We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kalli Indianna. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kalli below.

Kalli, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

When people see super successful photographers on social media they may assume that’s the standard, but that’s not true. There are many obstacles to profitability within photography.

The first is that many people assume all that it takes to be a photographer is “clicking a button”. Because the skill, knowledge, and artistry required for photography is misunderstood or underestimated, people often aren’t willing to invest in a photographer.

The second thing is that photography equipment is EXPENSIVE. The costs can add up quick, and many photographers undercharge. Things like editing software, cameras, SD cards, lenses, gas, props, studio rentals etc. all culminate in a rather expensive business.

Lastly, and probably the biggest obstacle to profitability is imposter syndrome. Artistic services are different from product services because as an artist you must sell yourself. You have to have or create the confidence to market yourself as a person. Art is subjective, and as such many individuals succumb to insecurity about their work. It doesn’t matter how many stellar reviews and compliments an artists receives, they will always focus on the few negative ones. This may cause individuals to give up before they’ve even given their business a real chance. OR it may cause them to undervalue their own time, skill, and creativity. This leads many aspiring photographers to undercharge, thus reducing their profitability.

Kalli, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Kalli Indianna! I am a photographer based in North Texas.

I grew up very poor. My passion for photography began when my mom bought me a lil’ ole point and shoot camera from an antique store. Once that camera was in my hands I knew It was destined to forever be a part of me.

I’m a person who values adventure, art, and the preservation of memories otherwise lost to time. Photography gave me the power to embrace all these things I love. I can create adventure for my clients and myself when working with them by thinking outside the box, and making each session more like an experience than a posed ordeal. I get to create art with my clients, I get to be creative with them and really challenge myself. And I have the pleasure of freezing precious moments for them to look back on and remember fondly.

Because I value these things, each session with me is more than just a photoshoot. I strive to create memories and capture real authentic emotions/ moments for each and every client.

As a photographer I help my clients let loose, have fun, and feel confident in their own skin. I provide them with the opportunity to live in the moment, while I take the stress of preserving it off of their shoulders and into my own hands.

I want each and every client I work with to know that embracing authenticity in each and every moment is what creates beautiful precious photos. When my clients look back on their session with me, I want them to remember what they felt, rather than merely see themselves in some static forced pose.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I like to describe photography as the closest I’ll ever get to having superpowers.

This art form gives me the ability to freeze time permanently.

It gives me the ability to help others find beauty in moments, places, or objects we often overlook. It allows me to help others see beauty within even the most mundane things.

I get to show people new perspectives, create emotion, and inspire authenticity, creativity, and adventure.

THAT is the most rewarding aspect of this art form for me.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

My whole life I have been a perfectionist. And while many people may see that as something positive, it can really stall progress.

For the longest time I felt like I had to learn everything on my own. I felt like asking others for help was admitting failure.

However one of the things I’ve learned from my journey as a photographer is that the most valuable resource we as humans have is each other.

We have the privilege of being able to learn from each other, if only we are willing to allow ourselves to seek that knowledge.

The most valuable resource for me was standing right in front of me my whole career, and for the longest time I held myself back from utilizing it. I have learned so much from other artists. I encourage anyone else who is seeking to grow in ANY field, artistic or otherwise, to ASK questions. Allow yourself to learn from those around you. Asking for help doesn’t make you any less worthy.

You will find that having a community to learn and grow from not only helps you in your chosen field, but it also fuels your soul.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://unscriptedphotographers.com/indianna.kalli?fbclid=IwAR0K14soYc2kARnb1o9akhzMK7CxbKxm_0wfJEPZdbu4SBGT3DDWZmOvKmI
• Instagram: Www.instagram.com/ohsnapph0t0s
• TikTok: snappedbyindi

Image Credits
All images are by Kalli Indianna @ ohsnapphotos Image of Kalli taken by Haleigh Grace edited by Kalli Indianna