We recently connected with Kim Vanos and have shared our conversation below.
Kim, appreciate you joining us 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?
Photography has always been a significant part of my life. I loved going into the little photo booths at the mall that would give you a strip of 4 photos in high school. I have more “old time” photos then I care to admit. I knew when I saw a wedding cake with photos on it that I wanted my wedding cake to have photos on it. One of the biggest fights my husband and I ever had was over how many photos to buy at a studio when my daughter was young. So, you get the point…. I love photos!
My love for photography deepened when my mom gifted me a Canon Rebel. I took photos of anyone who would let me but mostly of my children and niece. Since my children were young though I felt it was impossible to dedicate myself to learning photography the way I knew it needed to be done.
Then, a desire to send my oldest to Costa Rica pushed me to finally pursue my passion. I enrolled in courses by Amy and Jordan and Cozy Clicks, which significantly improved my skills. Emily Supio, the owner of Cozy Clicks, generously offered me her Beginner to Business Photography course in exchange for feedback. While overwhelming at times, the course provided invaluable knowledge.
I am not sure what could have done to speed up my learning process because I’m a life long learner and realizing that there’s always more to discover in photography, especially with the complexities of light make it something that you really need to just put the time in to learn.
Building confidence as a creative is challenging. Art is subjective, and selling yourself as an artist requires a level of self-assurance I’m still developing.
Time was a significant obstacle. Prioritizing my children’s lives limited my time for personal growth. My husband’s continuous ops work schedule and childcare made it incredibly difficult to even schedule a photography class at the community college. I also struggled with self-doubt. I would hear “it’s the photographer, not the camera” in my mind, making me question my abilities not understanding that a kit lens can only do so much. It wasn’t until I upgraded my gear that a salesperson explained I had outgrown my equipment. This experience taught me a valuable lesson: it’s a delicate balance between understanding your gear’s limitations, pushing its boundaries, and knowing when it’s time for an upgrade. Despite these challenges, I’m passionate about continuing to grow as a photographer and a business owner.
Kim, 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 journey has been anything but linear. I’ve worn many hats – waitress, analyst, martial arts studio owner, stay-at-home mom, and now, photographer. My husband, Ben, and I are the parents of two teenagers, Dixie and Hank. We also share our home with Layla, our three-legged dog, and Spicy Tuna, our cat with a scratched cornea. As a testament to my love for animals, I’m also an Arizona Humane Society foster mom. I’m a lifelong learner, always eager to get a new book. I am a card-maker and have been a Girl Scout Leader for over a decade now.
Photography has always held a special place in my heart though. From the nostalgic thrill of photo booth strips in high school to the enduring impact of my grandparents’ wedding photos that had put on my own wedding cake, I’ve always cherished the power of images. My passion for photography truly ignited in 2011 when my mother gifted me a Canon Rebel, and I haven’t looked back since.
While I specialize in family and senior portraits, my love for photography extends beyond the expected. I’m drawn to capturing the essence of any moment, person, or creature, from surprise 50th birthday party to the unique personalities of our beloved pets. I’m a deeply emotional photographer, and I embrace this aspect of my artistry. I believe it allows me to connect with my clients on a deeper level and capture images that truly resonate.
As a mother, I understand the fleeting nature of childhood. My oldest is a high school junior and it feels like just yesterday I was holding her in my arms, this has profoundly impacted my perspective. I strive to create timeless images that my clients will cherish for generations to come, photographs that evoke happy memories. Images that they will want to print and hang on their walls or maybe even put on a wedding cake one day.
I’m most proud of the evolution of my photographic style and the confidence I’ve gained in embracing my unique vision. I’ve learned that there’s room for every photographer, and I’m comfortable with the fact that I won’t appeal to everyone. However, the genuine connections I forge with my clients are incredibly rewarding. I love hearing how one clients daughter requested to see their family photos every night, or the sight of my work hanging on the walls of my clients’ homes – these experiences bring me immense joy and fulfillment.
I want potential clients to know that I’m more than just a photographer; I’m a partner in creating lasting memories. I prioritize a positive and enjoyable experience for the entire family, ensuring that the photoshoot itself is a fun process alongside the resulting photographs. I believe in capturing the essence of a family’s unique bond and creating images that will be treasured for years to come.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Emily Supio’s Beginner to Business course was a life changing experience. It’s difficult to overstate its impact on my business. The course was challenging and pushed me outside my comfort zone, truly testing my readiness for entrepreneurship. Having previously been a part-owner in an established business, I had some foundational knowledge, but starting from scratch as a photographer presented a unique set of challenges that I wasn’t necessarily ready for.
As a type “A” personality with a creative spirit, I often found myself grappling with the need for structure and the desire for artistic freedom. Emily’s course provided the framework I needed, guiding me through each step of the process.
The volume of information and the twice-monthly coaching calls were initially overwhelming. I’m sure I tested Emily’s patience at times! She accurately predicted it would take a year to complete, and I diligently followed her guidance throughout. It was a lot of hard work, dedication and huge dose of empathy and encouragement from Emily.
Now, I’m refining my approach, adapting the course material to fit my unique style and business needs. While I’ve moved beyond the structured course, I’m forever grateful to Emily and the invaluable foundation she provided for my photography business.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
The phrase ‘it’s the photographer, and not the camera’ is a common theme in the photography educator world. I even remember an educator stating they’d rather see someone with a cell phone and an understanding of light than an amateur with a professional camera. While this holds truth, it’s an oversimplification. True growth in photography requires not only a deep understanding of light and composition but also a thorough knowledge of your equipment and its limitations.
For years, I grappled with this concept. I spent countless hours trying to achieve ‘crystal clear’ photos with my crop sensor camera and kit lens (for those of you that know anything about photography I am sure you are laughing), even consulting an eye doctor! Then my husband gave me a 35mm lens and I started to realize it wasn’t me. My images significantly improved, but still fell short of what I thought I was capably of.
The turning point came when a seasoned concert photographer at Tempe Camera in Tempe, AZ, declared that I had ‘outgrown my gear.’ The difference in image quality between my old camera and my new full-frame mirrorless system was night and day – sharp, in-focus images versus the limitations of my previous camera and lenses.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson: while skill is paramount it is only part of the equation, the right tools are crucial for growth. Mastering your current equipment is essential, but know when it is time to move on.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kimvanosphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimvanosphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimvanosphotography1
Image Credits
Kim VanOs Photography