Meet Kennedy Brown | DFW Family and Lifestyle Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kennedy Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kennedy, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I always favored photography, even from a young age, but I never thought that passion would turn into something bigger such as a photography business. If I am being honest, I didn’t put much thought into starting my business. I picked up the camera simply because I wanted a flexible schedule while I was living away for college. I didn’t want to work a traditional, hourly job. LOL. It wasn’t until much later that I discovered my true love for photography. I was shocked at how quickly I gained a clientele and a few years into it, I started to take my business way more seriously.

Sitting at roughly five years of being a business owner, I have learned so much. Though this occupation kind of “fell into my lap” with little to no thought behind it, it has developed into something I spend 95% of my time and efforts on. The goal is now to give my clients memories above everything else. I want to freeze their lives exactly how it is, exactly how messy and chaotic it can be, so that one day they can look back on their images with joy in their heart. Our lives will change drastically throughout the years. We move homes, our physical features begin shift, we welcome new additions to our family and occasionally say goodbye to others. That is what I want to photograph. That is what I want to freeze.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Photography is such a broad industry saturated with so many creative talents across the globe. Sometimes it can be incredibly difficult and, at times, overwhelming to stand out amongst the others. Though I am growing and learning every year, I feel confident that my work is a product of being personable.

I feel that being personable can be one of your strongest suits in all areas of life, not just photography. Getting to know my clients makes headway for their upcoming shoot as well as any potential shoots later in the future. I like to establish a connection with clients beforehand because it makes everything else go smoother. Most times I am able to leave a shoot with new friends versus “clients”.

If anyone says photography is an easy field to get into, they aren’t telling the truth! There are so many layers to photography and most aspiring photographers don’t make it through their first year. Though there are many reasons as to why this could be, I would say it’s mainly for two reasons: financial and engagement. The cost factor of this industry is somewhat obvious to outsiders looking in, but engagement is how you grow and expand your business. You want to bring new clients by marketing eye-catching material. Engagement can also be dependent and related to your personal spheres of friends and family. If you don’t begin your business with a foundation of supportive peers, you may not see as fast of growth as other beginning photographers. Of course, it varies from situation to situation and what your raw work looks like. I was fortunate to be surrounded by a community of people willing to participate and share my work.

The main message that I want people to take away from me and my brand is that everyone is deserving of a good picture. Often times, we view photography as a luxury service. I do believe you have to charge what you are worth, but I never want to grow so big that I forget my humble beginning.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am very passionate about the idea that you can have fun anywhere, as long as you are surrounded by the right people. If I had a friend visiting the DFW area, I’d take them to visit places such as the Coyote Drive Inn, the Gamelle restaurant, Top Golf, Mercado Juarez, and most importantly – Chuy’s in downtown Ft. Worth. Can you tell I’m a foodie?

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Do I have to pick one? Lol.

I would love to dedicate this shoutout to my parents. To say they have been supportive of my photography journey would be the biggest understatement of all time. Not only did they purchase my first camera (to relieve me of using my iPhone at shoots… yikes), they have seen every version of my photographer self – the good, the bad, and the ugly – and they have remained nothing less than encouraging.

My biggest enemy in this industry has been self-doubt and self-depreciation. When I shorten myself of opportunities, victories, and breakthroughs, they have advocated for me time after time – even if that means advocating for me against my own self. They have poured so much into my dreams and I will forever be grateful.

Website: Kennedymckayephotography.mypixieset.com

Instagram: Kennedymckayephotography

Facebook: Kennedy McKaye Photography