Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaleb Parker.
Hi Kaleb, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Kaleb Parker and I’m the CEO/Head Photographer at Parker Images. I’ve always liked taking pictures, but it wasn’t until 2017 when I got into actual photography. My parents bought me my first camera, a Sony A100. I did my very first photoshoot with some friends from school. The pictures now came out decent, considering it was my first time. Over the next year and a half, I started my business “KP Photography”. I did a few shoots here and there. In 2018, I began taking dual enrollment college courses at Albany Technical College. In 2019, I joined the yearbook staff as a photographer, so I began taking pictures more frequently. After I completed all of my core college classes, it was time for me to choose a major. Of course I choose photography. Taking those photography classes, I did learn a lot, but I gained majority of my skills from my good friend / photography mentor Jasmine Kincheloe of “Just Kidding Photography LLC.” I had been working a fast food job to save up money for equipment, and in December 2020, I purchased my first professional camera. It was a Canon EOS Rebel T100. A few months later, I decided to take my business into a more professional direction. So, Jasmine and I changed my business name to Parker Images and I designed a whole new logo, as well as a website. Honestly, I got to where I am today by just practicing and working alongside Jasmine at her studio. In May, I will have earn a technical college certificate and I will be a certified photographer.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t say the road has been smooth. There were a few struggles along the way. Getting equipment was a struggle. As far as outside photography, all I really needed was my camera. When it came down to studio photography, that’s when I needed equipment such as lights, backdrops, etc. Eventually, I had saved up enough money and I purchased a lighting kit. Little did I know, it was only a stand alone light. That meant I needed to go back and order a strobe light that flashes. For a while, I was borrowing equipment. Another struggle that was fairly significant was building a clientele. Here in Albany, there are over a dozen different photographers. Most of them have regular clients. It was hard for me to find clients to work with because majority of them already have a photographer that they are loyal to. After a while, I had to realize that I shouldn’t be out looking for clients. If they like my work, then they’ll come to me to book a shoot.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Back in January of this year, I changed my business name from KP Photography to Parker Images. I did this for two reasons. One, being that I wanted a more professional look for my business and two, I do more that photography. Along with my soon to come photography certification, I’ve already earned a graphic design certification. When I say graphic design, I mean logos, flyers, business cards, as well vinyl printing for t-shirts, cups, etc. I am most proud of the look of satisfaction on my clients faces when they receive their pictures or whatever service I provided.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
One of the main ways someone can support my business is by word of mouth. It so easy to just tell a friend about my work. When they mention me to someone, that person will go on to tell someone else, and so on so forth. Another way someone can show support is by sharing my work when I post on social media. In this day and age, everyone is always on their phone or laptop. Social media can spread my work to millions of people with one click.
Contact Info:
- Email: kalebparker2003@gmail.com
- Website: https://parkerimages21.wixsite.com/mysite
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parker.images/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Parker-Images-100127362120519/
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