We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kelsey Converse a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kelsey, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

You’re absolutely right—every industry has its challenges to profitability, and for us in elopement photography, one of the biggest hurdles is outdated perceptions of elopements. Traditionally, eloping was seen as a cheap or spontaneous alternative to a “real” wedding, so photographers still carry this notion that couples choosing to elope aren’t willing to invest in their day. As a result, many photographers undercharge because they assume their clients are on a tighter budget. Oh, and that they are “easier” than big weddings.

But here’s the thing: elopements today look completely different. Our ideal clients are adventure-loving couples who want to have an intimate, meaningful experience that aligns with their values. These couples are investing heavily in their elopement—choosing breathtaking destinations, and creating a memorable experience that is centered around the two of them. It’s just as valuable (if not more!) as a traditional wedding, and our pricing should reflect that.

I’ve seen so many talented photographers struggle with profitability because they’re undercharging out of fear that no one will pay higher rates for an elopement. But when you start viewing elopements as “real weddings”, it completely shifts your mindset—and your clients see the value in what you’re offering. One of my students was booking elopements back-to-back, but at rates that weren’t sustainable, and it was leading straight to burnout. Once we adjusted her pricing to better reflect the experience and expertise she was bringing to the table, she started booking fewer but higher-paying clients, which gave her more time to enjoy life and actually increased her income.

The biggest challenge isn’t just the misconception around elopement pricing—it’s getting photographers to see the worth of what they’re offering and to stop playing into outdated stereotypes. Elopements are special, and we need to charge accordingly!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hey there! I’m Kelsey, an elopement photographer and business educator that helps wedding and elopement photographers who are so passionate about their craft regain control of their businesses and achieve the freedom they dream of—without burning out in the process.

I got into this industry after realizing how many photographers were struggling to turn their passion into a sustainable career. I started out as a photographer myself and fell in love with capturing those intimate, raw moments that happen when couples are truly themselves. But as my business grew, I had to quickly find the balance of enjoying my passion for my job, with also maintaining a personal life with it. After months of regaining control and focus, I finally built a multi-6 figure elopement business that allowed me to live the life that I desired.

Then, something happened that I hadn’t anticipated: I quickly realized that many of my other photographer friends were still going through that burnout year after year. Especially those in the wedding and elopement niche, kept facing the same struggles. They’re amazing behind the camera, but when it comes to the business side of things, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or lost. Whether it’s figuring out pricing, managing workflows, or building a sustainable business model, it’s a lot to handle on your own.

So, I decided to add a new sector to my business and become a coach and educator for photographers who are ready to stop just surviving in their business and start thriving. I now offer coaching programs, workshops, and resources to help photographers streamline their processes, have a strategic business model and create a business that allows them to enjoy life—whether that’s spending more time with family, traveling, or just not being stuck behind a computer 24/7.

What sets me apart? I’ve walked in the same shoes as my community. I understand what it’s like to pour your heart into this work but still feel like you’re on a hamster wheel, constantly hustling but not really getting ahead. My approach is not just about giving photographers strategies—it’s about helping them build businesses that align with their personal goals and values. I’m here to show them how they can actually have more freedom while running a wildly successful photography business.

One thing I’m incredibly proud of is seeing my clients break through the mental barriers holding them back—whether that’s shifting their mindset around pricing or finding the confidence to niche down to their dream clients. I’ve watched so many talented photographers go from feeling burnt out and overbooked to finally running a business that works for them.

If there’s one thing I want potential clients and followers to know, it’s that you don’t have to sacrifice your personal life or your passion to build a profitable photography business. It’s 100% possible to create a brand that not only brings in the income you desire but also gives you the freedom to live the life you’ve always dreamed of. And I’m here to guide you every step of the way!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Absolutely! Gosh, SO many pivots. But I guess the most critical one was leaving my steady “dream 9-5 job” to pursue entrepreneurship. It was difficult figuring out what was next, but I just knew that corporate was not the life for me. I struggled with the corporate ladder – having to put everyone down to lift myself up, or having to work longer than anyone else to show that I was good at my job. It just didn’t make sense to me, and I desired a new way of living. I read the book “Pivot”, and it made me realize that the service industry is where I was meant to be, and naturally photography just fell into place.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media has been an exciting journey, and honestly, it didn’t happen overnight. When I first started, I made the same mistake I see a lot of photographers make—I was focusing on the numbers. I thought if I could just grow my following quickly, everything else would fall into place. But what I quickly learned is that it’s not about how many followers you have; it’s about who your followers are and how well you’re connecting with them.

I started seeing real growth when I shifted my mindset from “How do I get more followers?” to “How can I serve my community better?” Instead of worrying about going viral or chasing trends, I focused on creating content that resonated deeply with couples that I wanted to document. I began sharing behind-the-scenes of my elopement days, but then also shared a lot about myself personally. It helped me build a real relationship with my audience, rather than just focusing solely on the photo aspect.

One piece of advice for those just starting to build their social media presence, especially in todays social market, is to have quality over quantity. I prefer to try and post once per week, just so that I keep top of mind with my audience, and find new ways of showing up to new people. Create content that speaks to your ideal client or audience’s pain points, desires, and interests. Be yourself—people can tell when you’re being genuine, and that’s what builds trust over time.

Also, don’t be afraid to niche down. I know it’s scary to think you’ll limit yourself, but the truth is, when you speak to everyone, you end up speaking to no one. If you know who your ideal audience is, speak directly to them. They’re the ones who will resonate with your message and stick around for the long haul.

Finally, don’t get discouraged if growth feels slow. Social media isn’t just a tool for marketing—it’s a place to connect, inspire, and share your expertise. Focus on delivering value, and the right audience will come!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kelseyconverse.com
• Instagram: @kelsconversephoto / @kelsconverse
• Other: Tiktok: @kelsconverse / @kelsconversephoto

Image Credits

Kelsey Converse Photography