Meet Shakita (Ki Shot It) Alford | Photographer/Videographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shakita (Ki Shot It) Alford and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shakita (Ki Shot It), how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born and raised in Atlanta,Ga. I grew up on the west side of Atlanta, in the Pittsburgh Community. The west side is an historic area, but it is also known for being a low poverty stricken area with increase criminal activities. Growing up I was always surrounded by love, whether it be family or friend, but where there’s good there’s also bad. Even though I was constantly surrounded by people who showed great amounts of love, there was some who wasn’t great role models at all. I was always taught to learn as much as I could and get out (as my grandmother would say). And I wanted to do just that. Learn as much as I could so I could be and do whatever I set my mind to. My mother always made sure that me and my big sister stayed focused, especially me being a black female with a chronic illness as well. I have sickle cell anemia so naturally Ive always been a fighter. My mother never limited me from doing anything unless it was bad for my health. Anything else that was told I couldn’t do because of my illness, I was set out to prove them wrong ever time and I haven’t failed at that part yet lol. And even now , I’m the same way. Today I would say that my life has definitely shaped me into the selfless, caring, and genuine person I am today. Im a natural born go getter, and learner of life. Everyday I rise and ask myself what can I do to make today a better day for myself and others. I love to give peace and positivity out to the world in hopes that the universe will return the favor back to me. I just love giving love and genuinely being able to enjoy life with the people who matter the most to me. At lot of people I grew up with are dead or in jail, so I want and will bring back more positivity to our city. Through my work, its a step closer to making the world a better place through happiness and love.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The name of my business is called, Ki Shot It Visuals. Me being “Ki Shot It” and the visions of my clients being brought to life through visual art. Ki Shot It Visuals was originally named S. Alford Photography after my first and last name. I started in 2017 and changed the name the end of 2021. In 2016 I became a music manager for various independent artists here in Atlanta. During that period of managing, I started to notice that my clients needed more quality content and we didn’t have the funds to really go out and pay someone to do it for us. Everything became in house. So me being creative, I decided to get a camera to start filming their performances, behind the scenes footages, music videos and photos. When we would go to events, Id have my camera with me everywhere to film and take pictures. It got to the point where other artists and show promoters would ask me to get footage or take photos of them in exchange for payment. At first, I was surprised that people wanted to pay me for my footage because of the quality. I started to learn everything I needed to know about my camera and taking photos on my own and it helped elevate my skills to where they are today. I continued to manage and started to take my photography career more seriously. In 2020, I became the COO and photographer/content creator of an entertainment company for kids and adults called Mini Boss Entertainment and lead photographer at another company, Pink Boss University. During the last three years, there have been a few obstacles along the way when it comes to working and trusting others. especially financially. I’ve since left those companies to focus more on myself and to elevate my business even more. I’m currently in the process of looking for another building to expand and combined all of my businesses under one roof. Staying focused on the bigger picture has always been how I overcame all of my obstacles. When it comes to Ki Shot It Visuals, my main goals is to create a space where my clients feel 100% comfortable to be themselves. An environments where they can feel beautiful both inside and out, and be completely free of all insecurities. When my clients leave, they feel like they’re on top of the world. Through my story I hope people will hear it and get the motivation to keep going in life, no matter what challenges may come their way. Love, support, and motivation is what Ki Shot It Visuals is all about.

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?
The first day, after they have arrived into the city, we would go home and pack a bag so that we can spend the entire day at Jeju Health and Wellness Spa over in Gwinnett. They are a 24hr spa and we would go get massages, mani, pedi, eat at the restaurant inside, swim, go to the gym, and maybe spend the night relaxing in the saunas or the heated floors on the sleep mats. Your able to bring your own blankets and stuff if needed so that would be perfect after spending a day get pampered and relaxing.

Second day we would go to breakfast over at Thumbs Up, over in East Point. Afterwards we would g home to relax and the get ready to spend the day over at the High Museum for a few hrs and get dressed to get food, drinks and hang out at Fin and Feathers over on Edgewood.

Third Day we would have an amazing breakfast at the house and go to Piedmont Park for a picnic with friends and their kids and grab some wings at jr crickets. Later that night we would hit the free family and friends concert over in east point.

Fourth day we would enjoy time with each other and later on that night check out Apache lounge, have fun drinks and see a great live show.

Day five we are going to have brunch over at Milk and Honey over on cascade, and prepare to go out later to Tiger Tiger. after club food spot that’s always hitting is Mamas Mexican restaurant over on Piedmont. The best tacos and to go margaritas.

Day six have an eventful day at Beat the Bomb, stroll and take pictures over at Krog street and grab some food and drinks at Bole Ethiopian restaurant .

Day seven, which would be the last day. we would spend time hiking and enjoying the scenery over at Cochran Mill nature reserve.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a personal shoutout to my angel up in heaven, my grandmother ,Ellen Elaine Pearson. My grandmother has been the biggest supporter I’ve ever had in my life. She was my Bestfriend ,my grandmother, my diary and confidant and about any and everything to me. She always told me I could do whatever I wanted to do in life and to never let anyone stand in the way of being my full potential. To my grandmother, I could do no wrong. Her unconditional love has made me into the selfless person I am today. The morals and standards I have mostly came from her, and even though she probably wasn’t able to live her life to her full potential, she made sure that it was instilled in me to do just that, plus more. When she passed away in 2012, I thought my life was over. Knowing that she would want me to keep going, everything I set out to do, its always in honor of her. I miss her so much and I hope I’m making her proud from heaven.

Website: www.kishotitvisuals.com

Instagram: @kishotitvisuals

Facebook: Ki Shot It Visuals

Yelp: Ki Shot It Visuals

Other: Booking site: https://kishotitvisuals.as.me/

Image Credits
Ki Shot It Visuals