We recently connected with Kristen Ellis and have shared our conversation below.

Kristen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

I actually started my business as a wedding photographer, and after a few years I started to have doubts every six months or so about continuing weddings. I still loved photographing them, but they weren’t making my soul catch fire. My passion is in studio and fashion work, but was unsure how to make that work in Kentucky.

During one of those seasons of doubt, I was exhausted the day after a wedding and fell asleep on the couch. I had a dream I was in NYC visiting a friend, and at the end of the trip was offered a job with Condé Nast. When I woke up, I thought, “Yeah, that feels right.” So I immediately looked up Condé Nast’s job openings and there was an opening at the time for GQ. I applied, not because I thought I would get the job, considering I didn’t have the portfolio for fashion yet, but rather as a symbolic first step into the fashion and commercial world.

I then attended a few fashion-focused workshops with one of my favorite photographers, Lindsay Adler. I’ve learned so much from her and the workshops helped build my fashion portfolio quickly. Once I had a large enough portfolio from the workshops and personal projects, I completely changed my website taking down all my wedding information and galleries and replacing it with fashion work. It was terrifying because weddings were my main source of income and I was stepping into a world I knew nothing about, except how to shoot it.

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 am a photographer and educator with a deep love for impactful imagery and helping others see their own power and beauty, whether that’s through a camera or simply their own perspective. My journey into photography started when my mother sent me off with her camera to photograph my little cousins during Easter. I caught the photo-bug during my last year of college, when I was just about to graduate with a Bachelor’s in Music and it completely changed my life’s trajectory.

I specialize in commercial photography which includes branding, editorial portraits, product photography, fashion editorials, and lifestyle shoots. Whether I’m helping a brand refine its visual identity, a business showcase its product, or a person step into their confidence in front of the camera, my focus is always on capturing connection and intentionality.

One thing that sets my work apart is the way I combine technical expertise with emotional intuition. I don’t just light a subject well, I light them with purpose. My goal is never to just take a “pretty picture,” but to create an image that feels like you, your brand, or your vision. Being aware of the small, nuanced, yet impactful changes that need to be made during a shoot is crucial to truly capturing a connection. My goal is always for my clients to walk away feeling fully seen, and to know that their needs were not only noticed, but honored.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I started my business, I only had a couple of small gigs under my belt, but I dove headfirst into wedding photography, sink or swim. My very first wedding tested every ounce of resilience in me.

The forecast called for rain, and sure enough, a storm rolled in. The outdoor ceremony started early to avoid it, but minutes after we got inside, it started pouring. The bride looked at me and said, “I was okay with rain. I’m not okay with this.” We later found out it was a tornado. Power went out, trees had fallen on cars, and debris covered the property.

Despite everything, I got their portraits done. However, with no electricity, there was no light because it was getting dark outside quickly. Also, the band couldn’t plug in, and so they played an acoustic set for the special dances. I luckily had my battery-powered video light, which I almost didn’t bring, and it saved the reception photos. It was just enough to let me focus my camera, and my flashes did the rest.

I remember sinking into my car at the end of the night and being exhausted, yet exhilarated. Somehow, through the chaos, I knew I wanted to keep doing this. I look back I’m proud that I kept going when many may have packed up and gone home. That day taught me not to fear failure or obsess over what might go wrong. Just show up, stay prepared, and handle the challenges as they come.

Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?

I’m currently building two different revenue streams. The first is online education for photographers about the creative side of the business. That will include lessons on artistry, building a portfolio, and the nuances of lighting and posing. My second stream of revenue will be my fine art print shop. I love photographing cities, nature, and astrophotography and will be offering wall art and prints to share my love of photography in a new way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kristenellis.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristenellisphotographer/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-ellis-photographer/

Image Credits

Headshot Photographer: Veronica Sparrow | www.veronicasparrow.com
Fashion Photographer: Kristen Ellis | www.kristenellis.com