Meet Kenneth James

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

Hi Kenneth, what is the most important factor behind your success?
God. Authenticity. Taste.

I believe a lot of my journey has been destined, one I’m not in control of. I was an aspiring dancer before I picked up a camera, I had no clue this would be my calling until I had an unforeseen spine injury that changed my trajectory. At the time, I felt like that circumstance was stopping me in my tracks, but in hindsight it was God’s way of pushing me forward to something much more fruitful and abundant. I think truly understanding that my gift is not my own, has pushed my art into directions I myself couldn’t have imagined on my own. My thoughts and ideas come so randomly that it can almost be more enticing to turn away from. However, knowing the source of it all- God, will make me want to explore it and land on something I know he has made perfect. I believe this thought contributes to my authenticity.

It’s all a gift. When you are truly moving through your gift, your purpose, it won’t look like anybody else’s. A lot of the content I produce, especially the art I make are physical manifestations of exploration. Exploring ideas that are abstract, or far-fetched makes my job worth while. If I didn’t chase these ideas my work wouldn’t be special, it would be another photo you scroll past. A lot of people’s authentic journeys are copy and pasted due to the access and visibility social media brings. I believe these things simply don’t work, and if they do, the longevity of it is questionable. It is so important in this short life that we have, to do the things that are custom made for us. There are billions of people in this world and one of me, that to me is special and something I think we all should explore.

I remember I had a professor in college tell me that taste is something you have or you don’t, and it’s one of the most important things that separates you in the creative industry. Knowing what works and what doesn’t definitely guides my sometimes outlandish ways of editing. Taste is essential.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think most people that have witnessed my work, and or have worked with me can say I am not like other photographers. My work in general is quite versatile. I’ve done work for events, brand campaigns, to creative concepts, to work that you’d expect to see in a museum. Overall my work a lot of times has a fine art quality to it that separates me from other photographers. Something I also think that separates myself from other photographers is me, who I am. I’m intentional about leading with love in every interaction I have as a photographer. As a photographer, we are a lot of times framing people’s insecurities and traumas, trying are best to show the beauty despite those things. Creating a space where people can be their full selves, without having to dim it is something I think is imperative to people working with me again.

Getting to the level I am at today was not easy at all, and I still have a long ways to go. It was very slow for me at first, which as a business owner can be very discouraging. It makes you want to give up. This is why I say it’s so important to move in your purpose and gift, because if it wasn’t my purpose I wouldn’t be answering these questions right now. I wouldn’t have any foundation grounding me through storms.

A big lesson I have learned through my trials and tribulations as a photographer is that you must be a good person before you are anything else. People want to work with people, good people. Exuding love, being kind, giving patience and grace all matter to the people I work with, it’s part of what brings them back. Another lesson that I am currently having a big battle with, is the reality that I am the machine that runs the operation. I have to physically and emotionally take care of myself, or my ship sinks. It’s so easy to overwork yourself as an entrepreneur, SO EASY! It is ten times harder to slow yourself down. Finding a healthy work life balance is a mountain I am struggling to climb.

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.
I live right outside of Philly in a diverse town called Upper Darby. I love the city of Philadelphia. It is a city that has a lot of character, and even more things to do. One of my favorite things to do in the city is ride bikes on Kelly Drive. You’ll see families going for walks, friends enjoying each other’s company at a picnic, and people going for a run. To eat and drink I’d take you to one of the hot spots in the city Mei Mei. The vibe is always right there with their live DJ, beautiful aesthetic, and a delicious asian cuisine guaranteed to have you come back. After that I would take you to my favorite bar in the city Saint Lazarus. You’ll definitely leave sweating from all the dancing you did.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have always been blessed to experience a lot of love in general in my life from my family, friends, and colleagues. My mom and dad have always been my ride or dies throughout my whole life from attending my musicals, school concerts, and now on my journey being self employed as a photographer. Their roles play out differently as their personalities are divergent. My mom is very protective of her youngest cub, making her fill a ” momager” role- super vocal about about my business operations and its affect on my mental health. My dad is very easy-going and punctual in different ways. He’ll hand me leads, next-steps, and is my overall source of peace and calm in times of stress.

There are way too many friends to recognize that have played a huge role in the success of my journey. It just so happens that a lot of them are creatives themselves, allowing them to advise and support me in anyway they can. I will love them forever.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kkennethjames/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kkennethjames 

Image Credits
Monet Allen Kemp Ejiro Eogagan Kyng Musik Bri Tionna Sanai Achè