Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Griggs.
Hi Kevin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m grateful for the chance to share once again. My journey as a photographer specializing in commercial real estate began long before the era of Instagram and the recent media explosion post-COVID. Photography has been a part of my life since childhood, sparked by my father’s passion for the art. I vividly remember his wonderful camera bag, filled with intrigue and excitement, which captivated me as a kid. This early exposure laid the foundation for my lifelong love affair with photography.
Over the decades, I’ve built my “war chest” of equipment, continually expanding my toolkit to adapt to changing technologies and industry demands. While I embrace the use of drones like many others, what truly sets me apart is my extensive experience capturing high-market aerials from manned aircraft such as helicopters and airplanes. This unique perspective adds depth and dimension to my work, distinguishing me in the competitive field of commercial photography.
Beyond my commercial endeavors, I find joy and creative expression in capturing urban and nature landscapes. This passion has flourished through my travels and experimentation with different camera techniques. From photographing towering skyscrapers to quaint historical buildings, I’ve honed my skills in capturing the essence of diverse architectural subjects.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Navigating my journey hasn’t always been smooth, but every challenge has been a lesson learned and an opportunity for growth. My experience at art school, particularly at a time when digital cameras were in their infancy, posed its own set of challenges. While my peers invested in professional film cameras, I took a leap by being the first student at The Creative Circus to purchase a digital camera.
After art school, I hustled to find photography work wherever I could. Eventually, I found myself working exclusively with my mentor, Steve Hogben. While there have been many peaks in my career, there have also been deep valleys. The collapse of 2008 was particularly devastating, shaking the foundation of our industry. However, through perseverance and resilience, we managed to weather the storm and bounce back stronger than ever. Each setback only fueled my determination to succeed and pushed me to innovate and adapt in an ever-changing landscape.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My approach to photography is rooted in understanding the needs of corporate clients who rely on visuals to showcase their properties. Whether it’s apartments, office buildings, or hotels, every project encompasses the same elements: exterior landscapes, public and private interiors. I’ve honed an approach that consistently documents every piece of a property, earning the trust of clients who value our discretion and ability to deliver.
The “war chest” of equipment has evolved significantly over the years, from starting with just one camera to now always carrying several cameras to every assignment. I’ve embraced older cameras, finding innovative ways to integrate them into my workflow rather than simply considering them backups. This approach allows me to operate multiple cameras simultaneously, capturing a wide range of vantage points and perspectives.
Long before drones became commonplace, I utilized balconies, parking decks, helicopters, and even a 25-foot monopole to capture elevated shots. As an expert in both drone and manned aerial photography, I have a national network of helicopter vendors at my disposal. Flying drones and helicopters adds an extra layer of excitement, but it also requires precision and composure, especially when navigating multiple sites across the city. My ability to seamlessly integrate these different techniques and technologies sets me apart in the industry, ensuring that I can capture stunning imagery from the ground to the top of the sky.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I adore most about Atlanta is its airport and convenient access to interstates. I often joke that I could reach any corner of the nation by lunchtime, and more often than not, I find myself doing just that on short notice. Whether it’s Gulf Shores, Mobile, Charleston, or Jacksonville, I can easily reach these destinations before noon by car. Thanks to Hartsfield International Airport and Delta, direct flights to nearly anywhere are readily available, and it’s not uncommon for me to catch the first flight out in the morning.
I have a deep affection for Atlanta; if I were to mention one aspect I find challenging, it would be the traffic congestion, particularly during rush hours. However, I am optimistic about ongoing efforts to improve public transit and alleviate this issue.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://capitolphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capitolphotographyatl/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/capitolphotographypartners/
- Other: https://vimeo.com/capitolphotography
