Please Note: This post is for all the photographers out there… so if you’re a bride and only interested in pretty pictures, I suggest you jump on over to the next post :)

I woke up to a very cold and rainy day this morning. It was one of those days where you just want to stay in bed the whole day! Movies, hot chocolate and a snugly blanket! But then my husband, iaan asked me to go for a jog with him. Seriously, a jog? In this cold rainy weather?

There was a war inside of me – the fun, adventurous side said, ‘that sounds like fun!’ and the lazy side said, ‘are you insane?’. Ignoring the lazy side of me, I jumped out of bed and did something I’ve never done before. I went for a jog in the freezing rain! It was raining and the wind was blowing, but for some reason (no matter how insane this sounds) I was proud of myself. I did something I’ve never done before. I was jogging in the rain. And for those of you who know me, will know this is a miracle :)

Experiencing the really challenging, sometimes cold and lonely ‘world’, combined with some willpower and a bit of super craziness reminded me of how I started my business. I remember when I started my business 5 years ago, I experienced that the industry was a really cold and lonely place, especially for beginners like myself. I also realized that photographers in general did not like to share and help me, and that gave me the shivers (something like that cold rainy jog!) But then after a few years into business and finding my feet in the industry I decided things needed to change. We needed to change the environment and make it  more fun, encouraging and loving. I met a few other photographers who shared this view and helped me tremendously in my business. This inspired me to help others in the same way.

I know how it feels to start out. I know how it feels being only you, your computer and your camera and for that exact reason I decided something had to change! After a year of  planning and hard work, KIKI was born. A place where you can learn. A place where you can share. A place where you can ask any questions and people will help. Our motto is Share. Learn and Love.

For the past few months, iaan and I have been working on a project which we are very very excited about. It is challenging, as it’s new territory for us, but we’ve been so blessed and I believe this is only the beginning! The KIKI site has only been running for two months now and we’re already jumping with excitement!

I knew there must have been more photographers out there that felt the same way, but there has just never been (especially in South Africa) an environment where this could be cultivated and experienced. So now there is a place and you’re welcome to join in.

This post is an introduction to the concept of KIKI, but also a massive thank you to all the photographers in the industry (whether beginner, enthusiast or pro) that have been supporting us. Thank you for loving us and thank you for encouraging us. You guys make it all worth it!!

Some of you might have read about our project KIKI before, but for those of you who haven’t been on the site, I strongly suggest you pay it a visit. KIKI is a website dedicated to everyone that loves photography. For photographers all around the world, whether you’re a enthusiast, amateur or pro. We share, encourage and support photographers. We love you and that’s why we do it.

If you want to get connected I sugeest you visit the following places:

1. The KIKI Facebook page.

2. Get connected in a KIKI Facebook group (here you will make friends, get all the info you need about anything and hear about all the Meet Ups in your area.)

3. The KIKI blog for info and tips (Keep your eyes on it this week for some SUPER exciting news)

4. The KIKI tools page for some Lightroom Presets and all the legal documents you need for your business

5. The Workshops and Meet Ups pages.

image from http://www.outsapop.com/