Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Solis.
Hi Kelsey, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have always loved playing with cameras. Whether in front or behind the camera, it has always been a creative outlet for me. Growing up, I would use my parent’s old camcorder to record music videos with my sisters. We would dress up in costumes, wigs, and exaggerated makeup. Most of the items came from either my mom’s closet or from old Halloween costumes.
In high school, my creative mind would go all out for any project that required a camera. So it was a no-brainer that I would go to college to study Film. At the University of North Texas, I finally got to use professional equipment for the first time. After graduating, I started my first job as a Video Producer for a marketing department and was asked by one of my coworkers to take her daughter’s senior portraits.
At this point, I had never been paid for photography. All the photoshoots I had done were for family or fun, so she was my first official photography client! I wanted to make sure I did a good job, so I scouted the location beforehand, googled tips and tricks, and watched a million Youtube videos to prepare. It was so much fun, and I knew I wanted to start doing photography and videography as a business.
Since then, I moved to the Austin area to be with my fiance, now husband, and officially tied the knot in October 2021. We were initially going to have a large wedding, but I was stressed over planning a big event during COVID. So my fiance and I decided to have an intimate wedding in Austin instead. So our guest list went from 200 people to under 20! I essentially planned my wedding twice, so I have plenty of tips to give my couples.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Relocating a small business is definitely a challenge. I’m originally from Dallas, so moving to Austin meant leaving my clientele. I still travel to Dallas for work, but since I also work full-time, going back and forth between cities isn’t something I always have time for. I love the Austin area so much, though. There are so many beautiful places to shoot here. In order to see all the incredible places, I created a bucket list of locations for my clients to choose from. These locations are a bit out of the way, but they are worth the drive. Some of the places are Enchanted Rock, Hamilton Pool Preserve, and Pedernales Falls State Park, to name a few.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My heart will always have a special place for intimate weddings and elopements, just like mine, but I also focus on couples and maternity sessions. The couples I work with are often celebrating a milestone in their life, like an anniversary, their engagement, or their first child! Every person I meet through my business is experiencing a special time in their life, and it makes me truly happy knowing the images I create are something they will look at and cherish forever.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’ve been blessed to have a very supportive family. They have encouraged me throughout my business journey to pursue my passion and are very loyal customers, of course. My older sister helped me find workshops taught by some of the most established photographers in Dallas, and that’s how I got connected to Rick Davila. He is truly an artist, and I love how he envisions his shots and makes them come to life. I have learned so much from him by assisting him during sessions, attending his workshop, and joining his Instagram lives.
Rick is one of the biggest advocates for community over competition, and I hope to continue sharing that value here in Austin with all the new creatives I meet. Additionally, thanks to going to his workshop, I met my dear friend Vanessa Contreras. We became such close friends that I asked her to be my wedding photographer! She has also recently moved to Austin, and I couldn’t be happier to have a friend here going through this journey with me.
Pricing:
- Sessions start at $260
- Custom pricing for elopements and intimate weddings
Contact Info:
- Website: kelseysolisphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseysolisphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelseysolisphotography
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2V9Os4q2gIkB03dDEpYJt9?si=87f2b3ee7a2c4568
Image Credits
Image 1 shot by @AshMariePortraits and edited by @KelseySolisPhotography
Images 2-9 by @KelseySolisPhotography
