Today we’d like to introduce you to Kidus Solomon.
Kidus, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My interest in photography and video began as a creative outlet in the aftermath of the 2016 elections. There was a fervor that I had never experienced before and I felt a yearning to channel some of that energy towards a creative endeavor. I initially explored writing poetry and short narratives but settled on photography and video production. As I became increasingly restless, I was inspired to contribute my time and my newly acquired skills to the Collin County Young Democrats and subsequently the Lorie Burch for Congress Campaign. Once people began to notice my work, I received a barrage of inquiries which prompted me to begin my own photography and video business – Kidus Solomon Photography. In the 18 months since I started my business, I have had the opportunity to provide my photography and video services to numerous local, state, and federal campaigns and organizations in the Dallas area along with the opportunity to capture important memories for many families and couples through my wedding and portrait photography services.
My journey took a turn in October 2018 when I decided to photograph my sister’s wedding even though there was already a talented team of photographers capturing the day. Luckily they didn’t mind – and in fact, they decided to hire me upon seeing my work. I have since shot numerous weddings with Double You Photography, Washington Filmz, and Teshorn Jackson Photography and have been booked for destination weddings in Jamaica, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic as part of the Wed Life Media team for 2019.
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?
Since beginning my business, I have learned that so much goes into being a photographer that you may not initially consider. To be successful, you must learn how to be a good marketer, negotiator, business manager, social media manager, financial planner… the list goes on. And if you’re like me – a full time and active college student – who doesn’t have prior experience in the corporate world, you have to learn everything from scratch and apply it immediately to your work.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Kidus Solomon Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
I specialize in portrait and event photography with a focus on weddings and political events. There is a certain energy, emotion, and passion that you can only find at events like weddings and political engagements, and that energy forces me to challenge my photographic and storytelling techniques in a way which I truly enjoy.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
The people I’ve met and the relationships I’ve built, the opportunities this endeavor has afforded me, and the fact that I was born in a place that is conducive to entrepreneurship and have a family that is tolerant and supportive of my proclivity for risk-taking – all of this can at least partly be attributed to luck. But I’ve also had my fair share of bad luck – financial struggles due to the expenses and inconsistency associated with creative work, theft of valuable equipment, and various other things which I don’t allow my mind to linger on – because I truly believe that you determine your own luck. I’ve learned that the best way to increase the number of positive events in your life is by not being afraid to fail, and by surrounding yourself with people who are better than you in every way and being willing to listen and learn from them. It’s also critical to not allow a yearning for perfection to be an obstacle to growth, and always be willing to give back by sharing your skills and knowledge with others.
Pricing:
- My wedding photography rate starts at $1500
- Headshots start at $250
Contact Info:
- Website: kidussolomonphotography.com
- Phone: 4692785494
- Email: kidus@kidussolomonphotography.com
Image Credit:
“Jodi Washington” (photo of me), “Kidus Solomon” (all other photos)
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