We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kyle Reese. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kyle below.
Kyle, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Looking back on your career, have you ever worked with a great leader or boss? We’d love to hear about the experience and what you think made them such a great leader.
When I first started working for Kim, I was fresh out of college and had no prior work experience. I was nervous and unsure of myself, but Kim immediately put me at ease. She treated me with the same respect and professionalism as she did with everyone else on the team, despite my age and lack of experience. She saw my potential and didn’t let anything hold me back.
One particular project really stood out to me as an example of the faith and trust she had. We had a pretty big client that she allowed me to sit in the meeting with and give my own input. I was able to engage with the client and make my suggestions and asked the right questions. Afterwards she told me I did great for my first client meeting and gave me some feed back on what I could have done better. I felt more enthusiastic and excited about my future!
From that moment on, Kim set the standard for what I viewed as true leadership. Being understanding, willing to take risks, and helping your team maximize their potential. Between having such a great boss and experiencing less ideal bosses I’ve learned there is a difference between a boss and a leader. The latter builds and guides the team, whereas the former try’s to control the team.
Kim’s positive attitude and supportive approach made a lasting impact on me, and I continue to apply the lessons I learned from her in my current role. I am so grateful to have had her as my boss and mentor, and I know that her leadership has made a difference not just for me, but for the entire team.
Kyle, 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 a freelance photographer from Chicago with a focus on portrait photography, but I also work in commercial and wedding photography. I got into photography while in college, and it quickly became a passion of mine. I love capturing people’s personalities and telling their stories through my images.
Although I have a full-time job that allows me to utilize my creative skills, I still do freelance photography on the side. I don’t do it full time because I don’t want my craft to feel like a chore. Having an outlet that I can do for myself and be in control of is important to me.
As a photographer, I provide a range of services, from individual portrait sessions to commercial shoots for businesses. My goal is to create images that are not only visually stunning, but also tell a story and capture the essence of my subjects. I believe that every person has a unique story to tell, and I strive to bring that out in my photography.
What sets me apart from other photographers is my ability to connect with my clients and make them feel comfortable in front of the camera. I understand that being in front of a camera can be intimidating, so I work to create a relaxed and fun atmosphere that allows my clients to be themselves. By building a relationship with my clients and understanding their needs, I’m able to create images that truly reflect who they are.
I’m most proud of the connections I’ve made with my clients and the impact my images have had on their lives. Whether it’s capturing a special moment or helping a business showcase their products in a new and exciting way, I love being able to make a difference through my photography.
Overall, I want potential clients to know that I’m passionate about my craft and dedicated to creating images that truly capture the essence of my subjects. I’m committed to building relationships with my clients and working with them to create images that they will cherish for a lifetime.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
This answer may sound cliche but it does hold some truth to me! The thrill of creating something from scratch, whether it’s a painting, a photograph, a piece of music, or a piece of writing, can be incredibly fulfilling and empowering. The process of creating art often involves a deep level of concentration and focus, which can be meditative and therapeutic. It can be a way to escape from the stresses of daily life and tap into a more intuitive and authentic part of oneself.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
One aspect of the creative journey that may be difficult for non-creatives to understand is the level of sensitivity that artists and creatives can have towards their work. To an outsider, it may seem like an overreaction or an irrational response when a creative becomes emotionally invested in their project and perhaps even disagrees with a client. However, the truth is that for creatives, their craft is like a cherished child. They invest countless hours of love, energy, and effort into their creations, and it becomes a significant part of their identity and self-expression. The creative process can also trigger a range of emotions that further strengthens their bond with their work.
Parents can relate to this feeling of protectiveness and emotional investment towards their children. Despite the frustrations that come with raising a child, a parent’s love and commitment to their offspring remains unwavering. In the same way, creatives can become fiercely protective of their work and may react defensively when their art is challenged or criticized.
Therefore, it is essential to approach working with creatives with empathy and understanding, recognizing that their art is a precious part of their identity and self-expression. For creatives, their work is more than just a job or a means of income; it is a vital extension of their being.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rashadart.com/