The end of an era. It is really sad to think that the portrait studio that got me started is gone. I had Adam bring me to the Woodbury location so that I could see. I knew that if I didn't see it with my own eyes than I would never believe it. It was so sad to walk up to the storefront and see the signs in front, blocking off the entrance. It was so surreal. Yet, there it was. It was dark and empty. It really did break my heart. The end of things with the company left me with a bitter taste in my mouth, but there was still that voice in the back of my head that just couldn't (and would't) be silenced. The voice of reason that reminded me that this was where it all started. This was the stepping stone to the "something greater" that I have found with JCP+D. And I would like to share those happier memories in this blog post so that I might remember what that spark was that started with KK and became a flame of passion through changing gears.
It was not the enviornment or even the staff that provided the spark, but the corporate vie
w on photography that originally peaked my interest. The Employee Handbook said some great things about their views on the customers. How every customer deserves great pictures no matter what. EVERYONE who worked for the company, even the CEOs and the corporate levvel execs were once photographers. Printeing same day was also an awesome feature from a guest standpoint (and I will also point out the negatives of same day printing when I get to the rant section about KK). In the beginning I was so excited to be a part of a portrait studio enviornment and I was thrilled to death that I was doing something that I loved. The passion was sparked dully at KK and if it were not for working there I would not be where I am now. We all have to start somewhere.
It was not the enviornment or even the staff that provided the spark, but the corporate vie
w on photography that originally peaked my interest. The Employee Handbook said some great things about their views on the customers. How every customer deserves great pictures no matter what. EVERYONE who worked for the company, even the CEOs and the corporate levvel execs were once photographers. Printeing same day was also an awesome feature from a guest standpoint (and I will also point out the negatives of same day printing when I get to the rant section about KK). In the beginning I was so excited to be a part of a portrait studio enviornment and I was thrilled to death that I was doing something that I loved. The passion was sparked dully at KK and if it were not for working there I would not be where I am now. We all have to start somewhere.
That is one thing that I can say about Kiddie Kandids. It was a great starting place. It was like being able to play in the minors before stepping up to bat with the big boys in the major league. It was a smaller enviornment and a smaller customer base. It was exactly what it needed to be for a first studio job. I don't know that I would love photography as much if I hadn't had the experience at Kiddie Kandids. I love a challenge and Kiddie Kandids allowed me the challenge of learning by doing. I learned so much about my vision as a photographer and the direction I want to take. It was really a launching pad for me. I know now who I am as a photographer and I know what I want to accomplish. The passion that I have for the field only intensified working there.
I am where I am today because of Kiddie Kandids. I owe that job so much. I will never be able to regret my position with Kiddie Kandids for it brought me to the edge of my patience, strength and sanity...and pushed me over the edge sometimes, but I made it through and I am only that much stronger because of it. Every experience in life is a learning opportunity if we choose to see it that way.
REST IN PEACE, KIDDIE KANDIDS AND THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!
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