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

Kasey, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

If I could go back in time, I wish I had just trusted my younger self and started right out of high school. I’ve loved photography since I was around 14, but back then, it felt like more of a dream than a realistic career. So I did the “safe” thing I went to college, tried to follow the traditional path. But when I got pregnant with my daughter, something in me shifted. I realized I didn’t want to spend my life building someone else’s dream. I wanted to be present, to create something meaningful, and still make a difference in people’s lives. That’s when I gave myself permission to start.

Looking back, I think younger me was ready I just didn’t know it yet. If I had started sooner, I would’ve had more time to grow, fail, and figure things out. But at the same time, I don’t regret the timing either. Every twist in the road shaped how I run my business now with more heart, more grit, and a deeper appreciation for the journey. Still, if I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be: you don’t need to have it all figured out just start.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi! I’m Kasey Fraley, the face behind Kasey Fraley Photography. I’m a brand and lifestyle photographer based in Oklahoma, and I specialize in capturing real, honest moments for small business owners, families, couples, and mamas. My style is documentary and connection driven less about perfect poses, more about presence and authenticity.

I fell in love with photography at 14, but it wasn’t until I became a mom that I truly gave myself permission to pursue it. I wanted freedom, time with my family, and a way to make a real impact and photography gave me all of that.

Now, I help people feel seen. I work with small businesses to create brand imagery that feels true to who they are, and I photograph life’s most meaningful seasons for families and couples. What sets me apart is how much I care I take time to understand each person I work with, so their images reflect who they are, not just how they look.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

For me, connection is everything. I don’t just show up, take photos, and leave—I really try to get to know my clients as people. During our sessions, I ask about their lives, their kids, what’s going on outside of the shoot. I take mental (and sometimes actual) notes so that the next time I see them, I can follow up. I want them to know I’m paying attention and that I truly care.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I started my photography journey with my mom’s old camera and a lot of heart. I didn’t have any fancy gear or big savings just a deep love for photography and a determination to make it work. I charged $25 an hour for sessions in the beginning and used every bit of that income to slowly build up my gear and skills.

It was very grassroots one shoot at a time, reinvesting every dollar back into the business. I didn’t take out loans or have outside funding. I built it little by little, upgrading my equipment as I grew more confident and experienced. Looking back, I’m proud of how scrappy and resourceful I was. It taught me to value the process, stay grounded, and appreciate every step of the journey.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @kaseyfraleyphotography
• Facebook: @kaseyfraleyphotography

Image Credits

Kasey Fraley Photography