Why I Don't Charge for Community Events

In the immortal words of Pumba: “When I was a young warthog…”

That’s how it all started... me stumbling into my first community theatre show with my dad. It was Beauty and the Beast with the Laredo Theatre Guild International, then Laredo Musical Theatre International. That one show changed the way I viewed community projects forever. People from every walk of life came together to create something meaningful, and almost every summer since, I’ve found my way into some kind of community theatre project.

The first event I ever photographed in Abilene was the No Kings Day protest, and the love I felt from everyone there was unbelievable. People gave me water, offered me sunscreen, and someone even gave me a portable fan I still cherish (especially in this Texas heat). I was just a guy with a camera, but I was treated like one of their own.

Since then, I’ve covered Juneteenth celebrations, open mic karaoke, Rocky Horror shadowcasts, and I’ve pulled off the wild feat of shooting four events in three towns in one weekend, Potosi, Merkel, and Abilene. And at every single one, I’ve received nothing but love and appreciation. That sticks with me.

So here’s the big question:Why don’t I charge for these community events?

The answer is simple. I’m a one-man band, and at every event, I meet others just like me: small business owners, artists, and creators chasing their dreams and serving their community however they can. People like Lori Isom of Cupcake Dreams Abilene, a home baker who pours love into every cupcake she makes. She's getting ready for her first big event: Kulture Con at the Abilene Convention Center, and I can’t wait to see her shine.

I show up to these events because giving back with my camera is the best way I know how. One day, I hope KD Photography will grow to the point where I can fund scholarships, support other creators, and invest in my city. I dream of a future where I don’t have to worry about the money... just the mission.

Until then, I’ll keep showing up, with my lens, my time, and my heart.

If you’ve got a community event that needs capturing and no one to do it, reach out. I’ll be there.