An Interview With SD Voyager Magazine

I had the wonderful opportunity to do an interview with SD Voyager Magazine last week about how I got started with photography and about my business so far! They have a section “Hidden Gems: Local Businesses & Creatives You Should Know” where they profile local business owners to encourage people to shop locally and discover new businesses. The article hasn’t been published yet, but I will update this post with the link once it’s live! Until then, I’ve posted the questions and my answers here! I hope you enjoy this interview!

Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. You can include as little or as much detail as you’d like.

I started my journey with photography in high school in a black & white film photography class where we developed our own film and images in a darkroom. We learned all about photo composition and exposure, and as I progressed through four semesters, I completely fell in love with all things photography. I got my first digital camera before heading off for college and took mostly landscape photos on hiking trips throughout the years. In graduate school, while pursuing my master’s degree in biology, I even worked as a salesperson at a camera store. I never thought to pursue photography professionally and would take engagement photos every once and awhile for my close friends as they reached those exciting life milestones. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, my job transitioned to working from home most of the time, and I slowly felt my creative and energetic side slipping away from me. In July of 2021 I decided to change that and officially start my photography business, Kim Holden Photography. It took two months of figuring things out before I booked my first official client, and my business has blossomed since then into something I never could have imagined. Today, I still work as a full-time scientist and pursue photography as my “side-hustle” that keeps my creative spark alive. I believe having that creativity makes me a better scientist, and I’m so excited to see where both my career and my side-hustle take me.

Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?

I struggled a lot (and still do) with self doubt. In those first two months of having my business, I had zero clients. I practiced on my friends, but I wondered why anyone would want to book me as their photographer when there are so many more experienced and talented photographers in the area. My first few sessions of my friends are not my best work, but I can look back on them and see how far I’ve come in such a short time. After booking my first client, I figured out an advertising strategy and a few more rolled in. I had my real success with my holiday mini sessions where I booked 27 families for 3 days worth of shoots. In 2022 my goals are to invest a little more time in learning the best way for me to use social media (another one of my struggles) and advertise myself and my business.

We’d love to learn more about your work. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?

I am a portrait photographer specializing in family and engagement sessions. I also offer photography for small events (such as baby showers, bridal showers, or birthday parties), maternity, elopements, and individual portraits (such as headshots or an Instagram/dating profile update). I’m most proud of my work during my holiday mini sessions this year where I photographed 27 families in 3 days. I’m also very proud of my website! I put a lot of time into making it look beautiful and easy to navigate, and I also write a blog that comes out (almost) every Friday. I think my photography style sets me apart from others; I like producing bright, vibrant photos with a lot of contrast.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?

I’ve learned to value my time as a photographer. When first starting out, I set my prices much lower than my fellow photographers in the area so that I could bring in new clients more easily. Starting in 2022, I’ve raised my prices to be more in line with the quality of work I produce, and the time I spend on curating and editing each client’s gallery.

I have also learned to be more patient with the whole process. Clients won’t book with me if I don’t advertise, and if I don’t have time to advertise because of my full-time job, I need to accept that it will take more time to fill up my calendar.

What are some local businesses you would recommend and why?

Urban Succulents – Marialuisa Kaprielian made my wedding bouquet of succulents and eucalyptus. It was absolutely beautiful and everything I could have dreamed of.

Organic Media Co – Ashley Carvalho did some wonderful beach photos of me, my husband Matt, and our dog Brie.

Milk Oolong Studio – Leah Schaperow gave me and some friends a private pottery wheel class. While my mug doesn’t look so pretty, we had such a fun time!

Madhouse Dance – I’m not a fan of cardio and I’m a terrible dancer, but Madhouse makes me feel so comfortable that I’m willing to do both of those things once a week and I have a great time doing it! The owner, Olivia Kingston is the coolest and all of the instructors are amazing.

Lilac & Lace – Ariana Elizondo put together a beautiful picnic on the beach for my and my husband’s 2nd wedding anniversary. We picked up some sushi from our favorite restaurant and were greeted with champagne, lemonade, and a tray of cookies (I forgot where the cookies are from). I set up my camera on a tripod and had it snap a photo every few minutes while we were enjoying our time together.