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

Alright, Kassi thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

Why I Include Digital Images for My Clients

For me, photography is about more than just taking pictures — it’s about capturing real moments, emotions, and memories that last a lifetime. Too often, clients are surprised by additional charges just to receive the images they invested in, and I knew I didn’t want my clients to ever feel that way.

That’s why when you book a session with me, your photos are included — fully edited, ready to print, and with sharing rights. I do this for several important reasons:

Respect. Your time, energy, and investment deserve full value. You shouldn’t have to pay extra to receive what you booked.

Accessibility. Photography should be for everyone, not just those who can navigate surprise fees. Including images makes professional photography more approachable.

Affordability. I strive to make sessions something clients feel confident investing in, while also being able to return for updated memories year after year.

I understand that many photographers charge extra for images to cover the cost of materials. I don’t operate that way. I focus on the goal rather than the price — photography is a gift to serve, and any income I earn from it is also a gift. While earning money is important, for me it’s equally about helping others feel seen. This work allows me to support my goals as a homemaker and, in the future, pursue my path as a health coach.

Trust. I want my clients to focus on enjoying their session and their images, without worrying about hidden costs.

At the heart of it, photography isn’t just a product — it’s your story, your life, and your moments. My goal is to make sure you have them all, accessible and beautiful, every step of the way.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Kassi Bracken, the heart and lens behind Photos By Kassi B. I got my first digital camera in 2008, discovering my love for nature photography — a passion that naturally evolved into a love for portraits. In high school, I was part of both the journalism and yearbook programs, often capturing photos at football games. After graduating in 2010, I earned a photography certificate and began working professionally, keeping photography as a creative passion.

That continued until right before COVID hit in 2019, when I transitioned into a new position in healthcare. While I learned a lot in this role, I stayed in the position until May of this year, when it became clear I no longer wanted to pursue healthcare in the way I had been. I then made the decision to fully return to photography, using it as a creative release and a way to grow while also pursuing my future goal of becoming a health coach.

I specialize in lifestyle, empowerment, and creative branding photography in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and the surrounding areas, including boudoir, branding, couples, children, families, seniors, self-love portraits, and even pets. Every session is thoughtfully designed to be relaxed and authentic, focusing on capturing genuine moments rather than posed or staged shots.

What sets me apart is my approach: I include fully edited digital images with print and sharing rights in every session. My pricing is designed to be affordable and accessible, reflecting my belief that professional photography should be attainable for everyone. I focus on the goal rather than the price — photography is a gift to serve, and any income I earn is also a gift.

I’m most proud of creating a safe and empowering environment for clients, helping them feel confident, celebrated, and truly seen. My goal is to capture your story authentically so you can cherish your memories now and for years to come.

At its core, Photos By Kassi B. is about making photography affordable, accessible, and meaningful, giving clients an experience that is joyful, confidence-boosting, and unforgettable.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is bringing someone’s vision or story to life in a way that feels authentic and meaningful. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about turning emotions, experiences, or ideas into an image.

Photography isn’t just creative for me — it’s deeply personal. Each session helps me build a life rooted in purpose, connection, and care. It’s a chance to explore perspective, challenge myself, and create something that can evoke emotion, inspire, or comfort. Knowing my work helps someone feel seen, celebrated, or understood is what makes it truly rewarding — it reminds me that art isn’t just about expression; it’s about human connection.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One thing I think non-creatives often don’t understand is how personal and emotional the creative process really is. People see the final photo or design and think it’s ‘just a job,’ but there’s a lot of thought, emotion, and heart behind it. Putting your work out there also means being vulnerable and sharing a piece of yourself with the world. Balancing that with making a living is something most people don’t see, but it’s part of the journey of being a creative.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://photosbykassib.wixsite.com/pbkb
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photosbykassib
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photosbykassib
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassibracken

Image Credits

© 2025 Kassi Bracken, Photos by Kassi B.

Image courtesy of Kassi Bracken, Photos by Kassi B.