Today we’d like to introduce you to Bradford Keith.
Hi Bradford, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I got my start with photography and video as a kid, helping my dad record our family gatherings and skits. Fast forward to 2017, I began an LLC and started to formulate a business. Since then, I started to understand my speciality; short trailers, lifestyle & travel photography.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Smooth is not the best way to describe my path into the photography and video business. Facing unemployment, sleeping on the sofa in my family’s home, and worrying where money will come into play were my big disappointments of the year prior. In 2017, I actually decided to start making clothing. This was the birth of BMG Global and Overtime Apparel. I appreciate those that supported me sincerely because this was a really difficult time for me. It was during a photoshoot that I conducted, I began to understand I had an eye for photography that I had forgotten existed. This being coupled with my family’s support, my dad giving me a camera, and him telling me to take classes at Atlanta School of Photography, really boosted my confidence. It wasn’t until two years later that I started to understand my workflow for my business; in that time, I did tons of free work and underpriced projects. Outside of photography, and through God’s grace, I was able to find full-time employment at a location that paid me more than I’ve ever received previously. Even with this job, I kept my passion alive, taking classes once a week, experimenting with video production, even learning more about my cameras and lenses.
Nothing lasts however, COVID-19 hit and I faced unemployment for the second time during my journey. It was a blow experienced by many, I was not sure what the future looked like, but prayer and a recent trip overseas with my brother and his family inspired me. Not letting the times get me into a funk has allowed perspective change, if God didn’t want me to do this I would be down in a bad way. I severance pay I was staying at home (a rarely discussed cheat code), and I had the ability to do something. I just needed to get my vision clearer. For the rest of 2020 and the beginning of 2021, I decided to get more serious about my goals: print photography, visual storytelling, and landscapes. I got more detailed with planning shoots, following up with leads, and getting a business coach amongst other things. I also started to network and shared my value with others. It’s all a process so I don’t believe it should be smooth but I will say since starting my LLC four years ago, it feels good to recall the journey and reveal to others that business is not always pretty. The highlight tape is all that people see at times. The ups and downs happen but if you’re passionate about what you do and can handle the emotions that come with it, don’t give up.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a travel and lifestyle photographer & videographer. I specialize in short trailers, candid, and landscape photography. I am most proud of my creativity and adaptability; knowing how to adjust is important, especially when the shoot or plan calls for it. What sets me apart from other photographers and videographers is my ability to create cinematic short trailers and promo commercials. This has grown from a hobby to a requested feature when clients book sessions for photographs.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as being able to look back on your time and energy and see it was well spent. Monetary means are good, accolades are fine but the ability to inspire, create and use your gifts effectively is how I define success.
Pricing:
- Social Media Starter Kit starts at $200
- Trailers start at $300
- Gold Package (Photo + Video) starts at $400
Contact Info:
- Email: 1bradfordstudios@gmail.com
- Website: www.bradfordkeith.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/bradfordkeith_
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bradford-keith-photo-snellville
- Other: https://bradfordkeith.simplybook.me/v2/
Image Credits
All photographs are shot by Bradford Keith, owner of BMG Global LLC.
