‘Don’t be put off by failure’, says young entrepreneur and photographer Kyle Baker

Kyle Baker (Image: Archant)

Kyle Baker Photography and Videography covers many aspects of photography and film, from events such as Sidmouth FolkWeek to small product videography, fine art prints and commercial work.

I started my business at the age of 18 with the help of The Prince’s Trust. With a strong passion for photography and media during college, university was not the right route for me.

I was selected to attend The Prince’s Trust enterprise course which gave me the starting kick I needed to make my vision into a career.

Where do you see the business in five years’ time?

I would like to hope I am still working locally, building many more clients and covering lots more beautiful weddings and events in and around Devon.

But with the diversity of my business it is hard to say where I will be working next.

I shall still be photographing and selling landscapes and seascapes, surf and fine art prints that’s for sure.

Kyle Baker Photography and Videography shall be ever expanding and looking to progress.

How did it feel to win your award?

It was a great feeling, from finishing A levels at Sidmouth College to winning the overall Sid Valley Business of the Year Award – it was a very good achievement at the beginning of my business’ journey. It goes to show that hard work does pay off

What advice do you have for anyone thinking of starting their own business in Sidmouth?

Don’t be put off by failure. Failure can help lead on to better things. You have to be persistent and work hard, especially with marketing and selling yourself in a small town like Sidmouth. Marketing is one of the biggest aspects in a successful business and it is so easy to do nowadays with social media. For example, my latest nightscape on Facebook reached over 12,000 people in just over 24 hours.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank?

I am very grateful that I have had great support from the community, being able to build my business in my home town.

I would like to thank Sidmouth Print, where I worked part-time, for being flexible and supportive with my business, my business mentor John from The Prince’s Trust and for everyone who has supported and encouraged me from the beginning.