We had the good fortune of connecting with Keira Elkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Keira, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
My story goes back to my mom. She has been a professional photographer in the Huntsville area for over 20 years. So naturally, it made sense that she gifted me with my first ever camera around the age of 15 years old for my birthday. At the time, I had fiddled with taking some photos and, of course, as any kid would, I started with taking photos of landscape and my pets! I was always drawn to natural lights, deep shadows, and detail shots when I was taking photos. I kept up with it here and there, and eventually built up the courage to submit some of my photos to a major competition for my highschool. I ended up placing honorable mention and 5th place for a couple of my photos I had submitted. It was exciting the fact I was recognized and seen for my work! That competition made me feel so good and definitely boosted my confidence that I could take photos worth looking at!
Fast forward a bit to college, my graduation year of 2019, I had taken some time off from shooting as I was focused on completing my undergraduate degree at Texas A&M Unviersity (WHOOP!). Towards the end of the LONGGGG finish line for my degree, I had taken some graduate photos of one of my best friends and a couple of other friends who were also in the same field as me. After graduation, I was keeping up a little with the photography and kept practicing in the meantime. I eventually shot my first ever wedding with my mom by my side to help guide me. The bride and groom loved their photos and I will forever cherish that day as it was major milestone in my photography journey!
Looking into 2020 and those strange times, I really had nothing else better to do besides my job and my camera with me! I didn’t have a whole lot of personal contact as COVID-19 had become a lingering reality for many people and the world around us all. I kept practicing with my camera and taking photos of my sweet Rottie for fun and to give me something to do! She still is my #1 model by the way if you all are wondering!!
All jokes aside, fast forward to now, 2024, what a journey my life has been so far! From college, to covid, to getting my own dog, to being engaged and now married. Life has been a rollercoaster for sure, but I wouldn’t be where I am without my husband, mom, my sweet dogs, family, and friends who have supported me along the way. I finally decided to go into professional photography this March and so glad to have made such a big step in my life. This journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been rewarding to see my confidence grow and to meet so many wonderful people associated in this amazing field filled with so much creativity and a love for visuals!
What should our readers know about your business?
For myself, it has been a good challenge while being rewarding! Naturally, I am pretty introverted. So some days are harder than others just due to my personality! Communication is always key in business of course, but with an introverted personality, sometimes it can make some days 10x times harder than it really should be. I have learned to take the time I need for myself and to make sure mentally and physically, I can do my job well. I think for myself, my camera gives me the confidence to trust in my abilities and skills, and to just have fun with what I do! From a business perspective, it has been challenging to reach the right people and to be able to figure out “how do I find the right clientele?” As I like to say constantly to myself and people around me, “good things take time.” I have abided by this quote in many aspects of my life because nothing just happens overnight. Running a business along with my own life is a lot, but in order to grow and learn, you have to try and put yourself out there! It’s so hard, but with time, things will fall into place. I do believe that I have found a passion that I really love and enjoy 100%!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh gosh! So so many places! My best friend LOVES trying out new things! One of my favorites trip we took together when was when we went to go see POST HTX in downtown Houston have their grand opening a couple years ago. It was truly incredible seeing the post office change into a mixed retail place filled with all sorts of restaurants! We really enjoyed everything and still go to enjoy the ice cream at Flower & Cream. UGH, their ice cream is amazing!! Besides that, we love going to MKT Heights to explore the boutiques like Pippa & Pearl, The Frock Shop, and before they moved, Tre’Sorelle. We absolutely love to go to boutiques and shop around! Burdlife is also a favorite for us as well and just around the corneer, we go to Loro for a bit to eat and then Honey Sweet Child’s for ice cream. There are just way too many places to name around Houston, but these are some of our favorite places to go and to get some steps in while enjoying shopping and eating wonderful food and sweets!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give you a special shoutout first and foremost to the person behind my business. I would like to give a special shoutout to my mom as she has been the reason why I have gone into photography. I wouldn’t be where I am without her skills and knowledge in going into the dream career! Secondly, I want to also give a shout to Grace Matocha with Moments of Grace Photography for giving me opportunities to shoot with her and to learn along side of a talented wedding photographer herself driving all around Texas and beyond doing what she loves and truly treasures!
Website: https://www.keirakaptures.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keirakaptures/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557152049788
Other: https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers/keira-kaptures
Image Credits
Full Headshot credits to Tre’Voy Kelly
All other images created and rightful belong to Keira Kaptures, LLC.