We were lucky to catch up with Mo Berry recently and have shared our conversation below.

Mo, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

My purpose in this life is to be of service to humanity. Killa Cam Photography is rooted in a deep connection to people because my passion for service carries over into my photography. Everyone deserves to preserve memories and milestones that last a lifetime. Everyone deserves to preserve their history. To be seen. To be remembered. To have proof that they were here. That they lived. That they loved. My mission is to make that possible (and more accessible) for people, for those of us here now and for the generations that come after us.

Photos are history. Just a few weeks ago, my family lost my beloved great aunt. When my mother was looking for pictures of her, I had them—because I’ve always carried a camera, always archived the moments. I document. I archive. I preserve. I’m the person people turn to when they’re trying to recall a memory, a feeling, a detail from years ago—and I can pull up the photo. That’s the story behind my mission. It’s not just about taking photos. It’s about honoring memory. It’s about legacy.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am many things. A partner, a daughter, a friend, a fur mom, a non-profit professional and a photographer in the DC Metro Area. I’m originally from the Bronx, New York and the DC Metro Area has been my home for about 15 years now. I am a New Yorker forever, but I always say that whatever is a step below a Washingtonian is what I am too. My photography work spans live events, milestone photography, portraits, and more.

I grew up in a very digital age. I am the product of camera phones, digital cameras and Tumblr blogs. I am also the niece and goddaughter of a brilliant photographer, Ruperto, and I am a product of that too. His work deeply influenced me. And for as long as I can remember, I’ve been taking photos. I honestly can’t remember a time when I didn’t have a camera in my hand. From disposable cameras to digital, from early camera phones to smartphones, from my first DSLR to my mirrorless, I’ve always been the girl with the camera—the one people could count on to capture the moment, whether it was something special or just everyday life made beautiful through the lens.

I got my professional start photographing events in the local music scene. It started with the Joantz showcase which is a monthly event hosted by my husband—DJ and Producer, Special Berriez—at HR Records. From there, I began capturing DJ RBI’s Crate Convention at the Anacostia Arts Center, a monthly celebration of vinyl culture and community. I also started documenting behind-the-scenes moments at Ill Street Grooves, a live radio show that airs monthly on WPFW 89.3 FM.

What I’m most proud of is taking the leap—turning this passion for freezing time into something I now get to offer beyond just my close circles and associates. Photography has always been a way I express care, and now I get to extend that care to clients who invite me into their most meaningful moments.

The biggest thing I want people to know is that this work is not just a business to me. Clients are not dollar signs in my eyes, they are human beings and they trust me to capture their moments, their milestones, their beauty, their love, their children, their creativity, their events and more. It is more than business—it is deeply personal.

This work is archival, yes, but it’s also spiritual for me. Photography is one of the very few ways we get to stop time and to hold on to the moments that matter, forever. Having the knowledge, ability, and trust to do this work is an honor, really. It’s this approach of deep care for community along with my passion for service that sets me apart.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

One day, years ago, my now husband came home and handed me a bag. I looked inside and it was my first ever DSLR camera. I was absolutely shocked! He shared some words with me to encourage me to delve deeper into my passion and share it with the world. He believed in me before I had even fully given myself permission to believe in this as more than a hobby. The investment he made was a turning point. His encouragement gave me the push and resources I needed to pursue this. From there, I put aside funds from photography projects and personal investments to secure other equipment.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele is being myself and letting that authenticity shine through my work. From the name Killa Cam Photography (a nod to my love of hip hop, my New York roots, and my appreciation for a good double entendre) to the energy I bring to every shoot—authenticity is part of the art. I show up as my full, humorous, and encouraging self. For personal and family shoots, this helps clients feel safe, empowered, and comfortable to show me their best selves. When I’m capturing live events, that same spirit still matters. I’m able to connect with people in the crowd. They pose for me. We exchange energy. I observe, anticipate, and move with intention so I can capture the soul of the event—the laughs, the love, the joy, the stillness, the movement. It’s beautiful.

To be completely honest there was a time where I wasn’t sure if people would feel comfortable working with a business called “Killa Cam Photography.” I was nervous that it might sound too harsh or too unconventional. And for so long in my life, I wrestled with not wanting to come across as “too” anything. But the truth is, I’m exactly the right amount of all of my parts for the people I’m meant to serve and be in community with. And it actually turns out that not only do people recognize the reference, but they appreciate it! More than that, they feel the care, attention, and love I put into every part of the process, from capturing the shots to delivering them.

That genuine connection resonates. Clients refer me because the experience and the product are both grounded in care, joy, and realness. From there, the Killa Cam community keeps growing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://killacamphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killacam.raw?igsh=dXNobTI2aHlnbXdl&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572193807154
• Other: https://g.co/kgs/VeBcSVn

Image Credits

Photos by Killa Cam Photography