We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimberlyn Gamble and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kimberlyn, what do you attribute your success to?
God is the most important factor in my business. Without him and his many blessings, I would not be as successful as I am today. He is the one who gave me my gift and talent for photography and helped me soar as others around me tried to fly. His grace and mercy are what lead me to the name of my company. Berry Blessed Photography came from my maiden name (Berry), God’s help (Blessed), and a favorite hobby of mine (Photography).
When I first started out with my business, I took pictures of anything and anyone who needed them. I never stopped to think about my brand or style of editing. I wanted all the experience that I could grab within arm’s reach. Now, seven years later, I have a brand that many people are starting to know and book for – Unique, Momentary, and Natural. Let me tell you why I chose these three specific words.
Unique: Every person is different. Therefore, every session I do will reflect who that person, event, or family is. Why go to someone who only does the same poses as everyone else? I know that my clients will be unique in their particular way, and I want to show that no matter the style of session chosen.
Momentary: We all have big life moments. From first anniversaries to baby announcements. From family pictures to events. From newborn sessions to first birthdays to golden years. From senior portraits to headshots. No matter the moment clients choose to have captured, you can bet that I will be giving clients some pictures they will forever remember.
Natural: I edit the images that I take, which takes time. Today, you can see saturated pictures and over-edited or even photoshop in many photographers’ work. Every photographer has their style; mine is light and airy but still natural. When clients see their photos, I want them to see exactly what we all did during their session. There will always be out-of-place hairs, blemishes, and simple background things that are distracting removed. BUT, I will always keep staying true to ourselves and the natural beauty that God gave us.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Photography has always been a part of my world and my life. I started my business in my first year of teaching to make a bit more income to supplement what I was already making. I had taken a few classes about photography and shadowed an excellent mentor before officially taking the plunge and starting this company. After several years of teaching, I went into the technology consultation world to further my experience and love for the tech industry.
I have a Bachelor’s in Education and a Master’s in Systems Design & Technology. These degrees have allowed me to bloom and grow in many ways that have benefitted me as a photographer. One of the best things I have learned throughout the years is that customer experience and organization are essential to a successful business. From there, I can communicate with clients, vendors, and businesses about shoots and guide them through my process.
My brand has changed and developed throughout the years that I have been shooting. When I first started, my style was moody and very saturated. As I have grown and molded into who I am as a person and as a photographer. My current brand is light and creamy, and I always strive to be unique, natural, and freeze the momentary joys of life.
Has it been easy?
Heck no, but I would not change how things came about. All the milestones to get where I am today have been meaningful steps along the way, teaching me about myself and what I want. No matter my career choice, roadmap, or where I live, I know my favorite hobby will always be with me.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This should not be a difficult choice, but it is! Being a DFW photographer, I travel all around the metroplex to meet with clients and take pictures. My favorite area is Fort Worth, and I have three favorite places where I love to shoot; Airfield Falls, Bobo Woods Park, and West Bend. Since recently moving to Dallas, I have discovered a lot of great places (some of which I knew beforehand). I love shooting at the Botanical Gardens but always did it with myself or my family when we would visit. I also love Rockledge Park and downtown Grapevine. I had engagement pictures taken at White Rock Lake; those places are so stunning!! I would love to return there for a session, go to downtown Dallas, and a few fun places around my home. I always have friends and family up for a fun photoshoot, so I know those places mentioned are a blast to visit and shoot at.
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?
First off want to give my husband a shoutout. I would not be able to do this today without his support and help. My clients are amazing at words of affirmation, sharing the word about my work, or rebooking a session down the road from their first bookings. My models, family, and friends are not only supporters of my work but also allow me the time to practice something new or try fun ideas out. Lastly, I want to give a shoutout to my photography community. Our community is supportive, gives constructive criticism, bounces ideas off each other, and offers mentors when others need it. The world is harsh and sometimes unforgiving, and to be in the photography industry today is difficult, but the support I have received has been amazing.
Website: https://www.berryblessedphotography.com/
Instagram: @berryblessedphoto
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyn-gamble
Facebook: @berryblessedphoto
Youtube: @berryblessedphoto
Other: Popl: https://poplme.co/Rvf3pEr3/share Unscripted Booking Page: https://unscriptedforphotographers.com/b/kK6xrZ3xjJ
Image Credits
Headshot taken by @https://www.facebook.com/MarkBMcCallum