Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenisha Elaine.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Dallas-based portrait photographer born and raised in the Oak Cliff area. A product of Dallas Independent School District and Prairie View A & M University. My love for photography has been around for as long as I can remember. The pandemic brought about numerous changes in my life with a daughter in college, working full-time, maneuvering through a divorce, and the restrictions placed on day-to-day life, my anxiety was at an all-time high. I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, and I needed an outlet. I refused to allow fear to take over. Photography became my haven. For the last year, I focused on building a successful photography business. YouTube was my teacher! I began networking with entrepreneurial women, the Emotionality of Success cohort accountability group, founded by Stacia Alexander. In this group, we hold each other accountable. The group is where I learned being afraid is okay when on this journey to success, but you have to jump out of that box afraid and “Do It In fear”. The feeling is incomparable when you take flight! I have achieved what I once deemed impossible. I am aligning and attracting through this journey. There are no limits, and from there, I began to soar, challenging myself to dream bigger. Photography elevates my spirit, and it is my outlet of expression, my purpose.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey has been an adventure full of many lessons, joys, celebrations, and unique moments. Getting out my own way was my biggest obstacle. I had to learn to trust myself and fulfill my desire to perfect my craft, build my clientele, and create a network of individuals I could learn from.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have over ten years of experience in photography. I know exactly what clients want. I love making people see themselves in all of their beauty. I use music in my sessions, and I love how it helps clients relax. My sessions are lively and fun. My specialty is multifaceted– portraits, graduation, children, families, and events. Also, I enjoy personal branding shoots. Branding has changed. The majority of brands focus on shooting their products and talking about their services. I enjoy shooting business owners and Headshot Photography. As a business owner, why not highlight yourself? I think people are interested in learning about the individuals behind the business. Millennials want to hear the brand’s narrative and meet the people who manufacture their favorite items. I want my clients to leave the session happy, and with that, I know that I have made a connection. My business has not grown from gaining an enormous following. It has grown from creating a network of individuals that support me. Word of mouth has been my secret weapon. My family, friends, sorority sisters, co-workers are my people, and they have done a phenomenal job in helping me hit the ground running.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk-taking?
I jumped! I knew that if I wanted to be taken seriously in photography, my next step was to invest in myself. I sought out opportunities to invest in my equipment. Photography equipment can get a bit pricey. Yet, I knew if I wanted to be taken seriously, I had to take a chance. I had an eye for detail, but I lacked the tools to take that perfect picture to the next level. So, I took a leap of faith, purchased new equipment, and even built a small photo studio in my home. I began seeking out mentors, and through manifestation, I met Ramzi Farah, owner of Studio 2110, we instantly connected. I explained to him that I was an up-and-coming self-taught photographer seeking additional knowledge in my craft. All I wanted was someone to give me a chance to learn, and Ramzi did just that. Ramzi took me in as his apprentice. My photos changed instantly. Looking back, I am grateful that I took that chance to speak up and ask for help. I am thankful for the people God has placed in my path. I gained a great deal of knowledge on strengthening my confidence and believing in myself. I am confident that this has and will translate into my photography.
Pricing:
- 150- 300
Contact Info:
- Email: Kenishaelainee@gmail.com
- Website: www.kenishaelaine.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/kenishaelaine/
