photoshop, others were using quick editing apps. I let that stop me from continuing my hobby when instead, I should have just learned more to incorporate it all like I do now.

Keno, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m an up in coming photographer in the Tampa, FL area. I have been doing photography for the past two years and loving it. With my experience in customer service and photo editing, I decided I should venture into the world of photography. My business started out making custom T-shirts to various apparel and now I offer photo sessions and various media materials. Once thing that sets me apart from other photographers is, I am not big on over correcting or editing. I believe in showing some naturality in portraits so I do not edit every single “flaw”. I am definitely proud of the photo sessions I have done! Each one has been a fun experience which is what I thrive to provide for my clients. Building a relationship and laughing during the session always make for a great shoot, and can be seen in the portraits.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

A goal I have set for 2023 is to achieve 10 photo sessions by the end of the year. This goal is driving me to be more diverse and try new things in my photo sessions. From various lighting options, to different props and locations, I want to make every session somewhat different than the last.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

My parents helped me start the apparel side of my business buy purchasing certain supplies for me. They definitely believed in me. I have a full time job at a resource company which helped me fund the photography side of my business. With those and a couple donations from friends, I was able to purchase things to keep the ball rolling.

Contact Info:

• Website: Gearbyj.com
• Instagram: @GearByj & @ Gearbyj.shotz
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gearbyj.shotz
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GearByJ

Image Credits
Big Thanks to Jemma Wilson, Kimberly Gibbs, Alexis and John Dunn, & Robin Kendall for the opportunity to give you a great photo experience. @gibbz502 on TikTok @lilkubz12 on TikTok