Today we’d like to introduce you to Esmee Kyles
Hi Esmee, 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?
So in my pre-photography life in the early 2000s, I ran a home-based travel agency for many years (WeeBee Travel – the “Wee” in my business name comes from that travel business name). Around 2012, after so many years of traveling and accumulating tons of amazing photos from all over the world, I mentioned to my husband Rudy that I needed one of those “good cameras”, not just a cell phone or point-and-shoot digital camera. I was ready to elevate the quality of my photos! So in the summer of 2012, my husband bought me my first camera… a Canon T2 Rebel. I was in love! I immediately became a sponge and started soaking up any and every thing there was to know about photography, asking photography friends for advice and tips and learning the in’s and out’s of my camera and this art form. After sharing some travel photos from an Alaskan cruise and some photos of people and places around Memphis on Facebook my friends started asking me to take pictures of them, their kids, and their events…. before long, I was the “volunteer photographer” at all my friends’ gatherings and celebrations; I even assisted one of my friends who was a professional photographer at our friends’ wedding which was technically my “first” wedding but not as a hired photographer. By then I had already decided I was going to pursue this photography journey and start a business, even tho I was still absorbing knowledge about the art form. That’s when Incredibly Wee was born. Oddly enough that same year some friends of mine were planning on getting married and approached me about capturing it. I was so nervous and reluctant… I was a complete NEWBIE! Could I pull it off? My friend Faith who was the bride had trusted me completely but I did not want to disappoint her. So me being the perfectionist I am… began to go hard with learning the craft so I could prepare myself for this first professional gig as a wedding photographer! This was huge for me so I had to get it right! I took online courses, sat in on online seminars and workshops, pulled up YouTube videos, worked with other photographers, and armed myself with every shred of information I could find because I was determined to NOT let my friend down on her big day!!!! So the day came in September 2013, and I arrived that day, with my Canon Rebel, two lenses (a kit 18-55 lens and a “nifty 50” 50mm 1.8), one speedlight flash and many, MANY prayers. A friend of mine, Rayne, who was herself an established photographer and actually visiting from Connecticut as a wedding guest, graciously volunteered as my 2nd shooter and was there to help me navigate through the day. Everything turned out wonderful, my friends were pleased, and the pictures were far better than I had ever hoped. That day cemented my journey as a wedding and portrait photographer and here we are, 12 years later and the journey continues!!! I am simply grateful.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has it been smooth? Absolutely not. What were some of the struggles? Well how much time have you got? PLENTY of them! Self-doubt, comparison (aka the thief of joy), closed doors, money (or lack thereof), physical & mental health, family responsibilities… did I say money? There are struggles all of us are facing, some obvious and some not so obvious. During the pandemic I think we all struggled to stay afloat. I am blessed to say we kept afloat because we learned how to pivot. If I learned anything from the pandemic, it was to pivot. I’ve always been open to change and I embrace it. So I change with the times, I learn industry trends, I remain competitive, and I try to always to remain grounded. The struggles are always going to be there, but that doesn’t mean you don’t stop trying and don’t stop fighting.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Wedding, Lifestyle & Branding Photographer in Memphis, TN. I also offer content creation and photography mentoring. I specialize in capturing the moments, the stories and the journeys of my clients, not just poses and smiles. I would say I’m known for my bold, colorful and passionate photography style. I’m most proud of being a minority, woman-owned business in the South and knowing that my name is mentioned in rooms and spaces that I would never have imagined; that is a blessing and I don’t take that for granted. If you ask my clients what sets me apart, I believe they would say my energy and my photography style. What do I think sets me apart? I’m gonna say my work ethic. Staying true to my word, doing right by clients and colleagues, being completely honest and transparent, keeping deadlines as best as possible, and following through. I wouldn’t have been in business this long without those things being at the forefront. I am also proud of the accolades and testimonies that I have been privileged to receive over the years – whether it was magazine features, reposts and mentions, awards, “best of” listings, or the beautiful reviews. Every single one of those things does not go unnoticed and is so very appreciated.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Can I name a few lessons? Don’t quit on yourself. Stay true to yourself. Quiet the “noise”. Embrace change. It’s never too late.
Pricing:
- Weddings start at $2500
- Portraits start at $375
- Branding & Headshots start at $275 (Monthly content options available)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.incrediblywee.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/incrediblywee
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/incrediblywee
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@incrediblyweephotography8251
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@incrediblywee
