Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenzie Axtell.
Kenzie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I graduated from photography school 12 years ago, then finished pursuing my Marketing Communications degree. Photography has always been my creative outlet where I can express the way I view the world, but up until the last 1.5 years, it was always just a side gig to my marketing career. Taking a leap of faith, I resigned from a salaried marketing position to pursue real estate focused photography and cinematography full time. As a single mother, I knew I had to make it work. Setting my own schedule and having a “job” where I could bring my son along was my only option. I sat down, created a business plan and marketing strategy much like I would have for any marketing clients in the past.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Like anything worth fighting for, the road to success is not easy. But in the end, you look back and see how every bump, pothole, and detour has molded your character into the resilient person you’ve become.
Early on, I called up the realtor who helped me purchase my first home and asked if I could photograph and video some listings for her in exchange for her honest feedback. She loved the images and videos.
Once I had a few listings to feature, I created my website and online portfolio then began stopping by local real estate offices and offering to sponsor any of their morning meetings in exchange for 10 minutes of time to present my business and portfolio. This can be very intimidating. You are hounded with questions and you better know your shit because they will rip you apart if you don’t. However, some of my most loyal clientele have come from these presentations.
Do I end up working some evenings and weekends? Yes. I realize that life isn’t for everyone, but for me and my son, it works. We plan fun things to see and do based around where photoshoots will take place and most importantly he gets to go to work with me when he isn’t in school. I value that time not just because we are together, but because I know him seeing his mother work for what we have and enjoying her work will help him understand that he doesn’t have to have a corporate 8 to 5 career when he grows up just to be successful. He truly can do what he loves while earning a living that he can be proud of.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Peace, Love & Realty Productions offers photography and cinematography for the real estate, tourism and hospitality industries.
We specialize in ground and aerial photography and videos. Our outstanding high-dynamic-range images, stunning 4k videos, 3D Tours, 24-hour turnaround, flexible schedule and willingness to meet any budget really sets us apart from our competitors. Plus, we are a local, family-owned business. : )
We are often told by realtors that have switched to our real estate photography and video services that their listings sell much quicker, sometimes under contract within just 24 hours, after adding our photos to their listing.
I created Peace, Love and Realty Productions in order to provide for my family as well as help others. For many people, they aren’t necessarily in a position that they want to sell their home, but perhaps the quick sale of it will help bring them to a better place in their life. For others, they have been searching for the right home for their family tirelessly and just haven’t found it. I know that no matter what house I am photographing, I am helping bring attention to someone’s future home and helping another person achieve their next goal. I’ve had clients tell me their seller was in tears of joy when they saw their home’s images. For that seller, it was moving her family on to the next stage in their life to achieve their goals, but they had to sell their home in order to do so. In life, it’s all about coming together to help one another. That’s what makes it all worthwhile to me.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was very involved in creating. Whether it be photographing or painting. I was always making something. I also never really fit into a certain cliche. I was voted most outrageous my senior year. For the yearbook photo for that title, I was photographed with my pet snake, Slash.
Pricing:
- I offer a 25% discount on any shooting package to all new clients of Peace, Love and Realty Productions.
- Ground Residential HDR photoshoots start at just $115
Contact Info:
- Website: peaceloveandrealtyproductions.com
- Phone: 580.772.4642
- Email: kenzie@peaceloveandrealtyproductions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peaceloverealtyproductions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peaceloveandrealtyproductions/
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBG5HJw7gS3kkUD9EWzUqTw
Image Credit:
Kenzie Axtell
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
