This is What Turning Your Childhood Passion into a Business Looks Like

Mikayla Kosicek realized she had a true passion for the photography as an adolescent. Just a few years later, she turned that passion into a business. Most of her work takes place in her stomping grounds around Joliet, Plainfield, Channahon and Minooka.

Capture the Canvas Photography | Mikayla Kosicek

• Joliet
• CapturetheCanvasPhotography @live.com
• Phone: 815-603-0202
• Capture the Canvas is on Facebook

How did your business get started?

I began my business at 14 years old. I started by taking pictures of my friends for fun, and quickly realized I had a true passion for it! Soon after, I invested my money into buying professional gear and editing software, and began mentoring with experienced photographers so I could gain practical skills and knowledge. I jumped at every opportunity that was thrown at me. Anytime anyone offered to model for me, I was up for the challenge! I was constantly practicing and finding new ways to improve my work.

Today, I specialize in high school seniors' portrait photography, and mainly work with students out of the Minooka Community High School district, but also have a wide cliental base out of Coal City High School, as well as the Plainfield School districts.

I've found that seniors were my absolute FAVORITE type of clients to work with! They never fail to bring the most AWESOME clothes and accessories, and bring such great joy and excitement to the whole experience. I love the vibes they give off at shoots, and I feel I can best create exactly what it is that they want out of their photographs, since I am just about their age, and am able to understand them well, and know what they're into.

What is your business best known for?

My business is best known for my specialization in high school senior portrait photography, although I also photograph couples, weddings, babies, kids, and families upon request. I have a distinct nature for creativity and originality! I am also very well known for my comfortable, relaxed photo shoot sessions, extremely quick turn-around time, and professionalism.

Do you offer any specials?

Keep an eye out on my Facebook page. I'm always running flash sales or monthly specials. Also, for every 5 referrals someone sends me, that person gets a complimentary shoot! In addition, returning clients get 20 percent off when they book a shoot during the months of January or February every year!

Tell us something people might not know about you?

I'm a licensed cosmetologist, which sometimes gets the best of me at photo shoots. ;) There's always lots of "tweaking" and hair-messing-up I like to do on my models to perfect every picture. I'm 18 years old and have only been doing photography for 3 years! :D I have never had formal/class room training, but rather, was mentored from the best photographers around the area, as well as self-taught.

Why did you choose this area for your business?

Minooka/Channahon/Joliet is where I was born and raised. It means so much to me to be able to photograph people from my hometown area. The best feeling I get out of my photography is to see how my friends' and clients' perspective, confidence and attitude about themselves changes after seeing what I see of them through my camera! I love that I can give that gift to people in my area who I can get to know personally, and will be able to see develop with each photo shoot.

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