We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kelsey Schwenk. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kelsey below.
Alright, Kelsey thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
My most meaningful project has been taking photos for me. While I know this can sound cliché, it truly is the reason I capture memories for others — because I know how meaningful they are for me. From my grandparents interacting with their first grandchild, Saturday mornings at the local market, my children experiencing the beach I grew up on, to traveling to my homeland in Puerto Rico, photos are the way I remember to remember.
The times when I have felt the most fulfilled in photography is when I’m weaving my personal projects throughout my commercial work.
Kelsey, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I definitely didn’t set out to be a wedding photographer, it was definitely a happy accident. My husband, being the dreamer and risk-taker that he is, decided to start a photography business and I quickly fell in love with the medium of photography, specifically film. My background in music education has offered me skills of organizing people and averting potentially stressful scenarios that have carried over into this industry.
I like to describe our approach as capturing the moments you never want to forget. Like the feeling of being dried by the sun on a beach, the first date with the person you knew you would marry, laughing with family and friends late into the night reminiscing through tears and smiles? Those nostalgic moments? Those are the reasons why we’re in business. We are inspired to do something bigger than ourselves — we want to give hope, bring joy, and, if possible, pause life. We don’t want those heartfelt moments that make up your life to ever be forgotten because we know just how significant they become. We create an intentional wedding experience where your story is given the tremendous and unforgettable weight it deserves. I truly desire for people to be able to experience a meaningful pause when looking through their photos and know that they don’t need to worry about poses or timeline or light. That’s on me. Weddings tend to have so many different dynamics and if I can aide to a stress-free day, count me in.
Outside of the heart of why we do what we do, I want people to freaking fall in love with themselves. Generally no one “likes” being in front of a camera. I mean what do you do with your hands?! And the photos they do have are from an iphone and most likely taken by a dad who held the phone way too low. My goal is to direct you in natural ways so you look like you and how you look is amazing.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
This is a two sides, same coin scenario. The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and a creative is that I get to put myself into it. There will always be a part of me in the art that I create and that is also the greatest variable. If I’m not taking care of myself, letting my brain, body, and emotions rest, it’s incredibly easy to be drained and feel like I have nothing left to give. Which, is not an ideal place when you’re creating. On the positive side, when there’s images that slap, it’s so exciting. I got to be part of the millions of variables that went into making this piece of art.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Absolutely. At the top of the list, professional counseling. I know that counseling doesn’t fall necessarily into the category of creative, but it is essential to have someone who is a safe place bear witness to your life because you are bearing witness to the lives of so many others. As we do life with others, we’re going to rub up against things that throw us off and it’s most likely because of our own stories. So having the awareness and capacity and care for ourselves can only make us better artists.
Secondly, don’t try to make your own logo lol. Hire a seasoned professional who will dig into a holistic brand with and for you.
Contact Info:
- Website: kelseyandnate.com
- Instagram: @kelsey.schwenk
- Facebook: kelseyandnate
Image Credits
first image of me is by KC Lostetter