Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kellie Veach. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kellie, appreciate you joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
On my journey in photography, I’ve managed to turn my passion into a full-time gig. It wasn’t an overnight success, but rather a step-by-step process that I really enjoyed.
First things first, I spent some time getting to know the ins and outs of my camera gear, especially in tricky lighting situations. This laid a solid foundation for the quality I wanted in my work and helped me stand out in a competitive field. To break into the industry, I decided to collaborate with other professionals, even taking on a few gigs without pay. It might sound unconventional, but those experiences were like gold. They not only helped me polish my skills but also allowed me to build a portfolio, I wasn’t ready to take on paid gigs then, and it was important to me that once I started to take clients I did it with work that was worth the money they were paying me. Just be a genuine person & don’t treat people like an ‘end to a means’. It wasn’t all a smooth road. Learning and getting better took time, and there were moments of frustration. But hey, I loved every bit of the journey. As I continued, I transitioned from unpaid to paid gigs, building up a clientele and earning a reputation for delivering top-notch work. The satisfaction of overcoming challenges and seeing improvement in my craft kept me going, don’t be shy and take validation! Learn to really love your work as well, if you don’t think it’s beautiful then why would anyone else? There’s something special about the organic way things unfolded. The joy I found in the journey, the friendships made along the way, and the satisfaction of seeing my skills evolve—those are things you can’t rush. In the end, my journey wasn’t just about earning a living; it was about falling in love with the process. Each unpaid gig, every challenge, and all those late nights editing were part of the story. It’s been a ride, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Kellie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am the creative force behind our photo+video company, and my husband is the talented videographer alongside me. Allow me give you a glimpse into our world! I stumbled into the realm of photography and videography with a thirst for capturing life’s beautiful moments. From weddings to family gatherings, senior photos, and corporate events, we’ve got you covered for all those BIG milestones you want to remember forever. Weddings are where we thrive, It’s where we truly found our groove. Some people get nervous at the thought of diving into the wedding industry, but trust me, it’s like a well-choreographed dance. Everything runs on a schedule, and the wedding itself is a goldmine of beautifully set-up moments just waiting to be captured. I’ve come to enjoy the challenge of working in this industry.
What sets us apart? It’s not just about taking pictures or recording moments for us. It’s about crafting an experience and story that you’ll cherish forever. I genuinely care about your journey with us. Whether it’s the excitement of a wedding day or the warmth of a family photoshoot, I want you to feel the sincerity in every frame. If you’re considering us for your special day, just know that I want you to be thrilled. I want you to care about these moments as much as we do. The magic in our best photos and videos doesn’t just happen; it’s a result of our clients investing time in creating meaningful stories. This goes beyond weddings— even the best corporate events have that touch of care and passion that makes them extraordinary. What makes me proud is seeing the joy on your faces when you relive those moments through our lens. So, if you’re seeking not just a photographer and videographer but storytellers who genuinely care, you’ve found us. Let’s create some magic together!
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I’m on a quest to dive into the vibrant world of live events photography, especially capturing the energy of concerts, I find myself at a crossroads. While conventional wisdom suggests starting from the ground up, my years of photography experience make me feel like I could contribute at a more advanced level. I want to hit the ground running, building on what I’ve learned so far. On another note, my heart is set on infusing travel into my journey. Whether it’s documenting the magic of weddings or the essence of corporate events, I want to bring my lens to different corners of the world. I’m not just about taking pictures; I want to tell stories that resonate with diverse settings and cultures. I’m out there, mingling with communities and online platforms, sharing my passion for capturing the beauty of varied locations. Connecting with event planners, destination wedding organizers, and corporate event coordinators, I’m letting them know that I’m ready to bring my adaptable style to any location.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Reliability has been the bedrock of my brand. I am unwavering in my commitment to showing up when promised, I arrive 15 to 30 minutes early. Punctuality is not just a professional obligation for me; it’s a testament to my dedication. Timely delivery is another cornerstone of my reliability. I make it a point to ensure albums are delivered promptly, understanding the significance of capturing and preserving moments within expected timelines. Meeting deadlines is not just a practice but a reflection of the respect I hold for my clients’ trust. Beyond punctuality and album delivery, my commitment to reliability extends to troubleshooting. I pride myself on being a problem solver. Whether anticipating issues or creatively resolving unexpected challenges, I aim to make the entire photography experience smooth and stress-free for my clients. My reputation is built on a foundation of reliability. Clients can trust that when they choose me, they’re getting a photographer who values their time, delivers on promises, and proactively addresses any concerns that may arise.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kelliekayphotos.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelliekayphotos/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-kay-637277130/
Image Credits
SWP Event Photos