Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyle Pompey.
Hi Kyle, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I’ve always had a fascination with capturing moments and being able to process them later since a child. I got into the art of photography organically because of an Osprey and its nest. In 2007, all I had was a cell phone to capture images with. To give you a point of reference, iPhones were introduced that same year. You can imagine that the quality was horrible especially since the nest was about 50 yards from where I could take the picture. Luckily one of my best friends Devan Clapp was studying film at Towson University at the time and when I mentioned my issue to him he offered to sell me his camera because he was looking to upgrade. I bought the camera and a week later another one of my friends Allison Moss found out that I had a camera and one of her friends needed a photographer for her birthday party so she asked me to do it. After some convincing, I accepted the challenge and the rest was history. ALWAYS accept challenges.
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?
Like the late great Nipsey Hussle said, “I’ve been through every emotion” when it comes to photography. I remember having a shoot in Harlem New York sometime around 2010 and the pictures that I took for the shoot didn’t turn out the way I expected them (I’m my own worse critic), I had way too much equipment to be lugging around, and on top of that, I took the wrong train back to my cousin Brandee’s apartment and got back super late. That was it for me! Brandee told me to listen to a song by Robert Glasper called “All Matter.”
As I edited the images from the shoot I listened to the song simultaneously and it was one of the most bone-chilling moments I’ve experienced. That moment single-handedly gave me my spark back and I never looked back. Of course, I’ve had monetary struggles, confidence struggles, and the work/life battle that I still find hard to manage. Time and consistency will remedy two of the three of those.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What I feel sets me apart from everyone else is my commitment to the youth as it pertains to teaching them the skill and the art of photography and media. I started teaching about 5 years ago and in 2019 I started Nice Shot Media House, Inc. It’s been most gratifying. Seeing them grow into full-time photographers and be able to dictate their own terms is better than any money or award. My son is and is a full-time photographer, whilst attending The University of Maryland College Park, I have a student that is now a rapper, activist, and Meek Mill’s personal photographer, and countless others that are just an opportunity away from being able to support their lives totally through photography.
Photography saved my life and all I want it to do for them is the very same thing. They will ALL be great!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Unfortunately, when I got into photography there weren’t many people I could seek help from, thats why I try to be that person for others. There are three words that I live by and they are consistency, personality, and skill. Once you adopt them and apply them to your passion you’ll see doors open and opportunities pouring in. Trust me!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/niceshotkyle
- Facebook: facebook.com/kylepompey
- Twitter: twitter.com/niceshotkyle
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIBZvvzhHyyA7n1rJw_HMww
Image Credits:
Featured photo – Myron Fields.
