Meet Kendrick King: Photographer

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

Hi Kendrick, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When you are scared to take risk, you are taking away what life is really about! I have been taking risk all of my life but, I would say my biggest risk was coming to college. I had no plan, no money but I knew I had to do something with my life so, I told my mom and aunt that I wanted to try my hand at college so, they did everything in their power to help me and it worked out. With my career, the risk I took was spending my entire refund check on a camera; I had no idea how beneficial it was going to be years later. Yes, I took plenty of losses with those risk as well. When I was in college I had to stay with my cousin John for a little, I had to walk to work, and I didn’t get accepted to college right away. I had to go through an entry program to even get into Valdosta State. With my career their would be so many days I would be so depressed because nothing was working out. With me knowing the risk I was taking with every decision I’ve ever made I knew I couldn’t just quit. I had to go through my journey and in the end the risk that I took changed my life for the better.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The cool thing about my art is that it started when I was just a kid. I use to draw, paint, make kids next door id cards all of the time but, I stopped because I never had anyone to share my art with. Years later who would of thought that all of that creativity would come back in the form of photography. I think what sets me apart from others is my perspective on what photography is. I believe it’s a level above a “vibe” for me it’s just a whole creative flow between me and the people I collaborate with. I focus letting the person be themselves, their ideas and my ideas are used together, the music is on, where dancing, singing, and just having a good time which creates this special “flow”. Doing this allows me personally to special in any style of photography. I really had to put in work to get to where I’m at today and no, it’s not easy and it gets harder the more you grow. There’s many time I wanted to quit but, I kept going and the people I have around me never let me hang my head low for long, having a strong circle held me together. The lesson I really learned was to treat this art with respect and love and you will get it back. I want the world to know that I put not my all but my whole soul into everything that I do and that I am somebody who made it through all obstacles that stood in my way and my story is similar to a lot of peoples stories and I just want to be the one to inspire them to keep going no matter what!

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?
Ok, so boom! we’ll start with brunch at SIP, get some chicken and waffles and mimosas, then after that we’ll go to Skate and Play to skate, play arcade games, dance to some music. After all of that we will get hungry again so, we have to get the best soul food in town Big nick’s. That meal will put us to sleep for a good minute and about time you wake up it’ll be time to go party. There’s multiple places that’s full of fun but the first place to go is D’truth Nightclub they have everything you need drinks, hookahs, DJ Chill WIll, Dj Rhane, Dj Kamm, Dj tsmooth on the music and the food is great. after that will go to Bliss with Dj yorel and after that will go to lucky’s with Dj Tellz and Rod G.

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?
All praises go to GOD always and my mother for doing her best to raise the man that I am today. My fraternity brother/mentor and friend Tyrone for always helping and guiding me in the right direction. My girl Ayesha for always lifting me up and pushing me to be great. Another people that really had a big impact with my success is Dj Big Twin, I was working a the mall as security and I seen him walking around in the mall and I approached a said “if you ever need a camera guy just hit me up” and from their the doors started to open. Dj swin with the million dollar smile and AP gave me my first shot interning at the radio station and last but not least erica dafungirl the best event planner in the world for always supporting me and booking events and photoshoots for me. to be honest the whole city has shown me love and I can be nothing but thankful.

Website: https://kingphotographyworking.com/

Instagram: @_extraordinaryking

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVFHPuCfLEGl3XsVrUQcEyw