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

Kelly , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I can think of exactly 3 times when I took a huge life-changing risk. Starting Blackall Photography and leaving my cushy job at a local law firm was one of them. Sure, I’ve taken little risks here & there, but going out on my own with no guarantee of a paycheck was big for me.

I never was one that had a clear goal of what I wanted to be when I grew up but I knew as an adult I definitely wanted to be my own boss. It’s not that I have control issues- well, maybe a little, but I have always been one that would never shy away from a leadership role. I can remember in elementary school for group projects, I would always be the one that did the presentation to the class. Or when I was with my siblings or cousins playing at home I would be the director AND lead actress in any little production we put on, thankfully they put up with me but that kind of want to lead just came naturally.

As a wedding photographer specifically, being in front of large groups directing is my jam! I love so much what I do and I love that my job is to be part of someone’s best day.

I firmly believe if you’re going to do something, do it right and give it everything you’ve got! All 3 of those aforementioned risks have 100% paid off in spades and I am so grateful that I took that leap of faith.

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?

When creating my business, the very first thing you have to do, besides have a small panic attack that you are actually opening up your own company, is to decide on a name.

I love walking into businesses that put their own name on their products. There is a pride in ownership there – if they mess up, they will do EVERYTHING to make it right. So for me, that was super important when creating the brand of Blackall Photography. I wanted my clients to know I not only care about my company but it’s personal to me.

What sets Blackall Photography apart from the competition is I don’t just provide photos, we provide a boutique experience… I personally hand-edit all delivered images and I never ever outsource. For me, there is just too much emotion in these captured moments for a stranger or someone who wasn’t there to fully understand all that went into that exact image.

Also, before an engagement session, I love to take a moment to sit and chat… maybe have a few drinks that I pack and get to know one another. Personally, I love that interaction pre-portraits to see how you talk with your hands and move your eyes when looking at your significant other. I want my clients to know I AM invested in their imagery. I want them to be able to show these photos to their grandchildren.

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

One of the hardest lessons I think any creative has to learn is to stay in their own lane. When first starting out, comparing yourself to every other person in your industry is pretty much a guarantee of something you will do. Then, after you get a little more confident in your own skin, you learn to not do that.

I wish I had had a mentor to tell me- just do you. Learning that myself over the years has been one of the biggest, most helpful things. Right now, I couldn’t tell you with even a generality what my competitors charge or what they deliver. I have to 100% do what is right for me, my clients my bottom line… and my sanity! ;)

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building an audience on social media is not hard or complicated- building a genuine audience that will actually translate into bookings can be a little more challenging.

To start. you have to know I firmly believe in shopping local and I LOVE my community here in Old Town Lewisville. We have a group like none other and I love that we all support one another! I fancy myself a champion of the small business entrepreneur! I believe in putting in the work and face-time with anyone you think would be interested in my service. I love going into our local shops, speaking with owners and their staff, and letting an organic friendship build.
It’s truly something knowing you have people in your corner and they know I am in theirs.

That 100% can translate into a bigger audience on your social platforms. Not just more followers, but more business. I think social media is a necessary evil and for a free resource, I think it’s naive to think it won’t be useful, but the companies calling trying to sell me bots or likes in exchange for money don’t realize the value of a good ol’ fashioned conversation with a neighbor.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blackallphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackallphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackallphotographyLLC/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Blackallphotog
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/blackall-photography-lewisville

Image Credits
All photos copyright © Blackall Photography LLC