"Posting on Social Media Landed Me My First International Photography Job" - Kerry Kathleen

Sometimes one moment online, one post, one scroll, one glimpse can plant the seed from which opportunities grow. That’s exactly what happened when a simple TikTok showcasing Kerry's photography unexpectedly reached the right person at the right time, opening the door to her first international job. What follows is the story behind that breakthrough, how it unfolded, and what it taught her about creativity, timing, and believing in your own potential.

How the Opportunity Came to Light

"It's quite funny. Xenia, the Switzerland-based Creative-Director and Entrepreneur that hired me to do the photoshoot, reached out to me in September of this year after randomly seeing one of my TikToks with my photographs that I posted a while ago in June 2025. She later on told me that she even forgot to save my post so she couldn't find my account anymore. I randomly popped up at her fyp again one week later, that's when she contacted me through IG about a possible job offer. 

At first I was a bit sceptical, since she just saw a glimpse of my work and I couldn't really believe that she would actually fly me out from Germany to Switzerland. It somehow sounded too good to be true, you know? Two messages and a facetime call later, we directly clicked and confirmed everything from the shooting-concept to the booking-receipt of my flight."

Organic Growth vs Strategy

"It was all organic! I started posting my work beginning of 2025, with no other intention than to stop hiding what I believe God has given me as a purpose. I simply shared my photographs to create a sort of digital gallery and, if anything, to maybe inspire others to start pursuing their own creative interests as well."

The Post That Changed Everything

"It was a post with images of a Ghanaian barbershop that I uploaded on June 1st, 2025. 

925 views, 40 likes and 0 comments lol. One thing I've been preaching from the start: It doesn't take 100 people to give you the platform you aiming/work for, IT ONLY TAKES ONE!!! As you can see, the post didn't generate high numbers or spark conversations right from the get go. At the right time, the right person got to see it and therefore, also got to see me."

Engagement, Hashtags, and Healthy Boundaries

"Since I'm also active on my personal social media accounts, I do have a pretty good understanding of algorithms, hashtags, and all that. 

Honestly, focusing too much on numbers can get really draining and unhealthy for me. I use hashtags that directly relate to whatever I’m posting, e.g. #photoshoot #photostudio #editorial if it’s a conceptual photoshoot in a studio. I also know that in order to target a larger audience, it's crucial to post consistently. Between work, being a student and a somewhat social life, I really can’t stress myself too much about posting daily."

Behind the Scenes of the First International Job

"It’s definitely the best experience I’ve had so far as a freelance photographer! I honestly feel super lucky that the relationship with the people hiring me wasn't just business, within this short period of time we developed a really close bond which made me feel super comfortable and confident during the whole process.

I had the pleasure of shooting the main campaign for 'BANGA STUDIO', a brand new Barbershop and Braiding salon (café opening soon) specialised in Afro & textured hair in Zurich, Switzerland. The main concept focused on a true, authentic representation of Black hair culture, combining Afro-centric history with a modern touch. We worked with several models showcasing different hairstyles, multiple studio setups, and detailed vision boards. 

Even though we had a concept and certain expectations for the outcome, I still had complete creative freedom in how I executed my work, which I absolutely loved! 

For me, it was a major step forward, not just for my portfolio but also for my personal growth. I’m pretty sure any creative aspiring to work in the industry can relate: stepping out of your comfort zone and doing something for the first time again can be challenging and, honestly, very scary. But I learned so much about my own skills and capabilities that I didn't even know I had in me. "

How the Experience Changed Her Approach

"Let's be real, of course it was a huge confidence boost! Getting flown out to another country, staying in a nice hotel, and having food provided just because they like your work? Yeah… that’s an amazing feeling. At the same time, it only motivated me to keep grinding. I would never dare to assume this is going to be the norm from now on, that’s why I have got to step up my game every day.

Because no matter how nice this experience was, at the end of the day I still come back to my reality, where I’m working, studying, and sometimes struggling to pay my “adult life” bills like anyone else.

But I will say this: it opened my eyes to never settle or limit myself, especially because of my current location or situation. It’s not crazy to dream big and aim high, and the amount of money in your bank account does not determine the worth of your skill set!"

What Makes Her Work Stand Out

"I don’t really have a definite answer for that, because I can’t look at my profile objectively. If I had to guess, I’d say it’s my authenticity. I’m not trying to chase every trend or polarise at all costs. Instead, I connect deeply with the work I create, because for me, it’s personal. My creativity is personal. My imagery is personal. So I’d like to believe that this adds a certain uniqueness to my work. Something people either connect with or don’t."

Advice for Other Photographers Growing Through Social Media

"To keep it short: Be your own brand. 

Taking photos is nothing new under the sun. There are thousands of gifted creatives with a perfect skill-set and amazing technique. 

Create for the sake of creating, not for chasing numbers. 

Don't force creativity. Everyone goes through phases where they feel stuck or bored with their own work. Take a break. Step back. It’s okay not to create sometimes, but at the same time be conscious of your W’s. Why do you feel that way? What do you rather enjoy doing right now? Where do you want to be carrier-wise? The answers may change - but so do you, embrace that. 

Lastly, and I cannot stress that enough, be your own biggest fan. I know it sounds corny, but it might be the only constant you have on your journey. If you depend on outside validation, whether from a brand or even a friend, you’ll limit yourself in the long run.

Delayance isn't Denial. Read that again."