Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Maline.

Hi Kelsey, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

I got introduced to photography in 2016 while working as a marketing assistant for a large Pennsylvania nonprofit. Part of my job was to photograph events with the company camera, and it quickly became one of my favorite parts of the job. Soon after, I was thinking about getting professional headshots taken, and stumbled upon a local photographer on Facebook who quickly became my inspiration from both a style and business perspective. I loved her work so much that I wanted to start my own business, albeit knowing almost nothing. By 2019, I had gradually accumulated some knowledge, equipment, and connections. I was second-shooting some weddings, taking part in some local Facebook group meet-ups, and had even shot my first ever wedding as a lead. In the summer of 2021, I started contracting with a media company as a wedding photographer, which allowed me to gain a lot of invaluable experience, material for my portfolio, and confidence so I could continue to branch out on my own. I continue to contract with them and also maintain my own business.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

It hasn’t always been smooth sailing; the main derailments being COVID, financial setbacks, and personal life changes that took over my time, attention, and focus. But when I’ve been able to maintain my focus, I’ve found that I’ve been able to make pretty steady progress toward my goals.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

I’m primarily a wedding and engagement photographer. I love working outside to utilize natural light a.k.a. “golden hour,” and also capturing candid moments. I love a good black and white image. It’s always fun to catch a pretty sun flare in images too!

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?

I don’t really think I believe in luck too much. I think everything is pretty random, especially when you think about how easily things could’ve worked out totally differently if you (or someone else) had only made one small choice differently. I think most things that happen are the result of choices, either yours or someone else’s, either directly or indirectly, or total coincidence. But if things really are being pieced together by a higher power, I don’t think we can call that luck.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kelsey-april.com
• Instagram: @kelseyaprilphoto
• Facebook: kelseyaprilphotography
• Other: kelseyaprilphoto@gmail.com

Image Credits

Kelsey Maline/Kelsey April Photography