HERSTORY: KEVA
Image by: Kauwaune Burton
They say if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.
If you asked me if I ever thought my life would be what it is today I would have laughed you off the stage. So much has changed for me in such a short time, that I’ve started to just ride the wave and learn how to handle the choppy water as it comes.
I grew up your average kid with only child syndrome. I loved to be the center of attention. “Excessive talking” was a common occurrence on my report card because I was a social butterfly to a fault. I can start a conversation with anyone, and I can assure you, that much hasn’t changed. I had a very active childhood. Anything I wanted to try, mama was on board. Community theater, drama club, art classes, and cheerleading took up most of my free time, but the two constants through every workshop, play, or competition were my mom and an album full of photos to freeze all the moments. Our house was like a giant scrapbook, pictures everywhere. It seemed annoying at the time but I can honestly say today that I couldn’t be more grateful for them now. She knew the value of a moment and that once they’re gone you don’t get them back.
Life has a funny way of teaching you that while being a social butterfly is cool, the term “no fake friends” are words to live by. My circle definitely got smaller, but my conversations got deeper, and I’ve learned how important authentic relationships are. None of them mattered more to me than my relationship with my mom though. She was my best friend, my ace, my ride or die. We told each other everything, genuinely confided in one another, and in a blink I lost her. Having a close relationship with a parent is a blessing, but when your parent is your best friend and they pass away its like losing two people at once. You’ve got to get grown really fast cause you can’t call mommy anymore to save the day, but you also have to mourn the loss of your friend. Learning how to do life after her is still a learning process. You never know how you will handle adversity until its staring you right in the face, and in that moment I had ask myself some hard questions, and pray for God to show me some answers.
Fast forward five years and you’re looking at a woman who stepped out on faith, quit the corporate job, and went into business for herself to create moments for other people to cherish as much as she does. I love what I do, it allows me to build lasting relationships with my clients, and create something that they will hopefully cherish for years to come. Every project is different and I learn something new with each one. No matter where this ride called life takes me going forward I know that photography is one thing that will continue to remain a constant in my life. If I’ve learned anything over the past few years it’s that the moment we think we are in control is the very moment life throws you a curve ball. It’s in those moments that you have to make the hard choices and accept that you only have control over what you do. Don’t let the hard moments in life paralyze you. Fear can be such a crippling thing if you let it. You’ve got to have to acknowledge your trials, pray for guidance, and have faith that God will see you through to the other side.
Thank you all for checking out the first feature in this portrait series. I thought it only fitting to kick this off on a personal note. Stay tuned for the other beauties that will be sharing their stories throughout the rest of the month.
Until next time……
XOXO,
Keva
Your Friendly Neighborhood Photographer
CustoMYze Me is the creative studio of photographer and designer Keva Burns. Based in Dallas, Tx.