Today we’d like to introduce you to Keira Elkins
Hi Keira, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story goes back to my mom. She has been a professional photographer in the Huntsville area for over 20 years. So naturally, it made sense that she gifted me with my first ever camera around the age of 15 years old for my birthday. At the time, I had fiddled with taking some photos and, of course, as any kid would, I started with taking photos of landscape and my pets! I was always drawn to natural lights, deep shadows, and detail shots when I was taking photos. I kept up with it here and there, and eventually built up the courage to submit some of my photos to a major competition for my highschool. I ended up placing honorable mention and 5th place for a couple of my photos I had submitted. It was exciting the fact I was recognized and seen for my work! That competition made me feel so good and definitely boosted my confidence that I could take photos worth looking at!
Fast forward a bit to college, my graduation year of 2019, I had taken some time off from shooting as I was focused on completing my undergraduate degree at Texas A&M Unviersity (WHOOP!). Towards the end of the LONGGGG finish line for my degree, I had taken some graduate photos of one of my best friends and a couple of other friends who were also in the same field as me. After graduation, I was keeping up a little with the photography and kept practicing in the meantime. I eventually shot my first ever wedding with my mom by my side to help guide me. The bride and groom loved their photos and I will forever cherish that day as it was major milestone in my photography journey!
Looking into 2020 and those strange times, I really had nothing else better to do besides my job and my camera with me! I didn’t have a whole lot of personal contact as COVID-19 had become a lingering reality for many people and the world around us all. I kept practicing with my camera and taking photos of my sweet Rottie for fun and to give me something to do! She still is my #1 model by the way if you all are wondering!!
All jokes aside, fast forward to now, 2024, what a journey my life has been so far! From college, to covid, to getting my own dog, to being engaged and now married. Life has been a rollercoaster for sure, but I wouldn’t be where I am without my husband, mom, my sweet dogs, family, and friends who have supported me along the way. I finally decided to go into professional photography this March and so glad to have made such a big step in my life. This journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been rewarding to see my confidence grow and to meet so many wonderful people associated in this amazing field filled with so much creativity and a love for visuals!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For myself, it has been a good challenge while being rewarding! Naturally, I am pretty introverted. So some days are harder than others just due to my personality! I think for myself, my camera gives me the confidence to trust in my abilities and skills, and to just have fun with what I do! From a business perspective, it has been challenging to reach the right people and to be able to figure out “how do I find the right clientele?” As I like to say constantly to myself and people around me, “good things take time.” I have abided by this quote in many aspects of my life because nothing just happens overnight. Running a business along with my own life is a lot, but in order to grow and learn, you have to try and put yourself out there! It’s so hard, but with time, things will fall into place. I do believe that I have found a passion that I really love and enjoy 100%!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a professional photographer based in League City, Texas! I service to the Houston area and many other cities such as Galveston, Friendswood, Webster, Pearland, Katy, and the list goes on. I like to call myself a natual & ecelctic photographer because I specialize in almost everything; call me the jack-of-trades for photography if you will! However, I am known for my specialization in branding, creative portraits, micro-weddings, and maternities. I absolutely love being a part of all these amazing kinds of moments as I feel very connected to my work. I want to be able to tell your story and I am one to definitely say “let me get a detail shot!” Working in the architectural field, I have a different kind of vision for the world around me and details always scream at me! I LOVEEEE details and anything that can be shot in a very minimal way is *chef’s kiss*. I hope that as I continue to grow, that I will be able to book more destination elopements and more micro-weddings as I absolutely adore intimacy and a different kind of love.
What I do love most about my brand is that I am eclectic! I don’t have a specific area necessarily that I gravitate towards; I want to feel free and have a hand in multiple areas of photography. I feel that photography should be experimental, trendy, and fun! Though consistency is nice and will take you far, being experiemental brings you to another kind of level as a photographer! Being able to experiment with light, shadows, composition, posing, will take anyone in photography to the next level. All of these important aspects of photography have taken me to where I am now and I have been able to achieve some amazing looks that I am so, so proud of in my career so far.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Oh man, my favorite childhood memory! This is a hard question, but anytime I think of childhood, I think of the times when I went to the beach in Galveston or Florida. I usually always went with my family or my best friends to the beach. I am such a summer girl at heart when it comes to beach time. I love being able to feel the sand between my toes and the cool water hit my skin. Something about the beach is so relaxing and truly is my second home away from home. I have always enjoyed tropical, summer trips, especially when it meant going to Florida! One of my favorite states for sure! 🙂
Pricing:
- Currently offering 15% graduate photo sessions for 2024
- Booking for micro-weddings in Houston and beyond!
- Would love to book a courthouse elopement in Houston, only for $500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.keirakaptures.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keirakaptures/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557152049788
- Other: https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers/keira-kaptures
Image Credits
All images taken by Keira Kaptures, LLC
