Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Griggs.
Hi Kevin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
For close to 20 years, I have been solely focused on commercial real estate. One of my clients insisted that I photograph his family. Reluctantly, I agreed on the condition that I do it my way. My client was skeptical at first, then ultimately blown away with the results. The success of this session rekindled my drive to shoot portraits.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Building a body of work was the first challenge. Like most people balancing family, work, and all the things, just finding the time was a hurdle. The first family gave me 5 subjects to test my two-shot approach with, but it was certainly not enough for a portfolio. It took me ten months to finally have a big enough body of work to show.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The portrait market is swamped with photographers. Peeling through websites and Instagram of dedicated portrait studios, I found one common theme. Every portrait photographer had similar content. There was always a studio portrait, a location portrait, an environmental portrait, a corporate headshot, “artistic” portrait, a black and white portrait… This trend transcended every level of photographer from amateur to the top-tier editorial photographers. I didn’t want to be like everyone else with tons of lighting, locations, and props. Instead, I decided to focus on the simplest approach possible: one headshot and one waist-up in black and white. When I am approached for a portrait shoot I agree on the condition the session follows this format. Most people are skeptical but curious.
A roll of paper, a camera on a tripod, and a screen doesn’t look like much. This humble set allows me to connect and share a moment with the person without distraction. I’ve coaxed friends, neighbors, and clients to sit for my portfolio. Each time shooting in the same manner and presenting two photos side by side. My goal is to capture the most honest image of a person. Even though I ultimately choose two images for my portfolio, I am delivering a library of headshots, candids, and group shots from our session together. I am increasingly proud of the last 10 months of work I have produced and it is fueling my passion for this endeavor, especially as I see more of these photographs being used as clients’ avatars, shared in their feeds, and being used for their own careers.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I love listening to Henry Mancini and Benny Goodman.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevingriggsatl/
