Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayleen Shearer.
Hi Kayleen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Knowing the face behind the lens is always vital to establishing trust between the client and their photographer. My story to how I’ve become a successful entrepreneur is not just about starting a business (albeit that is a great story in itself) but about developing a passion to share joy and inspiration with the world. For me, photography has been somewhat of a lifeline. Starting at age 4, I grew up dancing. I started competing at age 7 and devoted my life to it all the way up until I went to college. That was when I realized that dance was my creative outlet and without it, I felt a bit lost. I became depressed for several years and looking back the lack of a creative outlet was a huge part of this. Having a creative outlet is crucial for me. I had several friends who were photographers at Baylor (where I went the school) and became inspired by their work.
My family moved to Orange County, California right by the beach, and during a holiday break, I picked up my mom’s Canon and went straight to the ocean. I started taking photos of the local surfers and considering I had no idea what I was doing I got some considerably good shots. From, there I was hooked. I started taking pictures of nature because I was too nervous to take photos of people (because I thought I wasn’t good enough for it). I interned for a company in the Pacific Northwest and would take my camera with me everywhere to capture all the beautiful scenery around me.
Eventually, I got the courage to start taking photos of people. I took some pretty bad photos to then take some better ones and eventually some really good ones that people would pay money for. It all comes down to trial and error, practice, taking risks, and pushing yourself outside your comfort zone.
After college, I received an incredible job offer as an outside sales representative at a tech company and was placed in Los Angeles. It was there, that really flamed the fire for my photography career. I lived with my soon-to-be sister-in-law who had been a professional photographer for 7 years. I would tag along with her for weddings, events, and couples’ sessions on the weekends in my spare time. She taught me a lot of what I know. And having that mentorship was crucial for my career. I chose sales as my major and career choice because I knew it would be a vital skill to have if I were to ever run a business one day. Having that experience has really set me apart as a photographer and helped me grow my business at an accelerated pace. Sales is all about serving your clients and I really believe my success has come from not only my quality of work but my focus on serving those I’m photographing.
Once covid hit I decided to go full-time with photography. My business grew rapidly during 2020. Having a creative passion that could also serve basis for my occupation helped me get out of depression, loss, and the hardships of life and helped me to focus on creating a better world – a world full of beauty and the opportunity to tell others stories.
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?
Starting a business is never a smooth road for probably anyone. While I’ve grown at an accelerated pace, there still have certainly been struggles along the way – I think that’s probably true of any endeavor that’s worth pursuing.
While it’s great to not have to work an 8-5, there are also the struggles with it. When you’re starting a business, you’re really the only one holding yourself accountable. Some days I wake up and the internal motivation is there and I’m ready to go, and other days not so much. It’s a matter of remembering your “why” because that’s what gets me back on track.
Just like in sales, prospecting is key. I notice a lack in bookings is always based on my discipline and effort that was put in from several months before.
With sales and running a business, it’s about delayed gratification. The work I put in now, the seeds I sow now, is the harvest I’ll reap in 2022. It’s a matter of having that at the forefront of my mind every day and reminding myself that I’m doing this not just for myself but for a bigger purpose – to provide others with timeless memories they’ll cherish forever. Staying inspired is key. And luckily humans are often the most inspiring things in life.
The more I meet others and hear their stories, the more drive I have to continue to fill the world with art and beauty.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a wedding, couples, and portrait photographer. I’m sought out for my ability to connect with clients and not just take photos, but tell their stories. The foundation of my work rests on the mantra that photography done right is more than just a picture, photos are the exterior, visual display of the story written on our souls. I want clients to feel even more love and connection to each other after the session than they did walking in. When I can achieve that – that’s the type of work that I am proud of. I am known for my candid, vibrant, natural style.
There are those who have incredible artistic ability but don’t necessarily know how to turn that into a business. There are those who love running a business but lack a passion for the product they provide. What sets me apart is that I’d like to think I have a unique combination of both an artistic mind and a business-oriented mind. I know how to best serve my clients and make them feel seen all the way from the initial meeting through their wedding day. But I also know how to make beautiful art and stretch my creative limits.
What sets me apart is that I believe we were created to create. That is the foundation of my business. Life inevitably will be hard, we will suffer, we will feel pain and loss, and yet we will also experience immense joy, ecstasy, and love – and that is the beauty of telling others’ stories. I want to capture all of that emotion in my work…ALL of it. The good and the messy. I strive to create authentic imagery that is honest and true. The more transparent we are with others, the more connected we feel. My goal is for people to look at my work and feel some sort of connection to their own life.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Natalie Reed – Mentor – She is the one who taught me how to start up my business as a photographer. She’s offered not only practical advice but so much love and support along the way. I wouldn’t be here today without her.
Johnney Reed – Mentor – Along with Natalie, he has helped me learn and practice. He’s given me support, advice, and love. He’s like an older brother to me.
My Mother and Father (Kira Shearer and Brad Shearer) – They are always supportive of what I do. They have creative ideas to help me grow my business and are always proud of me no matter what happens.
Pricing:
- Weddings: Starting at $2000
- Engagement Sessions: Starting at $350
- Couples Sessions: Starting at $350
- Portraits: Starting at $350
- Headshots: Starting at $350
Contact Info:
- Email: kayleenshearerphoto@gmail.com
- Website: www.photographybykayleen.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photographybykayleen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Photographybykayleen
Image Credits
Kayleen Shearer
