Meet Khavory Lee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Khavory Lee.

Khavory, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin? 
I believe the greatest parts of anyone’s personality blossoms naturally, but it requires water and patience to see the flowers grow. One of the most beautiful things to bloom in my life has been my passion for photography. It began when I was living in Texas, where I was born and raised. While my friends and I were visiting my parents in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, we stumbled upon a small creative gathering called an “Instagram Meet-Up.” What was then a novel community of photographers, models, and videographers became the needed nourishment for my life-long passion. I took a chance, borrowed my friend’s camera, then ventured out with fellow creatives to make art. Since that spontaneous moment, the art of photography has made my life more beautiful. From a hobby during college to my career and passion in LA, photography has helped me grow and flourish. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey with photography has included peaks and valleys. With every discouraging low, I climb back up again, strengthening my skills and expanding my opportunities. The pandemic illustrates a particularly difficult time for my creative process. Like many others, 2020 was emotionally draining and filled with uncertainty and fear. I was amidst the grind of graduating college while feeling crushed under the weight of the political and racial strife dividing our country. I channeled those emotions into photographing the Black Lives Matter movement in Oklahoma. I used this experience as an outlet to process and express my emotions, which unexpectedly caught the eye of a modeling agency that needed a photographer. I jumped on the opportunity, and the rest is history. I realized that even at your lowest, it’s important to keep looking up so you can appreciate the beauty at the peaks. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have professional creative experience in photography and videography, specializing in portraiture, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. As both queer and African American, I utilize my unique perspective to elevate my creative process and empower my subjects/clients beyond belief. Whenever I work with someone new, my goal is to push their vision a step further to better embody their spirit. I am proud of my ability to develop connections with the people in front of my camera. I find that this connection ensures everyone I work with feels proud of breaking the mold to be truly authentic. 

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
A former professor of mine once said, “The greatest artists steal. It’s your job to steal and do it better than everyone else.” After initial shock, I realized my professor was not encouraging plagiarism but rather offering an invitation to be attentive to the world outside ourselves. Inspiration is everywhere, and in order to stand out and flourish as a creator, it’s important to stay aware. When I enter creative dry spells, I tend to beat myself up. I remind myself that my brain is dehydrated, and to blossom, I need to be patient and water my roots with new inspiration. To put this advice into action, I travel, go to museums, listen to as much new music as possible, and take that nourishment and sprout my next creative stem. 

Pricing:

• 2 hour session – $600
• 4 hour session – $1100
• 6 hour session – $1600
• 8 hour session – $2000

Contact Info:

• Website: khavorylee.ccom
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khavory.lee?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Max Pedra
Aoife Tejada
Ginger Rodriguez
Safia Pulliam
Chidiogo A.
Isaac Berger
Emely Maltsberger