Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Applebaum.
Kelsey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started doing photography at a young age, but I never knew that I was creating art, considered myself a photographer, or imagined one day being a photographer. In high school, my friends and I would use my mom’s camera to plan fun photoshoots, and the boys at school would make fun of us for it when we posted them on social media. I would use my GoPro to document all of my activities and would create really cool photos this way, and again, the boys would make fun of me for this. When I got to college, I became the Historian of my sorority. I was in charge of documenting everything through photography, taking photos at every event and creating photos for social media using the chapter’s camera. When I was a sophomore, I was accepted into a study abroad photography course in Prague. My parents questioned ‘Are you sure you want to study photography? It doesn’t contribute to your major.” and they were very hesitant. But nevertheless, I went to the program and this was when I got my first camera.
For five weeks, our travels around Prague were centered around using our cameras. Every day we had to post an image, and we had one rule: the photo always had to have someone’s face in it. I fell in love with creating art. Sometimes we had to get up at 4 am just to capture a certain moment. We had to put ourselves in uncomfortable and vulnerable situations to capture it. Sometimes we got yelled at by people for taking their photos. But it was the most fulfilling time in my life. When we got back, I started posting some of my photos from my trip. Someone from my hometown asked me to take their senior pictures, and this was my first paying client. From there, my business started to grow. I worked a full-time job for four years, getting up at 5 am to work out, going to my photoshoots at 7 am, working in an office from 9-5, going to photoshoots at 6 pm and editing until midnight. My social life has been very difficult at times, but I would give it all to do what I love. And I’ve finally made a huge step this year in January by quitting my job and doing portrait photography full time. All of the years of extremely hard work have lead me to this place, and I’m so happy – I can’t wait to see where I can grow from here.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve been extremely lucky in that my business has grown really without pressure or expectation. I’m so grateful for that. However, it hasn’t been easy. My struggles include the past four years of hard work that include balancing a full-time job and a side business. As I previously mentioned, I worked a full-time job & did my photography on the side for four years, working from 5am-midnight daily. This made my social life very difficult. When others are having fun (evenings, weekends, etc.), I usually have to work as a photographer. I hope to one day get to a place where I can feel comfortable relaxing and working normal days/hours.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a photographer, and I also own my own social media company. I specialize in portrait photography, and a majority of my work is with the graduating seniors at UT Austin. I am most proud of how much I have grown and developed my craft through the years, and how I can make my clients so happy with the work I provide them. I believe that my style has always set me apart from others: My photos are bright, colorful and lively, and I always try to capture the spirit and bring out the joy from each person I work with.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Creating art on a daily basis, working with people who are kind and grateful, growing as a person and developing my craft – these things make me happy because they make me feel like I am following the right path, the one that was meant for me.
Other things that make me happy are my dog, skiing, hiking, playing the guitar, swimming, being active, running, outdoors, friendships, reading, writing, and family.
Pricing:
- 1 Hour Portrait Session – $400
- 1.5 Hour Portrait Session – $450
- 2 hour Portrait Session – $500
- 30 minute Mini Session – $200
Contact Info:
- Email: kelsey@
kapplephotography.com - Website: kapplephotography.com
- Instagram: kapplephotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kapplephotography/
Image Credits
Kelsey Applebaum Photography
