Meet Sam Kenney | Photographer and Student

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sam Kenney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sam, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
starting my photography business was something that just evolved not by a single plan but a developing process. I started my business less than a year ago at only 16 years old, now 17 I’ve learned so many skills in marketing, managing, customer service and problem solving in the independence it required to launch my own business. Growing up with a father who built his own company from the ground up I’ve always known I’ve wanted to create something of my own with both the freedom to create, and the personal risk for each and every decision. From a young age I knew that I would want to pursue the entrepreneurial and business path in college. To be completely honest, I was messing with some Lightroom presets when I was only 15 and decided to get a camera, after a couple years of getting a little bit better and growing in skill I decided to upgrade to even better equipment. Photography became my outlet, travel photography being one of my favorites. In this past year I began to experiment with portrait photography and discovered a great passion. I loved being able to control the subjects, to capture beautiful moments, and most of all seeing their happy faces after receiving the edited prints. After gaining some practice , taking family portraits for my brother hearing that their own photographer had charged them over 500 for a session, I knew that if I gained enough skill I could pursue my passion as a stream of income, without prying my clients of insane amounts of money. As a high school student taking college summer courses I didn’t have the time for a job, but I knew if I invested the extra hours into free practice shoots for advertisement, the work to design a logo, to make the flyers, that it would pay off. And today, being still so young, I think it did, I’m happy with what I’ve been able to accomplish on my own, and my hope is that it will only grow from here. It’s been hard at times, time consuming to be making advertising posts in my free periods, waking up early for morning shoots on my Saturdays, staying up till 3 to edit sports film videos, or the client booking around my busy school and sports schedules but at the end of the day it has worked for me because it’s something that I love to do and have a drive to see grow. It’s far from perfect and I’m still learning how to navigate the challenges and mechanics but it’s something I’m proud to call my own. I have high goals for the future, with this business only being the start of many to come with effort and dedication.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What would set me apart from others is that I am only 17, my “career”would be my full time responsibilities as a student athlete high school student. It’s been difficult to multi task my school responsibilities with my photography schedule while working on the branding and advertising aspect of launching the brand. While it is difficult at times it’s something that I have a drive to do because I truly enjoy it. I’ve learned that age does not define your ability to build and create, while it may propose challenges, If it’s something you really desire to build you can. Being able to build a photography brand, one of the most enjoyable parts is giving my clients something special. In many ways its rewarding being able to give family or maternity photos back to the subjects. Being so young there are still so many things I’m figuring out how to do but I take some pride in knowing what I’ve been able to accomplish on my own.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were to come to my hometown Santa Barbara I would definitely take them to my favorite sunset locations. My most favorite Santa Barbara location would have to be lizards mouth, the perfect place to watch sunset. I am a sucker for a basic Starbucks latte, and I would definitely have to get lunch with them at the natural cafe. We would also have to hike the Montecito hot springs. Getting brunch at Jeanines would also be a must.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My dad would definitely deserve some credit, inspiring me to create something of my own. Building his business ground up, He showed me what it meant to truly work hard for what you want. Watching him be authentically excited everyday to create something new was something I always looked up to and wanted to be . He instilled in me the idea that neither your circumstance nor situation determines your outcome rather, by your own determination and a passion to accomplish your goals You will find true success.

Website: https://vsco.co/samkenney-photography

Instagram: @sam_kenney.photography

Other: Email: Samkenney.photography@gmail.com