Today we’d like to introduce you to Kinzy Irving.
Hi Kinzy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Photography has always been a favorite hobby of mine, dating back to my high school days. I would use the self timer button on my cameras and take self portraits, and I eventually started taking pictures of my friends as well. I stopped for a while when I went to college at UTM to get a degree in Veterinary Technology/Animal Science, which was a bigger passion of mine at the time. I decided on a whim to join the art club there, and then got accepted into a photography internship with a local wedding company. That brought back my love of photography, and after graduating, I would take pictures on the weekends while working as a vet tech during the week. I started my own photography business, Potts’ Pixels, in 2021. Earlier this year, I decided to quit the vet tech life for good and pursue photography full time. This was in part due to the emotional toll that being an animal nurse was taking on me, but it also allowed me more flexibility in being able to stay at home with my children.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The hardest struggle has been making a name for myself. There are so many photographers nowadays that you really have to stand out to get clients. Word of mouth is the biggest thing that keeps me going!
I also think that like with many things, photography is ever evolving. The style of photos that people like now are so much different than 5-10 years ago. You have to try and keep up with the trends, but also stay true to your own style. I just try to keep to a clean, classic style that will still look good 20 years from now.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I was an animal nurse for 8 years, and I wanted to take my love of animals and still make it a part of my professional life, but without the emotional toll. I worked in both the ER and Oncology side – so I saw a lot of acute and terminal illnesses. When I left the field earlier this year, I wanted to focus on turning my photography business into a “pet and people” specialty so I could continue to work with animals in some capacity. Photos are the only things that last forever, and I believe that having precious pictures of/with your pets helps with the grief once they pass.
Aside from specializing in pet photos, I also take pictures of almost everything else (besides newborns). I still have a love for weddings and would say that is my second most booked type of session. I also do just people portraiture, such as maternity, couples, engagements, graduation, etc. I have been dabbling in event photography and creating social media content for businesses like restaurants, vet clinics, and construction companies. Having a wide variety of work helps keep my creative side on its toes! I think this helps set me apart from other photographers because I can photograph a large part of someone’s life, like a jack of all trades.
What makes you happy?
The best feeling as a photographer is having a client love their photos just as much as you do. Its the immediate text that says “OMG I LOVE THEM”, posting on social media (and getting tagged!!), and seeing your photos printed and framed on someone’s wall. If the pictures make you happy, then I’m happy. I love being able to capture a moment in time for someone that means so much.
Pricing:
- $200 for all basic sessions
- $1000 for an 8 hour wedding day
- $1500 for a 12 hour wedding day
- $300+ for business content and event coverage
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pottspixels.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pottspixels/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Potts-Pixels-100076203173754/
