Kimberly Richardson shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Kimberly, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Experiencing life and new challenges. I’ve had a difficult time taking breaks/ taking time for myself. I’m consistently overworking. Over the past few months, I’ve been learning to enjoy a lot of things that I wouldn’t have considered “productive” per se in the past.
I’m touring apartments, planning my reception, going to the gym & out with friends, and celebrating my future husband graduating from college. I’m taking time to celebrate the accomplishments and the little victories. It’s a bad habit to climb a mountain or overcome a big hurdle – and go right back to work. It starts to feel like burnout reallyyy quick.
Be proud of yourself. Find people around you who cheer you on.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Kimberly Anne, I’m a photographer based near Royse City, Tx (a small but growing city just outside of Dallas). I focus on a airy, vibrant and documentary style approach in my work.
I’m very intentional about letting my clients do what feels comfortable in front of the lens and then adjusting them (or posing them!) as needed. No one wants the stiff, uncomfortable photoshoot – my job behind the lens is to help you tell the story – the candid giggles between you and your partner. The awkward peace signs in your graduation gown. You reminding your children to “look at the camera! Cheese!” and them inevitably looking at you and smiling instead.
There’s honestly no better time to book than now. I have lots of upcoming seasonal mini sessions; from fall in a pumpkin patch, to Christmas in a studio. I have multiple locations/dates – its a great way to get those memories captured without paying for the travel fees, the studios, and an hour of photos. Contact me for more details and time slots!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
I, like many other photographers, looked up to the people who made it work. Photographers, filmmakers, and influencers that made my dreams of traveling and documenting everything for a living look possible. People like Peter McKinnon, Hayden Pederson, and Annie Lelbovitz inspired me. To this day, they still are people I look up to and strive to become.
Watching cinematographers and photographers create something by deciding they were to committing to creating it – felt empowering. The people who did what I do before I knew I could do it, taught me more than I could’ve learned by assuming it would work because I wanted it to. It’s effort and commitment.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Feeling unsuccessful in the end. I know success is based on perspective and/or society, but I still feel that pressure of not making the money many people make. I make more than enough to move into an apartment, pay all my bills, go out, and still have money left over. I still recognize that I work more hours than I should to make what I DO make, and I still don’t make what nurses or lawyers or engineers make.
Outside of just pay, I get nervous that I’m set out to do more than couples photos in my hometown and the outskirts of Dallas. I love what I do – and I’m lucky to be able to do what I do – but I’m afraid of that “what if” you know?
On the bright side, its a great motivator to do what you love and not just live for Saturday and Sunday.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Something that most people don’t know about me is that my ultimate dream is to work as a photographer in the fashion industry. And even fewer people know that my “I made it” moment will be when I’ve designed the apparel I’d shoot during a runway show.
I don’t know when or how I’ll get there, and I’ve applied to Vogue’s career opportunities an embarrassing amount of times, but I’m fairly confident that will continue to be a dream job. I’m open to wherever my photoshoots lead me and I’ll continue to be ambitious about my future!
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
I traveled for so many years thinking it would be more fulfilling than Royse City. I was young, I still am, and I figured it would be different.
And yes, it was different. The cultures, the landscapes, cities, people, languages, religions and I mean, almost everything. So why is it the same? What was I consistently missing? Every time I’d be disappointed when I came home, and every time I would turn around and leave again.
I’ll tell you something I’ve learned: I spent a whole lot of time searching for something that isn’t there. It wasn’t in Turkey or Syria or England. It wasn’t in Colorado or Utah or even here in Texas either. I was looking for something that would satisfy what I had thought was a hunger for adventure, in reality, it’s a search for meaning.
I did eventually find it as shocking as it may seem – and I was looking in the wrong places.
Here’s a hint: are you running toward, or away?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/already.kimberlyanne
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/already.kimberlyanne/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-richardson-62a481318
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089424404073&mibextid=JRoKGi
- Other: Pinterest: https://pin.it/47Vo0KC0q
Image Credits
All photos (other than the one taken of myself) was taken and edited by me. @already.kimberlyanne
