Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominic Joy Kirkpatrick.
Hi Dominic Joy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Photography has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I picked up my first camera in high school, captivated by the way a single image could hold both beauty and story. During my college years, I spent my summers working in a darkroom for multimillion-dollar companies who understood that a single photograph could catapult their bottom line. That experience shaped the way I see photography—not just as art, but as a powerful tool for communication and impact.
When I began my professional career, it was with high school senior portraits. I loved the chance to celebrate young adults right on the edge of possibility, standing at the threshold of their future. Over time, that same spark drew me toward women building businesses and organizations—women with passion, vision, and often a faith-driven purpose behind their work.
My years as a high school English teacher also shaped the way I approach photography. I spent countless hours teaching students how to find their voice, explore multiple perspectives, and communicate with clarity. We studied symbolism, allusions, and patterns—skills that now influence how I compose and create images. Today, I strive to make photographs that reveal more than what’s obvious at first glance—images that carry meaning, connection, and depth.
What I discovered is that many women entrepreneurs had the words to describe what they did, but struggled to visually communicate the heart of their brand. That’s where my calling as a commercial and brand photographer took root. I realized I could help capture not just what someone does, but who they are—in a way that connects deeply with their audience.
Now, my work is about so much more than photos. It’s about giving entrepreneurs and organizations visuals that align with their story, elevate their marketing, and inspire confidence in their brand. My background as an educator, coach, traveler, and volunteer all inform the way I approach photography—with curiosity, empathy, and a genuine desire to see people succeed.
For me, it’s never just about taking pictures. It’s about helping women step into their story with clarity and confidence—and giving them images that speak what words cannot.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a business from nothing but an idea and a hope is rarely a straight path. It’s a road marked by inspiration followed by doubt, progress followed by setbacks, gains followed by loss. And yet, that winding road is where the growth happens.
Being a female business owner, I often say, comes with a unique wardrobe of honor. Some days you’re coordinating “kid carpool shoes” with a “boss lady jacket”—and both roles are equally important. Along the way, I’ve had to learn countless new skills, refuse to measure success against the pace of a calendar, and give myself permission to extend grace when things don’t go perfectly. Humor has been my best companion—because if you can’t laugh at the everyday chaos of juggling business and life, you’ll miss some of the sweetest moments.
These lessons have shaped the way I work with other women entrepreneurs. I understand the juggle, the vulnerability of putting yourself out there, and the courage it takes to keep showing up. That’s why my photography sessions are designed to be both professional and approachable—a space where women can bring their full selves, messy schedules and all, and still walk away with images that honor the heart of their brand.
In the end, the imperfect journey is what makes the story so powerful—and that’s exactly what I love to capture.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Most solopreneurs and small business owners don’t have the luxury of a full marketing or production team to brainstorm, plan, and execute their visuals. They know they need images that illustrate what they do—and more importantly, who they do it for—but they often don’t know where to start. That’s where I step in.
As a marketing-minded brand and commercial photographer, my process goes far beyond clicking the shutter. From the very first conversation, I design our work together to feel like I’m putting on your “brand coat.” I want to understand your story so deeply that I can think like your audience and create images that speak directly to their heartbeat.
I invest heavily in research and creative development before every session. I’ll present clients with several possible “storylines” that we can capture together, suggest locations that bring those stories to life, and highlight the key images most likely to deliver strong ROI. Once we’ve built a shared vision, I create a detailed shot list, gather props, and design a shoot day that feels both intentional and inspiring.
The result is what I like to call a two-for-one bonus: my clients walk away not only with a gallery of versatile, professional images but also with the benefit of marketing strategy baked right in. The preparation we do together ensures that their visuals aren’t just beautiful—they’re purposeful, effective, and ready to work hard for their business.
What I’m most proud of is that I’ve been able to create a process that leaves clients feeling seen, supported, and confident. Our shoot days are fun, creative, and authentic, but also organized in a way that maximizes time and outcome. That balance of artistry and strategy is what sets me apart.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I’ll be honest—I’m a natural buffalo-plaid–wearing introvert. For a long time, networking was the part of my business I dragged my feet on. I’ve always gravitated toward humility and putting others first, so the idea of “networking” felt too much like self-promotion.
What changed everything for me was realizing that networking didn’t have to mean passing out business cards in a crowded room. It could mean finding like-minded individuals who shared the same values, struggles, and passions—people I could both learn from and walk alongside. When I began to see networking as fellowship instead of self-promotion, it became not only palatable, but actually life-giving.
Now, I seek out small-group opportunities where authentic conversations can unfold, where people are genuinely curious about each other’s stories. That’s where I thrive. And honestly, those authentic connections translate directly into my work as a brand photographer. Because the same way I want to really know people in networking settings is the same way I approach my clients—I listen, I learn, and I help them feel truly seen.
For anyone who feels hesitant about networking, I’d say this: your next authentic connection could be waiting in a coffee shop line, at a community event, or in a gathering of women business owners. The key is to show up as yourself and be open to genuine conversation. When you lead with authenticity, the right people will always find you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://minnebrand.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minnebrandphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=minnebrand%20photography
