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

Hi Mukaila, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
You know, photography was just my thing for ages, ever since high school. I was always snapping photos for fun. It wasn’t until someone casually asked me why I wasn’t charging that I even considered it as a business – kind of a “duh!” moment. What’s funny is that even back in college at Loyola Marymount, my thesis was all about figuring out if a photography business could even work and where to focus to make it worthwhile. So, what started as a hobby actually had some serious planning behind it, even if I didn’t realize it at the time!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My photography business is really centered around capturing the lives and milestones of everyday people. While some photographers might focus on niche markets or high-end clients, I’ve deliberately built my business to serve the average person, the average family, and a wide spectrum of events – from birthdays and graduations to cultural celebrations and family gatherings.

What truly sets me apart, I believe, is the genuine relationships I cultivate with my clients. It’s not just about taking pictures; it’s about becoming a trusted part of their story. I’m incredibly proud of the deep connections I’ve formed, like the cultural communities who exclusively rely on me for all their events, or the families I’ve had the privilege of photographing from before their first child was born all the way to their little one’s seventh birthday. Those long-term relationships are incredibly rewarding and speak to the trust I’ve earned.

Getting to where I am today business-wise definitely wasn’t a walk in the park. Building a sustainable photography business takes time, effort, and a lot of dedication. One of the biggest hurdles was establishing myself in a competitive market. To overcome this, I made a conscious decision to prioritize providing the best possible pricing and value in the city. My willingness to work with individuals and families, understanding their needs and budgets to ensure they get the most out of my services, has been absolutely crucial. It’s about making quality photography accessible.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is the power of genuine connection and consistent value. When people feel seen, understood, and like they’re getting exceptional service for their investment, they become loyal clients and enthusiastic advocates. It’s not just about the photos themselves, but the entire experience.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I’m passionate about capturing authentic moments for everyone. I believe that every life story is worth documenting beautifully, and it shouldn’t break the bank to do so. My brand is built on trust, reliability, and a genuine commitment to providing exceptional value and building lasting relationships with the people I serve. I’m here to be your photographer for all of life’s moments, big and small.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m pretty simple with those kinds of things. I definitely will take them to some of the famous and my favorite eateries. Johnnie’s Patrami in Culver City, Any Rosco’s Chicken and waffle location, and El Tio in Inglewood would be a great start.
Hanging out along the beach cities would be great as well. People watching and riding bikes are my usual go-to.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I want to give immense credit to my parents, who are Nigerian immigrants. Their incredible work ethic and unwavering hustle mentality have profoundly influenced me. Growing up witnessing their dedication instilled in me the understanding that if I have the ability and opportunity, there’s simply no reason not to strive for success in my endeavors. That foundational belief has been a driving force in everything I’ve pursued.

Instagram: mykphotos

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