Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Kidd.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Amy. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Amy Kidd Photography was founded in 2010 and it has continually grown each year to more than I could have expected! It all began with a desire in my heart about 5 years earlier, in 2005. I would love to share a little backstory first. On New Year’s Eve of 2004, I gave birth to a beautiful set of twins, which took us from a family of 4 to a family of 6! That day would also be the last time I spoke to my father, who passed away of brain cancer on January 20th, 2005. Knowing the value of capturing what I hold close to my heart, I scheduled a portrait session for my twins when they were about 8 months old.
At the twins portrait session, a very strong desire came over me to learn photography. It was actually quite strong and a bit surprising. I had never even had the thought of becoming a photographer and I was happily raising children and teaching music part-time. I immediately starting researching cameras and information that I knew NOTHING about. I mean nothing. I also didn’t share that dream with anyone. As it turns out, that year ended up being one of the most and trying times of my life. Only a few months after that dream was birthed in my heart, I would lose my marriage and become a single mother of 4 children under 11. It was a very painful and scary season.
As I began the journey of raising four children completely on my own, I put my desires and dreams on hold as I worked hard to find stability for my children. My faith would get a huge workout and I decided to trust God with every bit of me and do the best I could to provide a healthy home for our family. Fast forward a few years later to an evening when a very good friend gave me a gift. There was no special occasion, she had just seen a camera on sale and for some reason thought she would buy it for me so I could take more pics of my kids as they grew. I knew this was God working out His perfect plan and reminding me of the dream He placed in my heart. I was overwhelmed. It was the exact camera I wanted, and I had never told anyone!
From there, I began shooting non-stop, reading everything I could, and practicing a lot! I had a friend who was a successful wedding photographer and she strongly suggested I attend a photography school in Dallas and join the PPA- Professional Photographers of America. I took her advice and began my journey of becoming a professional photographer. Over the past 8 years, I have worked harder than I have in my life! Growing a successful business takes everything you have, and then some. I have studied under some of the best names in the business and have grown in my business skills, and client care. From my very humble beginnings, I have grown a business that now provides for my family.
While my business has evolved a lot since the first few years, I have always had the focus of connecting with my clients on a deeper level and with the intention of telling their story in a beautiful and authentic way. I also want to make a difference in my community. Over the past 5 years, I have partnered with local charities, schools, and businesses to help raise money for causes that are so important to them. It has been an honor to help raise thousands of dollars in my community and it means so much to know my work is making a difference in other peoples lives!
Amy Kidd Photography specializes in custom portrait art for families and high-school seniors. I do much of my work on location, in client’s homes, and occasionally at indoor studios. I also shoot beach sessions in the summer and have been able to travel to Florida with clients for beach portraits! It is my hope that each family that I work with will have an exceptional family experience and receive priceless portrait art that tells their unique story. I believe the whole process from start to finish is a tool used to bring a deep gratitude in their hearts for their family. It’s not just about getting the most stunning portraits, or even a good Christmas card, but rather a time to slow down and celebrate who they are at this season in life and then create a memorial in their home that beautifully displays everything they feel in their heart.
It has been the greatest joy to have the privilege of walking into families lives and getting to know them on such a personal level. It means the world to me when I can photograph a high school senior, who is only doing portraits because mom wants them, and then watch them see the beauty in themselves and grow more confident in who they are! I have grown close to many of my clients and will receive texts saying how much they appreciate their new portraits. God has truly done immeasurably more than I could have asked or imagined and I am humbled.
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?
It has not been a smooth road. As you can imagine, the daily challenges of raising four children on your own, growing in my photography skills, learning how to grow a business, all took a lot of mental and emotional energy.
Some of my struggles, in the beginning, were learning how to price my work and finding the courage to do what I needed to do and not compare what others in my area were doing. I had to believe I had a place in this industry and I could use my gifts and skills to grow a successful business and make a difference in peoples lives.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Amy Kidd 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 custom portrait art for families and high school seniors. I am known for creating beautiful and authentic portraits that truly tell peoples stories. What sets Amy Kidd Photography apart from others is the client care you receive as I walk you through the entire process of creating meaningful, one of a kind portrait artwork.
Beginning with looking at the colors in your home, wardrobe selection, then portrait design that allows us to create artwork that fits your style, compliments your home and brings deep joy to your family.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am continually growing in my craft and evaluating what my families are wanting.
Timeless, simple, and meaningful seems to continue to remain constant. I am planning on creating a simplicity line that showcases the simple beauty and special features for children and high-school seniors.
These portraits will be something that looks beautiful in every style home and will be timeless pieces that will be treasured for years. My goal is to stop time and allow you to feel like your back at that moment when you look at the portrait.
Pricing:
- A custom portrait session is $250 and the average family invests $1,500-$2,500 in portrait art.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.amykiddphotography.com
- Email: amy@amykiddphotography.com
- Instagram: @amykphoto
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/amykiddphotography
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/amy_kidd
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
