Author: Cindy C. Kong, BSU student
An interview with Kevin Augustin, owner of Kevin Augustin Photography in Brockton, MA:
Tell me about your business. Why did you choose this line of business? When did you start this business?
My name is Kevin Augustin and I was born and raised in Canarsie, Brooklyn, New York, New York. I moved to Brockton in 2006 and have been here ever since. I started photography because I wanted to turn my work of art into a career. My goal ultimately is to be the best photographer there is out there. I started photography in 2012. I chose this career path because I wanted to do more for myself and the best way to make more of myself is to do what I love to do and that is capturing moments.
What was the toughest thing you went through when opening? What inspired you to keep going as you were getting the business off the ground?
The toughest thing about being a photographer is, you don’t have someone in investing in you. You have to prove that your work is great by what you put out. You have to invest in your own equipment which is extremely costly, you have to invest in your own time and effort in making these photos professional and astonishing. As much as I always wanted to give up, I use my son as an inspiration always. I always incorporate him into my work. As a black man in photography it is extremely hard to break a lot of the stereo type of what kind of work, we specialize in.
If you had to start over from day 1 what would you have done differently? Or what was your most difficult challenge?
If I were to start over, I would have wish I done this sooner because I could’ve been ahead of myself even more. One of the most difficult challenge in photography is competing with others and getting my business out there and having people believing in me. Starting off locally can be extremely tough for a small city.
What is the toughest part about having a business in 2020?
With everything that’s going on with COVID-19, it caused a lot of set back during the shutdown. Photography has a lot human interaction, especially with events and limiting the amount of people that can be in a place and gathering.
If a customer was to choose between your business and 3 others just like it why would you suggest they at least give you a try first? What makes you stand out?
I am a firm believer that people love having me as their photographer because of who I am. I give amazing customer service. I am polite and I love to make people feel comfortable. Photography is one of those things that is hard for people, it’s intimidating and sometimes people are timid. Just being in front of a professional camera is completely different than being behind a smart phone. But I love to make people feel good about themselves and making them feel confident when it comes to shooting. I am a people’s person. I can have a conversation with just anyone and everyone.
What is the number 1 way you currently bring in new customers? Has internet technology (website, online ads, social media, etc) played a big part in your growth and making your company more successful?
The number one way that helps bring in customers for me, is someone’s referral. Mostly all my customers were referred by someone who had an amazing experience with me. Technology has played a huge role in my business, especially when it came to networking and promoting my business through social media.
If you had to look 6 months to a year into the future where would you like to see your business be?
If I had 6 months to a year into the future, I would my business would continue to prosper and become successful as a black owned business. I’ve been working extremely hard these past couple of years to be where I am now. I am confident that I will be one of the best photographers in the South Shore of Massachusetts.
Kevin Augustin Photography (KAP) is located in Brockton, MA.
You can contact Kevin via:
Phone: 617-657-1700
Email: kevinaphotography@gmail.com
Website: www.kevinaphotography.com
Facebook: @KAPhotography
Twitter: @KAPhotography_
Instagram: @KevinAPhotgraphy