Conversations with Kelsey Willow

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Willow.

Hi Kelsey, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
When I was a little girl my dad always had a camera with him. On hiking adventures, he was capturing the beauty surrounding us and the memories we were creating. I would go with him to drop the film off and wait impatiently for the call that the photos were ready to be picked up. Every time we got that envelope back from the photo shop I was completely mystified and enraptured with what was on the roll. Whenever I saw my dad holding his camera I was like a moth to a flame. Asking questions, begging to have a chance to click the shutter and see what I could capture. He met me with equal enthusiasm and was always patient with me as he taught me everything he knew about photography and how the mechanics of a camera worked. He was my own private tutor and I was his eager student. Being taught to do something I am passionate about by someone who loves me so dearly created a beautiful bond that we still share!

When I was about 9 my dad got a second camera and I was given my first camera. A hand-me-down that held so much magic wrapped tightly in its original black leather case–and 3 fresh rolls of film. My very own film. I was ecstatic! He took me on a mountain adventure and I used all 3 rolls. I don’t even think we made it home before stopping at the photo shop to have our film developed.

From that point on I was taking pictures any chance I got. In high school, I got to work in a dark room and develop my own photos. I would say that this is where I fell in love with storytelling. This was when I started noticing people’s interactions and seeking a deeper connection with them. I found that I loved capturing raw emotion. I was hooked. I would take my camera everywhere and when I was introduced to the world of digital photography, my first little point-and-shoot was everything to me.

I began to crave the art of photography more than ever before. When I first started the digital editing process it was messy and so much information that I had never taken in before. It was a whole new world to me and I found a place that felt like home. I love the artistic component of photography. I am constantly thinking about images. Noticing light, people, beautiful backdrops, and what I see through my lens feels like reality to me. The art of capturing a moment that is beautifully composed and masterfully executed in post became my drug. I will always be grateful for the ever-changing art that is mine. Learning new techniques, the evolution of the gear in my bag, and the people that I get to meet along this journey are just a few of the reasons I am who I am today as a professional photographer.

Today, 11 years after deciding to dive into photography I have found my niche. Couples and weddings bring me so much joy. Celebrating love and the connections my clients have with one another and all those sharing on their wedding day is what truly brings my creativity out. At the risk of sounding cheesy as all get out–I love, love.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I purchased my first DSLR 11 years ago after my first son passed away. I needed something to pour myself into and photography was an incredibly healing outlet for me. I was drowning in grief and being able to get behind the lens and disappear into creativity was a saving grace. I began by setting up my camera on a tripod and taking self-portraits that showed the journey of my grief. Telling that story was cathartic and healing. I wept over many images that I took because I knew I was saying goodbye to the old me. Parts of me that left forever with the loss of my one-week-old baby. The shift inside was something that I wanted to document and be able to look back on and reflect on. Ironically enough, I only have one image from that time that I kept because it made me feel closest to the “normal” me. The change in me due to the loss of my son, Lincoln, was a huge hurdle that I had to overcome.

Learning to shoot manually and all about post-processing was a hurdle. I didn’t shy away from the challenge and I am so thankful that I was taught the art of perseverance as a child. Having the drive to run head-on into the world of photography when we live in a world filled with so many incredible artists can be so intimidating but I am so glad that I have had the support of wonderful clients, family, and friends. All these people in my life who affirm me and make the imposter syndrome disappear when creeps in play a huge role in my success and it is not lost on me how precious that is!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am drawn to love. The subtle ways that those who adore each other look at one another. Seeing them laugh with each other and ultimately capture moments that will last a lifetime fuels me. My clients feel that I care because I genuinely do! I pour myself into each session and love getting to know my couples. I am passionate about people and relationships and I believe that shows through my work. Creating a comfortable space that allows my couples to come as they inspire me to create images that are emotive and allows me to tell their stories. What an honor! I feel most proud about how far I have come in my storytelling journey. Learning to focus on what’s going on around me during a wedding and capturing sweet moments that may otherwise go unnoticed has been one of the things that I am most proud of.

From the time of initial inquiries to the day of a session, I work to create a journey that is clear and allows for all questions to be answered so that on the day of your engagement session or wedding my couples are comfortable relaxing into the day and enjoying every second. They are able to live in the moments and trust that they will be able to relive their day every time they look back on their final gallery.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
You can find me on IG @wanderingwillowphotog and on FB Wandering Willow Photography. I love to collaborate and am always available through my email at wanderingwillowphotog@gmail.com. Supporting me can look like cheering me on, reaching out to create magic together, or recommending me to their community.

Pricing:

• Gold Wedding Package (includes engagement) $3900
• Silver Wedding Package (Includes engagement session) $3400
• Bronze Wedding Package $2800
• Couples Session $525

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wanderingwillowphoto.com
• Instagram: @wanderingwillowphotog
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/WanderingWillowPhotog

Image Credits
KimmyMac Photography