Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Bacon.
Hi Kevin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Born February 27, 1973, I was raised as the only son to Henry and Willie Mae Bacon in Natchez. Ms. Graduated from Natchez High School in the top 10% of my class in 1991… A week later, I left to attend Prairie View A&M University to study Electrical Engineering. While at PV, I joined Epsilon Gamma Iota, Inc., a coed social and service organization for engineering and architecture majors in 1992 and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. in 1994. I graduated in 1996 with a BS in Electrical Engineering. While working at NASA, a few friends of mine and I started a Company, Sky High Communications, selling deregulated telecommunication services. Under this business, I started designing websites for several clubs, clothing designers, and other entrepreneurs. It was a pleasure working with other people of like-mindedness and drive. While doing websites, I transitioned from working in the engineering field to the IT field, troubleshooting hardware and software issues. After almost 2 years, Sky High Communications dissolved. While still doing websites, I bought my first camera in order to finish the website of a clothing line. That is where I found my love for taking pictures. While blending my talents in the technical field, one of my clients contacted me about managing a local upcoming artist. After meeting the artist, we created Business First Management. Along with managing the artist, I did all her graphic work, photoshoots, and promotional material. Through that venture, I was able to meet a lot of producers, promoters, artists, club owners, musicians, other photographers, and music executives that later became clients of mine. The Business First Management team broke up within a year due to vision differences. However, we remained close and continued to do business with each other. The next venture was not far behind when two PV Alums, a U of H alumni, and I started L.I.G.H.T. Studios. We were able to blend all of our connections and specialties to book large special events and weddings. We worked well together and shared all types of photography skills and innovative ideas. We eventually got our first photography studio, and it was a big change to go from mostly on-location shooting to shooting in a studio. This is when I took my photography to the next level, by learning light techniques, learning my eye, and how to use my camera settings to get the look I envisioned. I began shooting a lot of models and artists which led me to connect with magazines locally and out of state. Those connections made through Business First Management opened doors I still have access to today. My popularity and connections led me to be approached about another business opportunity with a local music label. After several meetings, we created Emporium House, a multimedia company offering services in graphic design, photography, videography, music production, management, promotions, and connections to major labels. Our goal was to unite businesses under one umbrella with these services. We ran a 4000 square ft studio, with offices, photography and video studio, and meeting areas. We developed a talent search program, put on comedy and music concerts, and started developing an online magazine. Due to some personal issues outside of our company, my business partner dropped out and left me with the company. I have carried on with Emporium House with services of Photography, Video, Graphic Design, and IT support. I have been blessed to be connected to some great people over the last 18 years who saw something in me to want to be associated with me and continue to do business with me. All of my past business partners have gone on to be successful in their respective areas, and we have still maintained our relationships. Today, I have carried on with the original vision of Emporium House; I work with 4 or 5 different photography companies and different graphic designers to aid in offering services that my clients need.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Besides the normal financial issues, probably the biggest challenge was surviving the photography boom. I started photography around 2005 when there was a small group of black photographers in Houston. Due to the success of Indmix.com, a large group of other online club photography galleries appeared, and sparked a huge growth in photography, the business became saturated with photographers. I went from running a 4000 square ft. photography studio to mostly doing events, small weddings, and on-location shoots. Getting new clientele became difficult and it was challenging to find photographers who would work together to run a large successful photography studio.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Photography is the art, application, and practice of creating images by recording light or caughting moments in time. I specialized mostly in event photography, but I have done glamour, high fashion, editorial, weddings, products, real estate. Basically, all forms of photography. I think the thing that sets me apart is my eye. I see things other photographers do not, and I will do almost anything to get what I see… I try to capture the picture in real-time without having to do a lot in post. Most of my work has not been photoshopped or digitally enhanced. I pride myself on doing the work on set instead of afterwards. I enjoy capturing the essence of people and not posing them. Most of my best shots have been impromptu captures.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Enjoy the journey. Whatever you want to start a business in, make sure it is something that you enjoy doing. That way, it is not like a job. Don’t do it just for the money!!!
Pricing:
- Event Photography – $40 per our
- Wedding Photography – $100 per hour
- On location\Studio Photography- $75 per hour\$100 per hour
- Video services start at $150 per hour
- Graphic Design services start at $25
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kb12nv/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kb.12nv
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-bacon-36788188/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbofeh
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kb12nv
Image Credits
J. Allen Photography
