We had the good fortune of connecting with Esmee Kyles and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Esmee, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am originally from The Bronx, New York City. Moved to Memphis when I got married (25 years ago!). My background is caribbean (Puerto Rican descent) and those Afro-Latin genes and traits run DEEP! I laugh a lot. I sing and dance a lot. I see the “sunshine” in everything, from people to situations to problems. So naturally growing up surrounded by family, food and fun times – I enjoy being around people, and I enjoy seeing people happy. My grandmother’s love language was cooking (which she passed on to my mom). She would wait around and watch her family eat her tirelessly-prepared dishes just so she could see and hear the reactions. If she was feeding her family, she was happy. I feel the same way about photography – if I can put a smile on someone’s face and make those memories last a lifetime – I’m happy. And since you got a Bronx native New York latina on your hands… we’re gonna have some fun at the same time.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Incredibly Wee Photography is a Lifestyle & Wedding Photography woman and minority-owned company that was founded in 2013 on a passion for capturing the human spirit and the moments that we live for every day. What sets my work apart from others is that I promote passion, color and joy in everything I do and everything I capture. What that means is that I don’t follow trends or sacrifice emotion or vivid, colorful imagery…and if there is no joy behind it I don’t want it! Getting to where you want to be requires sacrifice, blood sweat and tears. So not easy by any means! I learned to stay true to myself and keep going, even when you want to give up. I want the world to know that I count it a privilege and honor to be chosen to document people’s stories. I don’t take it lightly.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Memphis is home to Blues and BBQ – you come here you have to sample the live music, great food and rich history. I am simple, so I don’t have one single favorite meal or landmark – but I would probably take my friend to Overton Square for some great food and music, East Memphis for drinks and food, Shelby Farms for outdoor fun and fresh air and Tom Lee for gorgeous sunset views of the Mississippi!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Faith Toliver – for believing in me when I was completely inexperienced 10 years ago and giving me my first wedding gig as a photographer.

Rudy Kyles – my husband whose unwavering support has allowed me to get to this point. I love you 3000.

The Memphis Photography Community – who has assisted me and encouraged me to continue to pursue and improve my craft. I appreciate their support and sense of community so much.

Website: https://www.incrediblywee.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/incrediblywee

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/incrediblywee

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH2nfllNb2E6sgkNZD6H8rQ

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutTennessee is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.