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

Kyndal , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.

My passion for photography began in middle school, and over the years, I discovered that sports photography was where I truly felt at home. During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to work as a video manager for the North Carolina Central University football team. It was there that I recognized a gap in the team’s social media presence, both on and off the field. This sparked the idea to combine my love for photography with the need for more dynamic visual content.

To develop my skills, I began shadowing an experienced photographer, learning the technical aspects of the craft. Eventually, I was entrusted with the opportunity to photograph a football game, which marked a pivotal moment in my journey. Through consistent practice and experience, I grew more proficient in my techniques and deepened my passion for capturing the raw energy of sports.

As the season progressed, I began collaborating with the team to brainstorm ideas for future campaigns. I became increasingly invested in the creative process, and it was during this time that I realized sports photography was not just a passion—it was something I wanted to pursue professionally.

In the months that followed, I made the decision to formalize my passion into a business. I invested in my first major piece of equipment, a 70-200mm lens, and launched KSM Photography. However, the journey didn’t stop there. I realized that to run a successful business, I needed to learn more than just photography techniques—I had to understand how to manage and grow a business. This led me to research on how to establish an LLC, develop business strategies, and continue learning from other creatives and industry professionals.

Once my business was established, I focused/still focusing on marketing myself effectively to attract clients. Through trial, error, and persistence, I honed my approach to client acquisition and built a strategy for growing my brand.

Today, I’m dedicated to delivering high-quality sports photography while continuing to evolve both as an artist and as a business owner. I’m excited to continue pushing boundaries and sharing the dynamic energy of sports through my lens.

Kyndal , 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?

My name is Kyndal McDuffie, and I am the owner of KSM Photography, a small business that turned my passion for photography into a professional pursuit. My journey into photography began on a personal level, taking pictures for family events. It wasn’t until my time as an undergraduate years working with the North Carolina Central football team that I truly found my niche in sports photography. That experience opened the door to countless opportunities and ultimately led me to where I am today.

At KSM Photography, my focus is to provide both an experience and a story through my lens. I specialize in sports photography, capturing the intensity, emotion, and raw energy of the game. Whether it’s an athlete looking to highlight their personal brand or a team needing high-quality images for marketing or social media, my goal is to bring my clients’ visions to life. I believe that each photo should tell a story and evoke emotions that resonate with both the subject and the audience. Whether that be through actions shots (during live games, capturing those key moments), team and group photos or promotional content designed to enhance engagement, social media presence, and brand identity.

As a sports photographer, I capture dynamic, high-energy moments in ways that resonate with fans, athletes, and organizations. I help my clients stand out with powerful imagery that showcases their team’s story or personal journey in the sports world. My background with the NCCU football team has given me a unique understanding of the demands of sports photography, allowing me to anticipate key moments and frame them in a way that maximizes impact.

What sets me apart from others is my commitment to creating meaningful, personalized experiences for each client. I take the time to understand their vision and ensure that each shoot is tailored to meet their specific needs, whether they’re an individual athlete looking for standout portraits or an organization looking to build a visual narrative for their brand.

While launching KSM Photography is a huge milestone that I’m incredibly proud of, what truly fills me with pride is seeing the joy and satisfaction on my clients’ faces when they see the final images. There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing that my work has helped elevate someone’s personal or team brand, or that I’ve captured a moment that holds special meaning for them. The feedback I get from clients, who are excited to see themselves or their teams represented through my photos, is what drives me to continue doing this work.

Whether it’s a local athlete, a school team, or a larger organization, I approach each project with the same level of care and attention to detail. My goal is to understand what my clients want to achieve with their images and make that vision a reality. I’m deeply passionate about what I do and constantly work to improve my craft. From my early days working with the NCCU football team to now running my own business, my love for photography continues to grow, and I put that passion into every shoot I do. Finally, My business is built on relationships, and I aim to foster long-term connections with my clients. Whether they come back for more work or refer others, I want everyone I work with to feel valued and confident in the quality of my work.

Although it hasn’t been an easy journey, I continue to push myself to build my social presence and expand my network. Every shoot and every client interaction helps me grow, and I’m excited for what the future holds.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a photographer and creative is the ability to capture moments that evoke emotion and tell a story. Photography, especially in the realm of sports, is about more than just taking pictures—it’s about freezing time in a way that lets people relive that moment, whether it’s the intensity of an athlete’s focus, the pure joy of a victory, or the tension of a game on the line. There’s something incredibly powerful about knowing that a single shot can tell a story that resonates with others, long after the moment has passed.

As well as being able to blend my passion for photography with my love for sports, and that mix allows me to bring people’s stories to life in ways they might not have imagined. It’s a constant reminder of why I started this journey in the first place.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I’m currently building my audience and social media presence. While I’m still early in the journey, I’ve learned that growth is a continuous process. I began by consistently sharing my work on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, showcasing everything I capture and create. By consistently posting, I’ve built momentum and connect with a wider audience.

A key part of this process has been learning the nuances of social media algorithms—understanding optimal posting times and engagement patterns on each platform. This helps me maximize visibility and interact with my audience when they are most active.

My advice to others who are starting out would be to network with people who are already doing what you aspire to do, as this can provide invaluable insights and support. Additionally, consistency is essential—post regularly and ensure your content reaches as many people as possible. It’s also important to review your posts periodically, analyze performance metrics, and refine your approach based on those insights. Researching new techniques and trends will help you continue to grow and enhance your presence.

By staying consistent, open to learning, and focused on engaging with my audience, I’m steadily building a stronger online presence and growing my brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ksmphotography21.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksmphotography21?igsh=dzE1YWQxODV0Mmxo&utm_source=qr

Image Credits

Personal Picture: Doug Burt Photography