Kay Eskridge

[slidepress thickbox='kay-eskridge' title='Kay Eskridge' image='http://afterdarkedu.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/kay.jpg']Combining her passion for photography and her love of people, Kay Eskridge’s studio, Images by Kay & Co. has earned a sterling reputation for high-quality lifestyle portraiture. Kay and her team of women photographers take great pride in not only the imagery they create but also the high level of customer service they provide. Specializing as a lifestyle portrait artist, Kay’s clientele has come to rely on her to capture images from all of life’s special events, from maternity to newborns, tots to ‘tweens’, High School Seniors to summer family vacations and even intimate images captured through the CelebrateSexy division of her studio. Her focus on relationships, creative approach to portraiture, unique perspective on customer service and clear vision about business has provided her with much success doing something she loves. Kay is a member and Past President of the Arizona Professional Photography Association, she is a PPA Certified Master, Photographic Craftsman and holds numerous awards, including the Arizona Photographer of the Year, Kodak Gallery Elite Awards, Fuji Masterpiece Awards, Phoenix Portrait Photographer of the Year, Arizona Illustrative Photographer of the Year and the PPA National Award.

How did you get started in the business? Who helped/guided/mentored you?
“Started in Grade School, yearbook staff in High School, studied photojournalism in college . . . started my own business in 1985. I’ve always been a photographer and can’t imagine doing anything else. ah – ha moment? When talking with my mom about not having children and not leaving a legacy in this world she answered . . . honey, don’t you know? You leave a legacy with every image you create. My mom is very wise. I draw my inspiration from many people, Tony Corbell for lighting, Lori Nordstrom for passion for our industry, Jen Hilenga for creativity, Ann Montieth for business, Dave Junion cuz he doesn’t wear shoes and Victoria’s Secret and playboy for posing and lighting {yes, I get it just for the pictures not the articles}”

From Kay:
“If you’re thinking about coming to another After Dark Event remember, each one is different – you’ll always learn something new. If you’ve never been to After Dark Before, remember sleep in advance, be open to a new type of learning, come prepared to play, share, learn, grow . . . ‘Do what you love . . . love what you do.’ “

Contact Info:
Website
Learn Grow Succeed
Celebrate Sexy
Red Velvet Tour
Facebook Kay Eskridge
Twitter: @keskridge

After Darks Attended:3 but who’s counting…
“The first time I walked in to the shooting bays . . . my jaw dropped. Kid in a candy store! My goose bumps got goose bumps!!!”

Fun Facts:

• Nikon Shooter
• In Studio & On Location
• Some Travel Especially in the Summer

Majority of Business:

• 30% family & children
• 30% boudoir
• 20% HS Seniors
• 15% Executives
• 5% other
• NO weddings

Lighting:

• Each Session Calls for Something Different

Top 5 Skills:

1. Balancing a family friendly photography studio AND a boudoir business at the same time
2. ‘Psychology of sexology’ and understanding what a woman really wants when it comes to boudoir photography
3. The ‘business’ of photography – Marketing and Sales
4. Posing and lighting using photogenic hot lights (continuous light source)
5. Spicing thing up and making people smile