Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim C Villa.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kim. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Growing up, I loved taking photos of people. I remember buying disposable cameras and carefully choosing what to capture. 24 frames didn’t stop me from using up all our rolls of film though. My mom didn’t find my hobby as amusing because I wasn’t old enough to pay for my own developing. This love of photography only increased after my first photo class in high school. Upon graduating, I wanted to pursue photography as a career but worried I would not make it. So, I went to school for my second choice, it didn’t take long for me to realize I wasn’t enjoying it and started photographing again. I started my career doing portraits, everything from family, maternity and commercial. I knew weddings were the goal and had to work my way up. It wasn’t until I graduated with my BA in Graphic Design and had my daughter that I decided to quit my day job to pursue Wedding Photography. With the support of my husband and family I was able to make my dream a reality. I have been fortunate enough to be doing this full time since 2014. My love of photos has only grown after having had my own wedding and children. Photos are precious and I hold them so close to my heart. The fact that I can now capture these memories for other people is unreal. I am always so honored when chosen to be apart of my clients memories.
Has it been a smooth road?
It wasn’t always a smooth road, it took lots of detours to get where I am today. I was told by more than one person that I was being unrealistic if I thought I could make a living taking photos of people. As a young woman, I let those words get to me. This lead me down a different path for some time. As I got older and learned more about myself, I knew what was right for me. It wasn’t until I felt comfortable enough in my skillset and business knowledge that I took the plunge. I did my homework, I assisted other photographers, and I sought answers when I wasn’t sure about something. There is nothing stopping you, except getting started. You don’t have to start big, you can work part-time and do photo work on the side. Build your clientele, develop your style and learn how to run a business. Seriously, it matters. But more importantly, listen to your gut. If you feel in your soul that you want to pursue a specific career, go for it and trust the journey!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Kim C Villa Photography – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I specialize in weddings photography primarily and Portraits secondary. My images tend to have blurred backgrounds, soft focus, lots of light, vibrant colors and contrast. I have found this results in images that have a softness to them that highlights my subject matter. I am most proud of my transparency. I know how expensive weddings can be and it’s for that reason I do not charge as much as other photographers. I feel everyone should have great photos of their wedding day and the reality is a lot of people can’t afford more than a $1,500 budget. I have been told over and over I can charge more but while money is always nice. I care more about providing my couples with great memories of one of the most important days of their life.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
I was raised by a single mother who busted her tail to provide for my sister and I. Watching her take every opportunity and give it her all taught me great work ethic. It also showed me how limited the room for growth was in some of these positions. I always saw men trying to make advances toward her and talking to her in a less than equal manner. It drove me nuts! When she became self-employed, things changed. She took charge and made a name for herself. She spoke her mind and was the first real example of a Boss Lady I had ever seen. My mom is so driven and tenacious. She never let anyone tell her no, no man, no woman. She would tell me no/ can’t are not words in my vocabulary. She would advise me that as a woman people may look at me and only see me at face value and in turn my doubt my abilities. But it was up to me to take their doubts and show them exactly what I can do. So to answer the question, what opportunities are a woman not well positioned for?
Pricing:
- Wedding Coverage – $250 per hour
- Portrait Packages – Starting at $100
- Graphic Design – $50 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kimcvilla.com
- Email: kimcvilla@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimcvillaphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KVillaPhotography/
Image Credit:
Kim C Villa Photography
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