We recently connected with Kasey Kathleen and have shared our conversation below.

Kasey , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

Whew, that’s a question…isn’t it? How would I do it differently with the knowledge I poses now?

1. I’d only follow educators + other photographers that inspire me from across the country. 100%, comparison is the thief of joy and I’ve actually began to unfollow local photographers. Why? Simply because I’ve found I’m the best photographer I can be without the noise of what those around me are doing.

2. I’d invest in good gear right off the bat and run it until it breaks. A good camera + lenses are a must but also; the best gear won’t make you better. Learning to simply create, take the pressure off and experimenting is what will help. Just get out there and shoot…they say your first 10k photos are your worst and I absolutely agree.

3. Boundaries. As someone who’s been doing this for 8+ years I can tell you with absolute certainty that you will burn out if you keep going at an unsustainable pace. Rest is a requirement, not a privilege. Set office hours, put the computer away for family time and ignore messages one day a week. We are business owners but we’re human too,

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?

Elevator pitch? “Hey, I’m Kasey! I’m a documentary family photographer based out of little ole’ Manitowoc WI + serving the Midwest. I believe in capturing the authentic moments and letting go of the expectations of a “normal” family session should be.”

Taking things a bit deeper; I’m 8 years into this adventure you call business ownership + pro photography. It’s taken me all 8 years to land here, right where I want to be in my career. I started out capturing $45 sessions for extra cash and ended up building a strong six figure, solo-preneur business known as Kasey Kathleen Co. Over the years I’ve captured hundreds of weddings + thousands of sessions from family to branding.

The timing on this interview is wild because it comes when I’ve really found my passion, instead of chasing an every kind of photography. The 2025 season will be my last for weddings (except for one in 2026) as I lean into my family sessions; and I couldn’t be more excited!

Maybe it’s the 30-something thing where I just give off those “aunt vibes” or it’s time for a change, but family sessions are EVERYTHING to me. It’s the magic, connection and honor to step into someone’s lives even if only for an hour.

All that to be said, if you’re looking for some really unique + rad family photos in Wisconsin or the Midwest, I am DEFINITELY your photographer. ✌🏻

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

That photography should cost an “arm & a leg”: (See what I did there fellow photographers?)

I think there’s a misconception being taught by a lot of educators in the photography industry. If you really listen many say to “charge your worth”. But isn’t that subjective?

Now don’t get me wrong; I’m all for charging a fair, livable wage. Do your cost of business, break down your hourly and charge a good rate; but I just don’t believe that a simple 45-60 minute family session should cost insane amounts and I stand by that. Again, being paid fair…just not price gouging. 🫶🏻

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I think my whole story is one of resilience to be honest.

I started my business when my son was 9 months old in hopes to provide some extra $ for our family. I worked nights and weekends while also doing a full time job that my son came to with me; on top of being a wife, mom and more. I made mistakes, learned from them, made more 🤣 and kept going. If someone would have shown me the roadmap to year 9 in business I probably would have ran the other way.

This isn’t for the faint of heart. No one tells you the level of self motivation that is needed. The discipline, sacrifice, self awareness, education and tears that go into building your dream. Any business owner that succeeds is tough as nails…but it is 100% worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kaseykathleen.co
• Instagram: @kaseykathleen.co
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaseykathleenco

Image Credits

They’re of course my photos 😊 – Kasey Kathleen Co.