We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kaylee Michael a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kaylee, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
I started my business when I was 20. I started with a very simple name. My own name. As I progressed in my career I started wanting more from my name. It just felt so dull. Don’t get me wrong I love my name BUT it just wasn’t what I was hoping for. I ended up taking a break from photography for a short while. When I got back to it, my first thought was I have to change my name.I wanted something meaningful. So I went with Dorothy Doe Photos and Co. Dorothy is my great grandma. She has been a huge impact in my life. She is my very best friend. Doe was the nickname for my grandma as well. So I wanted something to represent them both. I couldn’t think of anything more special then having these two being the name of my business.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Kaylee! I’m a mom to a 3 year old and have been married to my high school sweetheart for 5 years. I started my photography journey back in 2019. I started with your go to canon rebel. It did it’s job for sure! Then I ended up taking a year long break. I was feeling very discouraged so I eventually gave it up. After stopping I realized how much I loved it. How much I missed it. I eventually picked up a camera again. I fell in love all over again. I have been back at it part time for over a year now!
I offer a wide range of different services. My biggest thing I focus on is weddings and couples. I absolutely love to capture special moments for my couples. Especially their wedding day. I also offer family photography as well.
I think what sets me apart from other photographers is my style. I have changed it a few times to get to where I love my work completely. My style is kinda different. In a good way! I love the way I edit and editing as a whole.
I think the thing I’m most proud of is myself. I didn’t think I could do this. I have been struggling with mental health issues for awhile. I’m very vocal about it because I always believe if we talk about it it can end the stigma and help others. I overcame a lot to get to where I’m at. I have anxiety dissociative disorder and a few other things. Photography helped motivate me. It helped me get out of bed. It taught me to believe in myself. It pushed me to do things I didn’t think I could do at the time. It really saved my life. It made me believe in myself and in my work. That is always why I give every client my all because without my clients believing in me and trusting me with their special days I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
The biggest goal driving my journey is being full time. I want to be full time and be able to help provide for my family. I want to do what I love 5 days a week and make a income for myself and my family. Another personal goal is having a destination wedding. Especially in Montana. I have never been but oh my gosh would that be A DREAM. i know one day I can achieve this goal.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I built my audience by being present. That’s the best way. Show up for your clients. They want to be entertained. Show up on reels. Post regularly. Do a giveaway now and then. That has always helped bring in more followers but don’t do them often because then they will just rely on you to do giveaways. Just put yourself out there and be authentically you! You’ll be surprised at how much you can build your online presence.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dorothy-doephotosco.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: @dorothydoephotosco