Meet Kero Tse | Photographer & Director

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

Hi Kero, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

When I was a college student, I had the opportunity to work on a few graphic design freelance projects, which sparked a new passion for me. Before transitioning into photography, I also took on some art director roles for commercial projects, where I enjoyed being involved in the entire creative process. As a result, I decided to expand my skill set and learn some photography techniques.

In my third year, I embarked on a journey to Taiwan to enhance my skills in lighting and portrait photography. After graduating, I continued to pursue freelance opportunities and eventually crossed paths with a business partner from Hong Kong. Together, we created a studio named “6.7 Studio” in Hong Kong, specializing in commercial portraits and videos for makeup, beauty brands, music videos, events, and more.

Around two years ago, I felt the urge to expand our business globally, reaching beyond Asia.
This led me to New York where I met a new business partner then we strat a new company called “MakingLab NYC.” The name means ” Making everything happen.”

Now, with my combined expertise in photography and videography, I am ready to take on diverse projects and establish a thriving global presence. I am excited about the endless possibilities and look forward to creating exceptional content and experiences for clients worldwide.

What should our readers know about your business?
When I was young, I embarked on my journey as a freelancer, and it was challenging to maintain stability in my life due to the unpredictable income and a limited number of clients. I relied on jobs recommended by my friends, which often meant waiting for opportunities to come my way. This led to a few years of lower income, and I realized that I needed to make changes.

In an effort to improve my situation, I decided to focus on expanding my interpersonal relationships. I actively worked on becoming a more talkative and outgoing person, ensuring that I radiated positive energy during my work. I understood the importance of networking and engaging with others in my field.

By being more approachable and open to new connections, I gradually started to see positive changes in my freelance career. New opportunities arose, and I began to attract more clients through word-of-mouth and networking. The effort I put into enhancing my communication skills and maintaining a positive attitude ultimately paid off, allowing me to overcome the initial struggles of freelance life and carve a more stable and fulfilling path for myself.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I highly recommend Brooklyn Williamsburg as a fantastic place to explore. This vibrant neighborhood offers a plethora of music shows, events, and cafes, making it a haven for music enthusiasts and coffee lovers alike. The lively atmosphere fosters an excellent opportunity to meet new friends who share similar interests and passions.

One of the highlights of Williamsburg is the variety of music shows and events taking place regularly. Whether you enjoy live bands, DJ performances, or open mic nights, you’ll find something to suit your taste. The local music scene is diverse and ever-evolving, guaranteeing a memorable experience every time you attend a show.

Additionally, Williamsburg is known for its cozy and trendy cafes. You can spend leisurely afternoons sipping on delicious coffee while immersing yourself in the artistic and bohemian ambiance of the area. These cafes often serve as great spots to meet like-minded individuals and strike up fascinating conversations.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The motto “You Only Live Once” has always been a driving force in my life. Though I have always loved traveling, I never considered the possibility of migrating to another country. However, one day, I came across this empowering perspective, and it changed everything. I shared my newfound desire with my mom, expressing my wish to go to the US and explore opportunities there, reminding her that life is short and we should make the most of it. Despite their worries, my parents supported my decision wholeheartedly.

In June 2021, I took the bold step and left Hong Kong to pursue my dreams. I applied for a US visa, bought a ticket, packed my equipment, and with one luggage and one backpack, I headed to New York within 2 weeks only. This was a solo journey, as I didn’t have any family members or friends in the city. The initial months were challenging, and I found myself feeling down and lonely.

Yet, I constantly reminded myself of my YOLO mentality and decided to step out of my comfort zone. I pushed myself to engage with different people and attended various gatherings. Slowly but steadily, I started to embrace the city’s diversity and energy. Gradually, I discovered the joy of connecting with new people and experiencing the richness of New York’s culture.

Now, I can confidently say that I am truly enjoying my life. This YOLO mindset has opened up incredible opportunities and experiences that I would have never encountered otherwise.

Website: https://www.mklnyc.com/

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

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

Image Credits
@chrisight_23 @jksjerry