Photographer Spotlight: Kim Hilliard
Location: Montgomery, AL
What's in your camera bag & what's your favorite lens?
Currently in my camera bag I have the Sony a7iii with a Sony 35mm 1.8 lens, a Rode Stereo Mic, and an old Nikor lens for freelensing. Since I really only have one lens for my new Sony I guess it's my fave, lol, but before now it was always my Canon 50mm 1.2. I've recently upgraded my gear as I move forward more with making more Moving Portrait and Family Films. This is my first time using Sony and while there is a big learning curve, I'm finally getting a little more used to it, and it really does produce beautiful stills and video.
Who inspires you?
With filmmaking in mind, my inspiration and mentor is, Courtney Holmes. She inspired me to learn techniques to help elevate my filmmaking skills. I was missing some key filmmaking tools that make a film come together more organically and she helped me to identify those things and use them. My films are now more thoughtful and meaningful.
What makes your brand unique?
My business is unique in that I offer clients a way to relive a day together through a film. When we have a memory it's not still, it's in full color, with sound and motion. So when they rewatch their film years from now, it brings them right back to that moment, no matter how things may have changed they can see and feel their love for one another. I deliver full photo galleries along with Moving Portrait films so that clients have both, because I believe they are equally important.
What's your favorite aspect of your business?
My favorite aspect is that I am able to offer video to my clients. When I started out I didn't know what I was doing, but I was determined to learn how to make them so I could make them for my children and my clients. My love for films run deep, and I hope my clients can feel that when they watch their films back.
What business advice would you give to someone overwhelmed with starting out?
My advice would be, don't worry, we all start somewhere. Shoot a lot, practice a lot, put in the hard work. Then charge you're worth. Value your time, and set boundaries so that you don't burn out and lose joy. Remember that's it's ok to say "no" sometimes, because every time you do, you are saying "yes" to your family.
What's your Starbucks drink?
Vanilla iced latte
Where can we find your work?
https://www.instagram.com/kim.hilliard/
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