Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kelli Price. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Kelli thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I think there are several things that make you successful. Some of it may come natural while others are outside of your comfort zone. There are some things that I did naturally that I never thought about until somebody else pointed it out.

– Everybody says this but its always good to have a reminder – Let your personality shine through. For the most part, people are hiring YOU. If you want to attract customers that will value the service you provide, then you want to be your most authentic self.
– Say yes and figure it out later. Maybe not with ALL projects, but there will always be projects outside of your comfort zone that will grow your business (or maybe you figure out that is NOT a direction you want to go). Give it a whirl, we all know the phrase “Fake it till you make it!”
– Don’t be afraid to network and put yourself out there. If somebody asks what you do, hand them a business card. I will never forget the times I asked a mutual friend what she did (several times) and it wasn’t until she gave me a card that I finally scheduled an appointment with her.
– When you are given an opportunity don’t let it slip away. Get an organization system that manages your opportunities so that you follow up with them.

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?

I began my career as an Account Manager at USMotivation in Atlanta. USM was a full-service rewards, recognition and incentive company with a focus on Incentive Awards and Travel Meetings . As a Senior Account Manager in the Awards Department (think: using your sky mile points for fun stuff…I managed those programs), I learned so much about project planning, software testing, email blasts, customer service and other skills that have helped me have a successful photography business! But most of all, I met some of my best friends and contacts in the industry that supported me in my event photography journey (you know who you are)!

When I switched paths and ventured into photography, it was natural to fall in love with event photography. I saw a great opportunity to combine a few things I really loved… my previous experience with incentive programs, travel, having cocktails with friends and telling the story of amazing events through photography. In 2016 I moved to California to “shake things up”. I call the Reno/Tahoe area home, but the South (hey y’all!) will always have my heart…and most of my clients!!!

I’m often asked, “What is your favorite subject to photograph?” Most people assume its landscape photography since I live in such a beautiful area. But I would say photographing so many networking events has made me realize my favorite is working with individuals on their headshots and hear them say, “This is my favorite photo, and I hate getting my picture taken!” I also seem to be earning a reputation for capturing great candids of couples at the events which gives them a special memory from the evening!

A few years ago, I saw the comment below on a Facebook post after a client posted their headshot. The comment said, “That must be a Kelli Price original!!” ….it totally made my day to have my photography style recognized. As I said before, working with client on their individual portraits is one of my favorite things to photograph. Because, let’s be honest….most people over the age of 22 don’t enjoy the direct attention of a camera.

I love seeing all the headshots on social media I have taken over the years. Between networking events, which I can average about 75-100 lifestyle headshots, small business branding photography sessions and individual portraits, there are a LOT out there! So, I decided to start hashtag: #kelligivesgoodheadshots Did it make you laugh? Good!

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

I have really struggled with finding the balance in marketing my business. Should I spend more money on my website? Should I try paid ads on Google? How much time should I spend on social media? Should I try video or get a drone? At the end of the day, what has grown my clientele and BOOKED business is RELATIONSHIPS with my clients. Over the years, I have allocated funds and time in my schedule to make sure that I can attend important networking events.

There are a lot of great industry events out there and it isn’t possible to get involved with all of them. I focus on SITE (Society for Incentive Travel Excellence) and Retreats Resources. Even though I live on the west coast, I am on the board for our SITE Southeast chapter because that is the group of people I know the best, “my industry family.”

I can track my business back to the source of the referrals and I would say 90% of my business is through building relationships. There are a lot of amazing event photographers out there. What sets me apart from them? People hire me because they have met me in person, they feel comfortable with me, or a peer referred me to them.

Don’t be afraid to hand out those business cards and introduce your self at any opportunity!

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

Even though its “work” and can be tiring & annoying like any job, it is also is a part of what makes me ME! It gives me my confidence, my purpose, and energizes me. When people ask, “What are you traveling for?” or “What do you do?” and I say, “I’m an event photographer” I love people’s reaction, oh that’s cool!

I love making people happy with a great photo of themselves, with their family or a special moment at a meeting. After the past 2 years, I think people realize it’s even more special to capture those moments with professional photography. One of my long-time clients had their annual conference in May 2022 after 2.5 years apart. They opened the general session with a video montage of their beloved MC & colleague that they lost to Covid. The montage was created from video clips and my photographs. This isn’t to brag, but actually brings tears to my eyes. It’s a little reminder that what I do really does have meaning. My photos may capture the last time somebody is photographed with their loved ones or a favorite co-worker.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.KelliPricePhotography.com
• Instagram: KelliPricePhotography_events
• Facebook: Facebook.com/kellipricephotography1
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellipricephotography/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kelli-price-photography-reno-2
• Other: 2nd IG account- @KelliPricephotography