Before a ceremonial ribbon cutting to unveil his new studio space, photographer Cameron Kirkland, known as Cam Kirk, had jokes.
“Mom, don’t start crying over there. I know I told you I was coming here to be a doctor, and I couldn’t have took y’all further away from that journey,” he said.
Flanked by his team and Mayor Andre Dickens, the 35-year-old creative and entrepreneur behind Cam Kirk Studios welcomed family, friends and media to his new digs on the Beltline’s Eastside Trail near Krog Street Market.
It’s a move that comes after more than seven years in their original downtown location on Forsyth Street, near Magic City and the Greyhound bus station.
For Kirk, his staff and clients, it was time to move into a more central, pedestrian-friendly spot.
“This new space isn’t about expansion, it’s about elevation,” said Cam Kirk Studios chief operation officer Shelly Andrews.
“It’s about continuing to provide a home for creators and a hub that reflects the limitless potential of our community.”
Kirk told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution it was his first foray into leading the interior design of a large space, which officially opens for business on Feb. 8.
“It’s not perfect,” he said, but it’s getting there and his vision is coming to life.
Visitors' camera phone memory will swell snapping shots of the Magic City, vintage Atlanta Hawks, and PAC Man signs. Rolls of different color photo backdrops are mounted on the wall. A lounge outfitted with a couch, comfy chairs and arts-centered coffee-table books feels cozy.
“What makes our spot unique is it’s not just an empty white wall studio space that is just bland,” Kirk said. “We bring the energy and all you got to do is just kind of insert yourself.”
Kirk’s personal favorites are the lounge area and a vinyl wall that shows phases of his career via framed news articles. Visitors and clients get a bit of history, from Kirk’s early shoots with Gucci Mane, Migos, Metro Boomin and Young Thug, to his ascension as one of the most sought-after photographers in the business.
In addition to the aforementioned wall art and neon eye candy, there’s a cyclorama wall studio, private suites, various lighting equipment and color gels.
Clients booking the space for shoots will receive an on-site studio assistant, plus access to dressing rooms for hair, wardrobe and makeup needs. Customers can also book the space for private events.
A new addition is a shop in the back of the studio, which includes exclusive merchandise like hoodies, shirts and caps. The store also sells Kirk’s CORE photography accessory line.
The Cam Kirk Studios team has been building up to this moment with various pop-up experiences in metro Atlanta, including a temporary stay in The Battery by Truist Park last year. Now, they have a permanent place — with more foot traffic and diverse clientele — to call home.
Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com
Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com
“To now be able to personalize a space truly for our community, and to see it now come to life, it is amazing,” Kirk said.
Speaking to onlookers, including Kirk’s family visiting from Maryland and his classmates from Morehouse College, Dickens joked that he’s still waiting for his shoot with the Cam Kirk Studios' CEO.
The mayor also talked about the significance of Kirk opening a space on the Beltline during Black History Month.
“Cam has really embodied the spirit of Black excellence that our city is known for: our influential entrepreneurs, our entertainment, and our vision that has really taken us into amazing heights in this city,” Dickens said. “I can’t think of a better place for Camp Kirk Studios to be.”
Since their inception in 2017, the studio has booked more than 30,000 appointments. Kirk said the studio’s success comes from them evolving into a more community-oriented model, promoting education and providing resources for aspiring photographers.
Nabbing a spot on the Beltline comes with higher costs than their downtown spot. Kirk, who wouldn’t cite specific figures, challenged attendees with a call-to-action just before visitors made their way into the studio for the first time.
“I want to ask you all to continue to support. Supporting Cam Kirk Studios is not just supporting me and my staff, but you’re literally supporting Atlanta,” he said. “You’re literally allowing creatives to continue to create and live within their passion.”
Cam Kirk Studios
112 Krog St. NE, Ste. D125. Atlanta. 678-612-0851. camkirkstudios.com.
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