This is the eleventh article in a Vendor Profile Series intended to share the history and diversity of the Market through the stories of our vendors, as we celebrate our 25th Season. This article is written by journalist Barry Courter.
For many years, taking pictures was a hobby for Kevin Livingood, and it was one that he was pretty good it. He liked his work, but wondered what others might think.
So, after some contemplation, he decided 16 years ago to take a risk and got a booth at the Chattanooga Market just to see if his work might appeal to others enough that they might buy his photographs. It was a decision that changed the trajectory of his life, at least when it came to photography, and making money from it.
“Prior to participating in Market, I simply wasn't selling my work,” he says. “My first day at the market was the first time I ever sought to sell my work.”
Kevin says he didn't have any real expectations, but was immediately surprised at the amount of people who attended the market and he found he enjoyed the interactions with patrons and other vendors.
“A distinct memory I have was of my very first market and being absolutely shocked with the volumes of people.
“I went into participating in market open minded. I didn't really didn't realize the magnitude it would have on my life. I truly didn't have any goals going into it. I was just going to see how it goes. After my first event, I was hooked and couldn't wait to go back. Sixteen year later, my first market event feels like it was just yesterday.”
Kevin says he was overwhelmed by the crowds at his first market and became obsessed with the whole environment and spent the early years learning the process for having a successful booth.
“The first few years were definitely exploratory where I was always seeing that perfect set up or constantly making inventory adjustments to discover what really sells,” he says.
Today, Kevin sells 98% of his photography sales are at the market each Sunday, and Livingood Photography is now “a hobby which I run as a business.
If it were not for (the) market, I would not be in business and I would have never sold my work. -- Kevin Livingood
Kevin says his side hustle made it possible for his wife, Kim, to stay at home to care for their two boys, but eventually became interested in photography herself. Market patrons often asked if Kevin did family portraiture work.
“I had no interest in doing so, but my wife was interested. So I taught her how to use the gear I already had and she became a portrait photographer and also a wedding photographer. She is now retired from the business.
“I'll never quit doing market myself.
He said does come with me to market each Sunday and helps with the set up, break down and also with sales.
“She really enjoys all of the social aspects of market,” he says.
Kevin says he appreciates the market staff and their willingness to try new things to keep things fresh, and he enjoys getting to know his fellow creatives.
“Other market vendors are very much like family,” he says. “
“We all look forward to seeing each other on Sundays and enjoy our time together. It's really a wonderful group of people who are always willing to help each other out and support each other.”
