Meet Raeven King | Photographer

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

Hi Raeven, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I have taken a health amount of risks in my life. As a former overseas basketball player I took a risk leaving my salary job at the time to pursue a career in Switzerland and although, I had a decent season it didn’t lead to a spot on another club.. The experience of doing what I love was invaluable. Which leads me to my present day career. I left New York in 2019 and moved to Atlanta. Outside of my family I didn’t really know anybody here. With no network I began what I like to call my “3rd career” as a Photographer. People would ask me what I do and I would say just that I am Photographer, At that point I hadn’t had any clients or anything. Reward of starting my own business out ways the risk.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Raeven King Photography is my business, but as a Photographer I definitely identify as an Artist/Creative. I have an eye for detail and aesthetics. I’m based in Atlanta but I do booking on the East Coast (New York, New Jersey, DC, Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Florida). Traveling helps me stay inspired and keeps the creative juices flowing. I love to do Portraiture, Fashion, Weddings/Elopements, Real Estate, and Automotive photography. Connecting the dots has helped me tremendously in business. I’ve had a chance to work in multiple industries and the information crossover has been valuable, always giving me a base knowledge. I don’t really categorize myself as an Entrepreneur. I think of myself as a more of a Solopreneur, which isn’t easy. I love the process of being a Photographer which helps me overcome challenges. When you are in love with the process the unglamorous parts of being a Photographer (long hours, income instability, the way more time spent not shooting) is easier. I want the world to know there are lesson in losing, good valuable lesson. I learn those lessons and come back even stronger. My brand and my story is one of resilience.

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?
Again I don’t know too many spots in because I am new and the pandemic kept me in the house. These are some of the places I do know. Art gives me life, so I frequent the High Museum of Art I’m a huge fan of Gordon Parks and Cindy Sherman, so being able to go there and see there photography on the walIs is inspiring. The Ponce Market is on the list. You can’t go wrong in there with the good food, drinks, and shopping. There are some underrated shops in there. I can’t tell you specifically cause I don’t want to give away my secrets so you gotta go check it for yourself. That then leads me to the Beltline. After eating and drinking I do like to walk around, so if shopping isn’t your thing the Betline is a good place to see the cityscapes. You know the South loves them a good brunch. Two brunch places I would recommend are: Breakfast At Barney’s and Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are two women in my life who deserve credit for the current iteration of me. My best friend Tennelle Simpson and my Mother Helen Hollingsworth. Tennelle has been encouraging me to become an artist since about 2016 when I curated an art exhibit in Philadelphia called Farewell Mamba. She believes in my talent and my business ideas, Tennelle is always encouraging me, but she also keeps it real by telling me the hard truths when I need it. Everyone needs a friend like her. The second person is my Mother, Hellen Hollingsworth. My Mother has forever been supportive. She inspires me to be a good person. I’ve always worked hard to make her proud and hopefully it will pay off even more, so I can give back to her. Without them I wouldn’t be here right now and I am grateful.

Website: raevenking.com

Instagram: @1000wordsnolie

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/raeven-king-2b86791

Twitter: https://twitter.com/1000wordsnolie

Other: My direct booking link – https://app.squarespacescheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=24175566