Today we’d like to introduce you to Mallory Kessel.
Hi Mallory, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I first picked up photography in middle school when my mom created “No Technology Sundays,” which thankfully did not include my point-and-shoot camera. In high school, I took my first photography class and fell in love with shooting film, developing my own rolls, and enlarging prints in the darkroom. Working with film taught me how to slow down and understand the mechanics of a camera — the real foundation of my style today.
After graduating college, I booked a one-way ticket to Thailand and spent a few months traveling through Southeast Asia. That time was huge for me — creatively and personally. I met new people, visited five countries, reconnected with myself, and took a ton of photos. That’s when my camera stopped feeling like a tool for assignments and started becoming a way to document real life.
When I mustered up the courage to move to San Diego, I began to build my business by literally posting Craigslist ads for $50 photo shoots and saying yes to whatever I could. Eventually, I started photographing weddings, engagements, portraits, brands, concerts — all the real-life moments that people want to remember.
What started as taking selfies and photos of my dogs eventually evolved into a fulfilling career as a professional photographer. I’ve grown Mallory Kessel Photography into a business that allows me to do what I love: help people feel seen and capture the moments that matter most to them. It’s been messy and non-linear, but it’s mine and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.
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?
Definitely not a smooth road — more like a series of potholes, plot twists, and “figure it out as you go” moments.
When I moved to San Diego, I didn’t have a job or a place to live. I got my real estate license while working in the service industry and building my photography business on the side. I gained experience, built a portfolio, and networked within my community. I had to learn how to market myself, how to price my work, how to set boundaries, and how to wear every hat a small business requires — creative, admin, accountant, customer service, you name it.
Then came 2020 and the pandemic hit. Like most creative professionals, my work came to a halt overnight. I was working full-time as an escrow assistant at the time, and photography became something I squeezed in during evenings and weekends. When I was eventually laid off, I was scared but I also knew it was my shot to finally go all in on photography.
The hardest part of all of this has been navigating self-doubt and comparison. It’s easy to look around and feel like you’re behind or not “doing enough,” but I’ve learned to trust the process and keep showing up even when things feel slow or uncertain.
Every struggle has shaped the way I run my business now: with more intention, more confidence, and way more clarity on who I am and the kind of work I want to do.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in portraits, couples, and personal brand photography. I work with people who want to feel seen and celebrated, whether they’re rebranding a business, planning a proposal and wedding, or just want portraits that feel authentic to them. I strive to create imagery that feels natural and honest with a photojournalistic eye. My sessions are relaxed and collaborative meaning I guide people through light direction and prompts, but I’m never trying to mold anyone into something they’re not. The goal is always to capture who you are, not just what you look like.
What I’m most proud of is the way I make people feel during and after a shoot. I’ve had clients tell me they finally saw themselves the way their loved ones do and that’s the highest compliment I could ever receive. I’ve built a business where people of all identities feel safe, celebrated, and comfortable being themselves, and that’s something I don’t take lightly.
What sets me apart is the combination of emotional authenticity and visual storytelling. My work blends a documentary feel with thoughtful composition and styling. I don’t just show up, snap a few pictures, and leave. I help with everything — planning, locations, outfits, timelines, and creating an experience that feels easy and fun, even for people who usually hate being in front of the camera. I also prioritize inclusivity and built a space where people of all backgrounds, identities, and kinds of love feel genuinely welcomed and represented.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
First, I have to shout out Justine of Just A Wild Thought. She was my business coach from the start and was there during a time when I was battling major imposter syndrome and second-guessing whether I could really make photography my full-time career. She helped me shift my mindset, get clear on my goals, and push through the fear of going all-in as a creative. I truly wouldn’t be where I am without her.
My parents have also been endlessly supportive. They’ve always encouraged me to pursue what I love, and never hesitate to remind me how brave I am for putting myself out there creatively.
I also want to thank every single person who has trusted me to capture their memories, referred me to their loved ones, wrote a review, or simply cheered me on from the sidelines. I feel incredibly lucky to do what I love and to have crossed paths with so many kind, supportive people.
Pricing:
- Portraits starting at $550
- Couples starting at $650
- Proposals starting at $650
- Weddings starting at $4,000
- Commercial/brands – contact me!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mallorykesselphoto.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mallorykesselphoto
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/mallorykesselphoto
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/mallorykessel
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@mallorykesselphoto
