An Inspired Chat with Kevin Jay of Kentucky

We recently had the chance to connect with Kevin Jay and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kevin, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
A recent moment that made me truly proud was being crowned Photographer of the Year back in May of 2025! I’ve been dedicated to photography for almost five years, but this is the first time I’ve received an award for my work. Being recognized and celebrated for the passion and effort I’ve poured into my craft was unforgettable. It reminded me that every challenge I’ve faced and every obstacle I’ve overcome has been worth it. I believe God was preparing me all these years for this moment, and it feels amazing to finally step into it as Photographer of the Year!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kevin, also known as Kevin Jay, the face behind Kevin Jay Photography. I am a portrait, celebrity, and lifestyle photographer with a brand dedicated to illuminating people of color in a luxurious, elevated way. While I work with clients of all backgrounds, my mission is to always showcase them in a polished, poised, and powerful light. I believe our beauty, our creativity, and our special moments deserve to be captured and celebrated.

What sets me apart is my authenticity. I don’t create to compete or to take someone else’s spot. I’ve carved my own lane, and I thrive in it. My work comes from a place of genuine artistry and passion. I was born a creative, and every fiber of my being reflects that. Staying true to myself is non-negotiable, and my work is proof of that authenticity. Most importantly, I keep God at the center of everything I do. He is the reason I’m here today.

As I shared in my last Voyage ATL feature, my journey has been one of resilience and triumph. Being the underdog for most of my life has been my superpower. I’ve faced betrayal from those I thought supported me, endured lies and false accusations meant to damage my reputation, and watched people try to discredit my work while imitating the very blueprint I created. At times, it’s frustrating, but I’ve learned that when you’re the blueprint, influence comes with people copying or drawing from your vision. Forgiveness and focus have carried me through, and I know that every obstacle has only sharpened me for greater success.

Right now, my focus is simple: to keep creating and expanding my reach. I want to connect with more industry professionals: makeup artists, hairstylists, models, nail and lash techs, aestheticians, business owners, CEOs, celebrities, and beyond. My goal is to be in the rooms I know I’m destined for, and I am committed to getting there.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The parts of myself that have served their purpose and must now be released are people-pleasing and feeling unworthy.

For years, I thought saying yes to everything would make people like me. I feared being excluded, overlooked, or forgotten. But I learned that no matter how kind or quiet you are, some people will still dislike you. Constantly trying to please others only drains you. The greatest lesson I’ve learned is the power of saying no and putting myself first.

I’ve also had to release feelings of unworthiness. I worked hard to heal from trauma, lies, and betrayals that once made me question my value. But I’ve realized my worth doesn’t come from other people… it comes from God. If I’m still breathing, I’m still worthy, and I’m here for a reason.

Stepping into that truth hasn’t been easy, but it’s been freeing. I no longer shrink myself to be accepted. I stand in my authenticity, knowing that if people try to silence me, it’s only because my voice carries power.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me lessons that success never could. It showed me that everything we go through, the good and the bad, is necessary to get us to the next level. Without challenges, obstacles, heartbreaks, betrayals, and loss, we would never truly know what we’re capable of. We’d never know the strength it takes to persevere or the joy that comes from reaching the other side of hardship.

Life isn’t all smiles and peace; there are seasons of turmoil when it feels like it’s only raining. However, the storms are necessary. At the end of every storm, there’s a rainbow. If everything came easily, we wouldn’t value it. True success feels worth having because of what we had to endure to reach it.

Suffering has taught me that I am capable of overcoming anything. My life is already ordained by God, and my path is laid out before me. Obstacles don’t mean the journey is over; sometimes, they’re just detours leading me exactly where I’m meant to be.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what really matters to me is authenticity. Being yourself, being honest, and moving with good intentions are values I hold close. I believe in showing up as who you truly are, unapologetically, regardless of who accepts it or doesn’t.

They would also say that equality and fairness matter deeply to me. As a Black gay man and an advocate for gay rights, I believe everyone deserves to be respected for who they are. No one should feel the need to shrink or hide themselves to be accepted.

Lastly, my friends know I value using my voice. I’m not afraid to speak up about what’s wrong, to call out injustice, or to say the hard things others may avoid. Some people may find that uncomfortable, but I’ve learned that authenticity often makes people uncomfortable, and I’m okay with that. My friends appreciate that I stay true to myself no matter what, and that I don’t compromise my values for anyone.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing? 
I would regret not fully becoming who God called me to be. I’d regret not walking in my purpose and at least trying to live out the calling on my life; to create, to inspire, and to show the world that there are still genuine people who carry God’s light.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinjayphotography/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/kevinjayphotography/

Image Credits
@kevinjayphotography for the 4-8 photos of my work
@quincedaprince took the photo of me