Today we’d like to introduce you to Kylee’ Thomas.
Hi Kylee’, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I love all expressions of art and I have always been a creative person. I found myself highly inspired with my surroundings in college and I felt inclined to capture my vision through photography. In 2012, after saving up to get my first professional camera, with the help of my best friend and now wife, I came up with the idea of KySpeye Photography. Even though I had the tools to start my journey as a photographer, I did not have the knowledge. I assumed I would be able to take pictures and they would come out beautiful like I imagined in my mind. My pictures were overexposed, lacked composition and they did not possess the creativeness I envisioned initially. Being the determined person that I am, I continued to practice with every chance I got. I started taking pictures of nature. I set out to find things outside that were unique and not normally seen. For example, a hole in a leaf-shaped like a heart. I was getting better the more I practiced and eventually, I felt comfortable enough to ask my friends and family to be the subjects in my pictures.
After graduating from Southern University and A&M College, I took a break from photography to continue my education and pursue a degree in Clinical Psychology. I got more focused on my studies and had less time to practice with my camera. However, I still took pictures when I had time so that I could stay abreast with my camera. Once I had finished my classes, I took a job in Shreveport, LA and after working there for two years, I moved to Carrollton, TX. I worked different jobs to get by but, I did not enjoy them. Eventually, I decided to take a shot becoming an entrepreneur by driving for a rideshare company. I loved the freedom of making my own schedule and paying myself when I was ready. Unfortunately, the pandemic hit the country and I did not feel comfortable driving with COVID spreading so rampantly. I went back to the drawing board to figure out my next move and decided to pick up my camera again. I acquired all the essential things I needed to start my business. I built my website, purchased an LLC, and purchased more equipment. I was officially ready to live out my passion.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Starting a business as an introverted entrepreneur during a pandemic has its ups and downs. Don’t get me wrong, it has been discouraging some days. At the same time, bringing KySpeye to life has been empowering and fulfilling because it is a dream of mine that I am watching unfold. Initially, I was not receiving any business because no one knew about KySpeye and I was not promoting myself enough through social media. Correspondingly, everyone was afraid to be in the presence of others. After all, the Coronavirus was still new to the world. I decided to try Thumbtack, and I started getting noticed due to my professionalism and unique images.
Things were off to a great start for the first few months. I had one or two sessions every weekend in June and August. September was one of my busiest months because I was up to three sessions a day during the weekends. Once October hit, I noticed things started to slow down. I would have potential customers reach out, but I did not land any new bookings. By November, I had not had any new sessions set in place. With the decline of business, I took the opportunity to create some new ideas to get people’s attention. Photography is such a saturated market nowadays. It takes a lot of hard work and a unique vision to stand out. I find it best to keep in mind that, even though the market is extremely saturated, no one can create what I can create. I passionately believe that someone will always appreciate my work and ingenuity. Even though business is still somewhat slow for KySpeye, I have plenty of ideas and projects in the works to attract new customers.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
KySpeye Photography, LLC is a small black-owned photography business that was founded in Louisiana but is now based in Carrollton, Texas. I began with taking scenic pictures, but I realized quickly that I prefer working with people as my subjects. I like to think KySpeye specializes in family photography, ranging from newborn pictures to boudoir pictures and everything in between. In addition, I also love to create personal projects that divert away from family photos and allow me to express my creativity in different ways. I love having that freedom. I am most proud of building KySpeye from the ground up. I take pride in being the photographer, editor, content creator, bookkeeper, webmaster, scheduler, drafter and so much more. It is truly rewarding for me to work for myself and to continue to live out this dream. The thing that sets KySpeye apart from others is, not to sound arrogant, – me. Everyone is different and everyone creates differently. When an idea comes to me, I begin the process to make it a reality. No one else can create my idea like I can, and that is what sets KySpeye apart from others.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Ingenuity! Looking for a studio but do not have the money for a studio? I bring the studio to your home. When I build my in-home studio, it gives clients the security to be in a familiar setting where they can be themselves. At the same time, it gives a certain unfamiliarity to keep them in the mindset that they are taking pictures in a different space. Results! I strive to make my customers happy with their experience. From the moment someone reaches out to me for a session to the finished images, I make sure they know I put them first through the whole process. It excites me to see their excitement and amazement when their images are delivered. In fact, it motivates me even more to create a new concept for the next client. Passion! I have dedicated so much time to becoming a better photographer. I watch tutorials, I network with other photographers and exchange tips, and I practice, all because I sincerely love doing this work. I would never trade this experience for anything. Taking that first step to get into photography in 2012 was one of the best decisions I have made, and I would do it all over again.
Contact Info:
- Email: photosbyktw@gmail.com
- Website: kyspeyephotography.com
- Instagram: kyspeye_photography
- Facebook: KySpeye Photography
Image Credits
Photography Credit: Kylee’ K. Thomas | KySpeye Photography, LLC Website: kyspeyephotography.com Instagram: kyspeye_photography Facebook: KySpeye Photography
