Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Preston.
Kim, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Photography actually just fell into my lap. At Cal State Northridge I was taking prereqs to get into the film program. One of the prereqs was a beginner’s black and white film photography class. Although I didn’t get into the film program, I ended up falling in love with photography and continued to take all the photo related classes the university had to offer. I eventually enrolled in an Advertising for Photography class where I learned I could do this as a profession. Then and there I changed my major to photography.
Now after almost 11 years in the field, 5 of which I spent in New York, my craft has only gotten stronger. I’m working in my field now more than ever and I now want to share my love and knowledge of photography with others. While in New York, I joined the Camera of the Month Club, a space where professional and amateur photographers alike can come together and critique each other’s work and share knowledge so that we can only get better. After serving on the executive committee of CMC for almost three years and with their blessing, I have opened up Camera of the Month Club, Los Angeles. We meet once a month and offer photo walks and workshops.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My road has definitely been filled with struggles. Mainly self doubt. There were so many times where I missed opportunities because of fear of failure or even of my own success! I hid behind my full-time retail job-making excuses. I look back now and realize that being in my early 20’s, I would have been ok if I took more career risks. I had and still have a major support system within my parents. Without them, I would not have made it to where I am now.
Today I’m no longer afraid of taking risks. I’m no longer working retail and I’m a full-time freelance photographer. The road is still bumpy, financial worries and doubts in my talent still linger, but they no longer hinder me.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the K Preston Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
K Preston Photography provides clients with high-quality commercial and fashion images. Look books and web content are my specialties. In addition, my business has also provided stills for recording artists such as album covers and live shows. However, what I’m most proud of is the ability to announce that in 2020 I will be offering video services.
What sets me apart is my attitude and personality. I’m constantly positive and upbeat. There will always be great energy on set and each client will always have a good time. Even if I’m stressed, I make sure not to show it.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
A lot of my best gigs have been due to “luck.” Just meeting the right people at the correct time who in turn introduced me to some other person who ends up booking me multiple times. Now as “lucky” as that may seem I know for a fact that those opportunities wouldn’t have arisen without constantly practicing to improve my craft and without a great work ethic. True. It is about who you know, but if your unprofessional or your product isn’t up to par, the referrals will stop!
On the other hand “bad luck.” has taught me a valuable lesson the hard way. Always be more than prepared for a shoot. Always test your gear before each shoot, even if you just used it a few days before. As the old saying goes “luck is when opportunity meets preparation.”
Contact Info:
- Website: kprestonphotography.com
- Phone: 6262977621
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/prestonscamera
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimprestonphoto
- Other: cameraofthemonthclub-la.com
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