Today we’d like to introduce you to Ken Reynolds
Hi Ken, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi everyone, I’m Ken, the co-owner of FotoLab, Houston’s premier self-portrait studio! I was born and raised in Wilson, North Carolina, and my journey has been nothing short of exciting. After high school, I pursued both my undergraduate and graduate degrees at East Carolina University.
Following college, I had the privilege of working for Fortune 500 companies in the Charlotte Metro Area and later in Augusta, Georgia. Then, in July 2013, life brought me to Texas for an incredible opportunity as a Safety Professional with one of the world’s leading petrochemical companies.
Texas turned out to be more than just a career move—it’s where I met my amazing wife, Brittany, who’s not only my life partner but also my business partner at FotoLab Houston. Together, we’re the proud parents of three wonderful kids.
Being a Safety Professional has been an immensely rewarding career, allowing me to provide for my family while making a positive impact. But beyond work, my true passion lies in traveling and creating unforgettable memories with my loved ones.
FotoLab is a reflection of our love for capturing those special moments, and we’re thrilled to share this passion with the Houston community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting FotoLab Houston has been an incredible journey, but it hasn’t come without its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles we faced was finding the right location. As a self-portrait studio, we didn’t fit neatly into the “retail” or “office” categories most landlords preferred, making the search for a space with good foot traffic a significant obstacle. After months of persistence, we finally found a location that aligned with our vision (POST-HTX), and POST has been a perfect fit for our business and the community we serve.
Balancing family life was another major challenge. At the time, I was working full-time as a Safety Professional while starting FotoLab with my wife, Brittany—all while raising two kids under the age of three! Managing the demands of a growing business and ensuring we were present for our children was tough, but it also taught us the value of teamwork, time management, and leaning on each other for support.
Another key challenge was building a reliable team. Finding staff members who share our passion and vision for FotoLab wasn’t easy, but we learned the importance of being patient and intentional in the hiring process. Over time, we’ve been fortunate to bring on amazing team members who truly help our business thrive through awesome customer service.
These challenges, while difficult, have shaped us into stronger entrepreneurs and a closer-knit family. They’ve taught us that perseverance, adaptability, and a clear sense of purpose can carry you through even the toughest times. Every obstacle we’ve overcome has made FotoLab—and us—better for it.
As you know, we’re big fans of FotoLab Studio – Houston. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At FotoLab Houston, we are proud to be the city’s first self-portrait studio—a creative space where anyone can capture stunning, professional-quality photos without the need for a photographer. We provide everything our clients need for an unforgettable experience: studio-grade lighting, beautiful backdrops, and easy-to-use equipment, allowing them to take control of their vision and creativity.
Our mission at FotoLab Studio is to democratize professional-quality photography, making it accessible and affordable for all. We aim to capture life’s moments with unparalleled clarity and creativity, ensuring each photo exceeds expectations. By leading with innovation and exceptional customer service, we’re dedicated to empowering our community and making professional-grade photography available to everyone.
We’re also incredibly proud of our commitment to giving back to our Houston community. If you’ve been recently laid off and are based in Houston, we offer FREE professional headshots every Tuesday from 2-4 PM. This initiative also extends to all local veterans seeking employment. We understand that professional headshots can cost anywhere from $300 to over $1,000, which can be a significant expense during a challenging time. This is our way of helping job seekers and veterans make a strong first impression and take the next step in their careers.
What sets us apart is our focus on empowerment and inclusivity. FotoLab isn’t just a studio—it’s an experience that allows people of all ages and backgrounds to express themselves, celebrate milestones, and create lasting memories in a fun, welcoming space.
As we grow, our commitment to enriching lives through photography remains unwavering. We take pride in being more than a service provider—we’re a part of our clients’ most cherished moments. Our brand reflects this dedication, and seeing the joy on our clients’ faces when they walk away with photos they love is what drives us every day.
We want readers to know that at FotoLab Houston, every moment captured is a treasure accessible to all. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, building your brand, or simply exploring your creativity, we’d love to help you create photos that exceed your expectations and leave you with unforgettable memories.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along this journey is the power of persistence and adaptability. Building FotoLab wasn’t a straight path, and there were plenty of obstacles along the way—from finding the right location to balancing work, family, and business. But each challenge was an opportunity to learn and grow.
I’ve come to realize that success doesn’t always come quickly or easily. It’s about showing up every day, even when things aren’t going as planned, and being willing to adapt as the business evolves. What works in one phase of the journey might not work in the next, so being flexible and open to change has been crucial.
Another key lesson has been the importance of community. Whether it’s our amazing clients, our dedicated team, or the support we’ve received from Houston, the relationships we’ve built have been at the heart of our success. Without the trust and loyalty of our clients, the support of our team, and our commitment to giving back, FotoLab wouldn’t be what it is today.
Ultimately, the journey has taught me that the most rewarding outcomes often come from the hardest struggles, and embracing those challenges with a positive mindset and determination has been the key to turning obstacles into opportunities.
Pricing:
- For just $80, enjoy a 20 minute session that includes up to 2 people/pets. Take unlimited professional photos, receive all digital files instantly, utilize many props, and take home two physical prints to cherish the memories.
- For just $160, enjoy a 50 minute session that includes up to 2 people/pets. Take unlimited professional photos, receive all digital files instantly, utilize many props, and take home two physical prints to cherish the memories.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fotolab.studio/locations/houston
- Instagram: @fotolabstudio
- Facebook: @fotolabstudio
- Twitter: @fotolabstudio
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4Ks9fyV_SuGRdWmebjB7gA
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/foto-lab-studio-houston
- Other: https://www.fotolab.studio
Image Credits
Not applicable
