Today we’d like to introduce you to Khay Renee.
Hi Khay, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I picked up a camera for the first time in 2016 during my time as a college student at Fisk University. What started as simple curiosity quickly became a creative outlet and a way for me to connect with people and tell stories. Over the next few years, I spent a lot of time learning through practice—photographing friends, family, and everyday moments that helped me develop my eye and grow my love for being a photographer.
In 2020, I officially launched KR Shot It and began treating photography as more than just a hobby. Since then, my work has evolved into a blend of editorial and lifestyle portraiture centered around love, life, connection, and the beauty of everyday experiences. As a Nashville native, I’m deeply inspired by community, culture, and the stories that often go unnoticed.
Today, my work is rooted in capturing the essence, beauty, and humanity of Black people in ways that feel honest and intentional. I’m drawn to the quiet moments, the joy, the confidence, the vulnerability, and the everyday experiences that make us who we are. Whether I’m photographing an individual, a couple, or a family, my goal is to create images that go beyond appearances and reflect the depth, dignity, and uniqueness of the people in front of my lens.
Photography has taken me places I never imagined—including exhibiting work in New York—but at its core, my mission remains the same as when I first picked up a camera: to tell honest stories, celebrate people, and encourage others to keep shooting, both creatively and in life.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all. Like many creatives, I’ve experienced periods of self-doubt, comparison, and uncertainty about whether I was on the right path. Building a photography business while working a full-time career has required a lot of sacrifice, patience, and discipline. There were times when I questioned my purpose and whether my work was reaching the people it was meant to reach.
One of the biggest challenges has been learning to trust my own voice as an artist. Early on, it was easy to get caught up in trends or compare my journey to photographers who were further along in their careers. Over time, I realized that the most meaningful work happens when I create from a place of authenticity rather than trying to replicate what someone else is doing.
I’ve also had to learn that growth isn’t always measured by bookings or social media engagement. Some of the most rewarding moments in my career have come from personal projects and community-centered storytelling that reminded me why I picked up a camera in the first place.
Every challenge has taught me something valuable, and each obstacle has helped shape not only the photographer I am today, but the person I am becoming. The road hasn’t always been smooth, but it’s been worth every step. I live by the motto, “Keep Shooting,” and I hope I inspire others to do the same.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Nashville-based portrait photographer and visual storyteller dedicated to documenting the beauty, joy, and everyday experiences of Black life.
My work focuses on capturing authentic moments and creating images that feel both intentional and timeless. While I photograph a variety of subjects, I am particularly passionate about documenting the beauty, joy, love, and lived experiences of Black people and communities.
Much of my work lives at the intersection of storytelling and portraiture. Whether I’m photographing an individual, a couple, a family, or creating a personal documentary project, my goal is always the same: to create images that feel honest and allow people to see themselves reflected with dignity, confidence, and care.
What I’m most proud of is my ability to build genuine connections with the people I photograph. Technical skill is important, but the images I’m most drawn to are the ones where people feel seen. Some of my proudest moments have come from creating work that celebrates Black identity and community, including projects that have opened doors to exhibit my photography beyond Nashville.
What sets me apart is my approach to storytelling. I don’t just focus on creating beautiful photographs—I focus on creating meaningful ones. I want people to walk away from a session feeling valued, comfortable, and represented. My background in community engagement has also shaped the way I work; I understand the importance of relationships, listening, and creating space for people to show up as themselves. I believe the strongest images happen when trust exists between the photographer and the subject, and that’s something I strive to build every time I pick up my camera.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I can’t say that I could narrow down to one specific childhood memory, but some of my most nostalgic memories are during my time growing up in Bordeaux. My elementary school, Kings Lane Elementary, was right up the street from my grandmother’s house which I always thought was pretty cool. Going to elementary school in the neighborhood as special as Bordeaux was truly like no other. All of my teachers knew my parents and grandparents. My family was always engaged with everything happening at my school. I can remember events like Donuts with Dad, Muffins with Mom, and even celebrating Grandparents Day at school. In retrospect, I will always be grateful for how involved my family was with my education. My dad, who is a Marine veteran, would visit my class and lead my class in fun, military-style activities like marching down the hallway. He would use his “Marine voice” and my classmates would be eager to participate. My late grandfather would pick me up from school sometimes and take me to the local Kwik Sak to pick out my favorite candy before going home. Bordeaux is a special place. The guy who made the hot food, like chicken wings and potato wedges, would give kids free six-piece wings if you made the Honor Roll each quarter. My grandfather, in true grandparent fashion, would take me by the gas station before taking me to school to enjoy my chicken wings for breakfast. I could go on, but the memories growing up in Bordeaux are unforgettable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://krshotit.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krshotit/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@krshotit?si=Gj7rRxT8Xd7Z10tN
