We were lucky to catch up with Kaci Wingo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaci, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

When I was a young child, I started out in front of the camera. I was very into pageants and that led me to some modeling as well. Ever since then, I’ve always cherished photography. When my grandmother and great-grandmother passed in 2011 only months apart, I was going through their photos with my mom and it made me realize just how important photos really are. They are the only things we have left when those we love are no longer with us. They’re sometimes the only things that can spark memories that we may have forgotten about from years past. So, when I took a Photography 101 class as an elective for my Elementary Education degree, I was really only thinking I’d use it for personal use and maybe it might teach me how to use my phone camera better. By the end of that semester, I had switched my major to Fine Art Photography and I haven’t looked back since. I am now pursuing a degree in marketing as well so that it can help me achieve my goal even more. My goal is to capture as many memories for people as possible. It is my honor to be that person who can provide memories to my clients and better yet, education on why photography is so important. I am very vocal on my page that digital images in particular may be the norm for the day and age we are in, but they aren’t ideal. I try to educate as much as possible that devices fail all the time and you can even lose access to your cloud. Digital images just aren’t meant to last forever, not like prints at least. I am unique in my business model in that I specifically cater to families that are looking to print their images. I take the time to show my clients each piece and truly create art for them to cherish their memories and not just let them sit on a device forever. I hope in my mission to educate that I am able to see my clients’ homes filled with their memories on display and that they are able to share with everyone they see fit.

Kaci, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Kaci Wingo, I am a photographer and mom of one beautiful baby girl. I started my photography business after switching to a photography major in college in 2018. I enjoy all things glitter and boho, reading, and anything cottage core has my heart. I have a beautiful baby girl who owns my whole world and am the wife of an amazing man. When I’m not out capturing memories, I love to cook and craft. I love to spend my free time roaming Target or hanging out with my family at home. Photography has been in my life since I was young, starting my love in front of the camera first. I have a passion for creating memories and I couldn’t do that without the support of my clients. I’m most proud of the growth I have as a business owner and all the things being a woman-owned business has taught me.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

2020 was a hard time for a lot of small businesses. When everything was shut down, we had to learn how to keep going. For some, that meant virtual sessions and education. For me, that meant perfecting my craft and taking my camera everywhere I sought adventure. Doing so really helped me focus on the style that I wanted to achieve and it helped my creativity to see things in a brand-new light. During this time I also had the time to connect with my mentor and she taught me not only so many business-related things but more about how to properly run my business too.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I really wish I had known about Sprout Studio prior to this year. I switched and it’s been amazing for my business to have all of my client management in one place including my galleries and invoicing, email marketing, and everything in between.

Contact Info:

• Website: kaciwingo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaciwingophotography
• Facebook: facebook.com/photosbykaci
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaciwingo

Image Credits
Kaci Wingo Photography