Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Brown.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kelsey. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My story with photography started 2009 as a sophomore in high school. I signed up for a film photography class and quickly fell in love with the darkroom process and seeing my work come to life by way of my hands. It’s such an intriguing process- I love that you never really know what you are going to get until the very end. It is that HS class that really sparked something deep inside of me to continually pursue the art of photography. From there, word just seemed to spread organically from family friends to complete strangers that I was taking on clients at just the young age of 15.
From there, my business continued to grow. Leading me to eventually travel all around the world with my camera in hand, freezing moments in time and enabling those in the photos to be able to remember for years to come how a moment FELT. I always wonder what direction I may have gone in, had this craft of mine not flourished organically. I am blessed and SO incredibly thankful that it did take off and I am truly captivated by the entire process and the impact that I am able to make on those in front of my lens… and simultaneously, myself.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
At the start it was pretty simple. Word got out organically and I didn’t have to push super hard to get my business up and running! Fast forward to current times and I am finding it to be a bit harder, for sure. My business started on Instagram and Facebook (@bythefree). I didn’t have much direction and I just sort of jumped in out of my own excitement! It was much simpler back then so it wasn’t an issue. Now with paid ads, the algorithm, and so many other talented artists, it definitely takes more effort and time.
I think the biggest struggle for me is not wanting to “idolize” my craft but instead remain present. This makes it hard, especially when the entirety of my business marketing is online and on social platforms. For me, there is a fine line between pushing a business to grow (including marketing, networking, adds, backlinks, SEO, etc.) while also remembering why I started and that a big “following” truly isn’t the main goal. However, If I said that isn’t a motivator for me, I would be lying- simply because the power of a strong following actually does make a big difference in the world of an artist, sadly enough. It’s a tough spot to be in… especially while working on being self-aware and whole as an individual first and not putting my identity in my successes or failures.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
More than being known as an incredible artist or a photographer, I strive to be known as someone that loves incredibly well. The most reoccurring feedback that I get from my clients is something along the lines of “She made me feel like the most beautiful person in the world!” or “I never like photos of me but I LOVE these!”. The strength that I bring to the table is that I’m so passionate about empowering the heck out of those in front of my lens! I yell “OHH HELLL YESSS!!!” make corny jokes to cue natural laughter and always embarrass myself a bit, I’m sure… but doing so enables my clients to feel safe, super freakin hottt and truly themselves- and that always shows in the images.
This craft feeds something in ME that I personally need to feel alive- and that is imparting the ability to love yourself right where you are. This works with my couples, my personal branding sessions, portraits and editorials, etc. I simply want my new friends to feel SO good after their time with me. I hope they leave full of confidence and more in love with themselves, or each other, than before I showed up. If I can do that- then it’s a win.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
For me, success looks like making a difference. Any session that I leave and my clients gained more than “just photos” is a huge win! It’s not about my BUSINESS, per se, but more about the impact that I can make on others THROUGH the platform that my business brings. I’m so thankful for the people that I have been able to meet and make connections with via By The Free. I never want to confuse passion with a paycheck and I have been able to do that so far. And that is a huge success in my eyes.
Pricing:
- Couple Sessions- $450
- Portraits/Editorial/Personal Branding- $400
- Family Sessions- $500
- Weddings- start at $2600
- Elopements- start at $1500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bythefree.com
- Phone: 5743102867
- Email: bythefreellc@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bythefree
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bythefree
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/by-the-free-san-diego-4?osq=bythefree
Image Credit:
Photo of myself – credit goes to Stephandtaylorphoto
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