Meet Kyle Andrew

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kyle Andrew a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kyle , first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
To be honest, I consider concurring imposter syndrome as a recent victory. I had to work hard to alter my mindset, stop second guessing myself, and know that this is one of my innate gifts.

Creating is something that I have loved to do since I was a toddler, my parents nurtured the creative fire in me throughout grade school and it followed me into my adult life. I initially became interested in cameras and photography when I was about 13 years old. My parents got me an electric blue digital camera that I took everywhere.

The older I got the more I started to feel like my work wasn’t great compared to my creative peers. I continued to hone in on my skills but I would always feel like there was someone doing it better. I started getting a lot of gigs and clientele in college. I was grateful but also overwhelmed, and uncertain that I could satisfy the people who were repeatedly trusting me with their image, and capturing notable moments. I would also lowball my services, because I’d foolishly convinced myself that regardless of the sacrifices made and long hours of editing, my work wasn’t worthy. Crazy right!

I read Atomic Habits by James Clear, which I love and highly recommend. One of the main ideas from the book that was imparted to me was the benefit of carrying yourself like the person you want to become. A successful photographer doesn’t doubt their work, or lowball themselves because they don’t feel experienced enough. I started to walking in my God given talent.

Most importantly, I had to learn to be patient with myself and recognize that imposter syndrome doesn’t disappear overnight. It’s a process, and with time and practice, its impact is reduced on your creative life.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m an Atlanta-based portrait photographer with a passion for capturing the beauty and uniqueness of individuals.

My primary focus is to capture the essence and unique beauty of every individual I photograph. I aim to create stunning and emotive portraits that not only freeze moments in time but also tell stories through imagery. I like to think that my work is a celebration of the diverse and captivating stories that each person carries with them.

I believe that every person is a work of art, and my goal is to uncover and present that artistry through my photography. Whether it’s a smile, a glance, or a gesture, I aim to capture the essence of each individual, revealing their unique personality and the emotions that define them.

I am thrilled to introduce my multimedia brand, Keen Aesthetics Multimedia. As I prepare to launch the website, I’m excited to announce that I’ll be offering a range of portrait photography services to cater to the diverse needs of my clients. Whether you’re looking for personal portraits, professional headshots, family photos, or artistic collaborations, Keen Aesthetics Multimedia is here to help bring your vision to life.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I’d say people skills, networking and the ability to adapt.

Practicing effective people skills has helped me to develop strong interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with my clients on a personal level. It allows me to understand the emotions, stories, and vulnerabilities of the people I photograph. Which helps create a comfortable and trusting atmosphere during photo sessions, which leads to more authentic and expressive portraits.

I am truly an introvert at heart, but I understand the importance of networking and community engagement when it comes to growing professinally. Building a strong network within the local community and the photography and film industry has been instrumental. Atlanta has a vibrant creative community, some of my closest friends are creatives as well.

Actively engaging with fellow photographers, artists, and potential clients has opened doors to a lot of opportunities for me. Networking has also provided a platform for collaboration and learning. It has allowed me to stay updated with industry trends and have meaningful friendships.

Lastly the ability to adapt to different shooting environments and lighting conditions is crucial, especially in a diverse city like Atlanta with its varied landscapes and urban settings. Having a deep understanding of my equipment and technical expertise in handling various lighting situations, whether natural light or artificial, has been indispensable. It ensures that I can consistently deliver high-quality portraits regardless of the challenges posed by different locations or weather conditions.

I think that these skills have not only helped me navigate the complexities of portrait photography in a diverse and dynamic city like Atlanta but have also allowed me to create meaningful connections with my clients.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, one of my go-to strategies is to exercise. Whether it’s going for a walk around the neighborhood, going the gym for cardio and weightlifting, or jumping rope, physical activity is my way of escaping and regaining focus.

I’m currently in the middle of a fitness challenge called 75 Hard that requires me to complete two 45 minute workouts a day, drink one gallon of water a day, read 10 pages of a non-fictional book every day, and stick to one diet, for 75 consecutive days!

I’m almost through it! The challenge has taught me that exercise has an incredible ability to clear my mind and boost my mood. It allows me to step away from the source of what’s overwhelming me, even if just for a short time, and concentrate on the physical task at hand. This mental break often leads to fresh perspectives and creative solutions to the challenges that were causing me stress.

Overall, exercise has been a vital tool in maintaining my mental and emotional well-being when life gets too hectic. I’ve been feeling so much better about myself, and a lot much more motivated to do what I enjoy most, create!

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