Today we’d like to introduce you to Bernadette McKeever.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve been a professional photographer for about 20 years. Up until I moved here to Salt Lake City a few months ago, I mainly shot for corporate clients in the maritime, higher education, and architecture industries. From running around port terminals snapping industry type imagery, to college students and luxury vacation rentals, the exciting world of freelance was and still is how I stay creative while paying the bills.
I got my start in photography when I was 16. My dad handed me his Nikon F manual camera, showed me a few functions, loaded a roll of film in it, and off I went! I snapped away through high school capturing portraits of friends, after school in the park, or at the beach. In college, I decided to keep moving forward with photography, and eventually received my bachelor’s in Art Photography.
During college and immediately following, my first paid work was of families around the holidays, babies, and small events. I was also an assistant for a well-known portrait photographer, where I learned a majority of my skills in lighting, organizing shoots, and post-production. In 2006, I was brought on as a second shooter for a photographer in industrial photography. For that same client, I eventually made my way into her office, pitched myself as a main shooter, and got the contract! That contract led to many other assignments and clients through word-of-mouth, eventually paving my way into a full-service freelance business.
When I left home for SLC, I was following my passion for higher-end vacation homes (mostly Airbnbs) for clients in the mountains and deserts of California, and branding & marketing imagery for boutique retreat spaces and businesses. I’m excited to keep working in those areas of photography here in Utah – bringing my own lifestyle touches, warm & naturally lit details, and crisp and beautiful architectural elements. I also bring to all my clients a high level of photography marketing knowledge, consulting them on how to up-level their short term rental listings. I also creative direct for businesses and brands, so the custom work I capture for each client is unique, usable, scalable, and highly marketable.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My path in professional photography has been a long one, twisting and turning every step of the way. Entrepreneur creatives are blessed and cursed. The flexibility of schedule, being our own boss, and creating our own path are huge benefits. However, feast or famine and uncertainty are also part of the journey, and those things can take a toll on our mental health and bank accounts. In order to be successful in this business, you have to learn how to be comfortable in discomfort – having to constantly reinvent myself. Success is an interesting concept. I’ve learned the meaning of success doesn’t equate to how much money you bring in, but how well you manage the ups and downs, creative ruts, business management, communication, and how well you maintain good mental and physical health. I turned 42 last month, I’ve been in business for myself for 20 years, and I’m still learning every day how to be successful.
I would love to mentor people anywhere on the entrepreneurial path. Whether you’re a photographer, or any type of creative, and you are looking for more community to talk with and build big picture things with, reach out to me. This journey is about asking for help, not doing it alone, and being okay with being wrong and failing sometimes.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about McKeever Photography?
Currently, as a professional photographer, I’m specializing in capturing high-end vacation rental homes, boutique hotels & retreat spaces, and helping people build small brands.
For the spaces I photograph, my unique approach is light, airy, bright, and I try to invoke an ethereal experience. I combine lifestyle, and styling touches with finding and capturing details in the best light in every space. I’m not a real estate photographer, I show what it FEELS like in a space, inviting people to come inside and enjoy what is being offered in the space.
The other side of my business offering is education, mentorship, and coaching. I love helping people starting off in their creative business journey, or are going through a transition and are in need of a good listener and empathetic soundboard. Collaboration is key in the entrepreneur journey.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice for people starting off is to ask questions to people doing something similar to what you want to do, and to absorb as much as you can before you file that DBA. Pay for quality education that will make your business thrive. For some things there is no reason to reinvent the wheel. Your time can be spent moving the needle in other important creative ways. We are part of an emerging and incredible time in history, where running a small business is more accessible than ever. Collaboration is highly encouraged (versus when I started, competition was the standard), and education is not expensive and even free!
Find more mentors, ask lots of questions, and leave negative ego at the door.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mckeeverphotography.com
- Instagram: bernmckeeverphoto
Image Credits
Mckeever Photography
