Meet Kasi McKoy | Photographer & Videographer

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

Hi Kasi, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
During the time I started my first business, I was around fourteen. I felt like getting a headstart on income was the best response to living in poverty.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a photographer and videographer with 12+ years of diverse experience in the media industry. I started my media journey at about fourteen years old.

It’s my goal to embody the essence of fun, innovation, professionalism, and determination throughout all of my work. Most of my work is based on creating memories for people. Since my time in the industry, I have personally connected with well over 1,500 clients. I believe that God, my smile, and my authenticity have helped me to have such a sustainable journey. A good spirit and smile are the beginning of a good relationship. As a cameraman, I feel like a smile is especially important to possess and display to others.

A busy schedule keeps me always on the go, consisting of documenting weddings and large events and producing content for companies and lifestyle enthusiasts. I enjoy experimenting with new cameras, gear, and shooting techniques. Technology has always come naturally to me. I love to share tips and tricks on how to get the most out of business, media, and relationships. I share frequently on social media platforms. I also credit that to my success- it’s important to share your journey along the way. After all, people want to see how you got there. Doing so has afforded me a community of supporters, clients, and audience members to engage with my life.

There have many challenges along my journey – some of which I have caused upon myself. I think the biggest challenge has been the lack of funding. I’ve funded almost everything I’ve done. I’ve also been pretty creative with interactive fundraisers. Although funding has been a challenge, I never let it hinder me. I started out young and didn’t come from a financially stable upbringing, therefore I did not have savings or lumpsum to utilize for the development of my vision. Because of that, I worked four jobs, while in college to bring my vision for my photography and video business to life. I treated my business like life itself, there was no Plan B for me. I was so laser-focused on business at one point that I dropped out of college because I felt like it was interfering with my business. I never saw myself returning to college as I did, however, my wife pushed me to go back – because it’s important to finish what you start. I later returned. I am a 2019 graduate of Kean University that holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Media Communication – with a focus on business.

I want to also note that I may have had too many ideas for my budget and mental capacity (haha.) Throughout my journey, I’ve purchased several aged-step vans for the purpose of business. I even purchased a party bus and started a business for it. All of those vehicles, except for one that remains with me, were a burden and liability. My wife and I then earned our real estate licenses; this was all while I was running a booked and busy brick-and-mortar media company and event venue. There is a such thing as doing too much at once. Learn from me, don’t cause yourself to burn out.

Thankfully, I’ve redeemed myself and I am back to the basics. We’re off to a fresh start in Atlanta, Georgia focused solely on photography, video, and real estate. When your load is lighter, you create freely.

I want the world to know that a relationship with God is important. I want the world to know that relationships matter and their input affects the quality of the relationship. I want the world to know that Kasi McKoy is ready to create memories with them.

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?
As an Atlanta photographer and videographer, I’ve found some pretty cool spots in the city. When my friends visit the town, I’m quick to take them to Colony Square, The Interlock, Atlantic Station, and Ponce City Market. I absolutely love these places. They’re all unique in their own way. I personally love the ambiance of all of the aforementioned places. I’m big on safety and these places check the box on it. Great drinks, music, and city views are all important to a great outing.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are several extraordinary participants in my life that deserve recognition for my growth, specifically as an entrepreneur. However, for the purpose of this publication, I’ll narrow it down to four.

I’d like to first give credit to God. Without God, there’d simply be no me. God has been with me every step of my journey as an entrepreneur – and far before. God gave me the vision for my life as a child. I listened and strategically wrote the vision, as it was spoken to me. As I look back, almost all of those visionary notes have come past. God has created an unmatched zeal and faith inside of me that has carried me thus far. In most cases, I can’t fathom how I would bring things to life – then, God shows up and exceeds my thoughts and expectations.

Next my wife, RAYN. My wife started off as my client. As a music artist, she was in need of a photographer and videographer to add a visual aspect to her audio projects. After a few transactions for her first music videos, we gained an interest in each other – beyond the lens. Since our interest in each other sparked, my wife has become an ongoing assistant in all of my business endeavors. At the time we met, I was still growing the business; needing tons of assistance. She filled in the gaps of so many grey areas – from picking up a camera to assist me in photoshoots and weddings with me, answering phone calls, creating leads, posting on social media, painting, reconstructing my photo studio with me, etc. all while assisting in the wellness of my health, building family relationships, and so much more. I am truly thankful for her.

I am thankful to my parents, both my mother and father individually and cohesively; for reasons that exceed the gift of life. Most of who I am comes from their nature and habits. My mother is such a generous person and has always been intentional about being cheerful and giving to others – that’s mainly where my passion for God, big heart, and joyous spirit come from. I thank my mother for her passion to bring me into the world. I thank her for her many personal sacrifices throughout my development. My father has always been a go-getter. I’ve always seen him drive the finest cars and have the nicest homes. Most people that know him, say that my strong drive and desire for nice things come from him.

I have to mention my grandparents – each and every one of them. Throughout my lifetime, I’ve been blessed to know a total of six grandparents. To this day, I’ve only lost two of them. Although they are no longer here I still see their works coming to the past in connection with my life.

My Nanny, Shirley Temple McKoy has been an anchor for me from childhood. She’s rescued me from tons of whippings. She was my first best friend. To date, she’s blessed me with an abundance of love, laughter, joy, and authenticity. She’s also blessed me with two beautiful Mercedes-Benz sedans, countless financial support, and the engagement ring I used to propose to my beloved wife, amongst a host of other items and acts of love that simply can’t fit into a list. Her outpour of love and encouragement has led to much of my success. In the simplest summary, she’s helped to make my journey easy.

My paternal grandparents have shown me love and stability, which is important in the growth of any businessman or woman. With over fifty years of marriage under their belts, they’ve shown me to be committed to my marriage and aim for longevity. Stability continues to be displayed to me with the ownership of their multifamily home – which has been under their ownership for nearly as long as their marriage. I count it as a privilege that my first apartment lease was in their home.

It’s my honor to shout out the aforementioned characters in my story, as they’ve helped to make my journey so unique.

Website: www.kasimckoystudios.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/kasimckoystudios

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kasimckoy/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/mckoystudios

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kasimckoystudios

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCihPLXQ4tZih8QNZCe6MAAA

Image Credits
Kasi McKoy Studios