When the desire to turn my passion for photography into a business began, I thought all I needed to be successful was the ability to shoot, edit, and order.  That my art would sell itself.  Boy, was I ever wrong!  Since I’ve been in business I’ve learned that if you don’t have any business skills, you’re in trouble!  Although your art is essentially important, so much of your success as a professional photographer lies in how well you attract and retain clients.

I’ve spent much of the past year learning about marketing.  Much of what I’ve learned, I’ve picked up from talking with and observing others.  I’ve kept my eye out for photographers who seem to have a knack for reaching out and tapping into their market.  One of these photographers is Kelsey Anderson.  I met her at WPPI this past year and have since kept in touch via Facebook and forums. She, to me, is the epitome of someone who understands and uses online marketing seamlessly, regularly, and effectively.  And she does it in a way that isn’t “in your face” or annoying.  She walks the fine line of balancing business and personal information without toppling over one way or the other.  She intrigues and inspires me. (Not to mention her drop-dead gorgeous images!)

Hi Kelsey,

Where are you from and where is home now?

I was born and raised in Seattle but moved to Las Vegas four years ago. Yes I know HUGE climate change However this desert has sort of grown on me.

Are you formally educated or self-taught in photography?

Self-taught. Lots of reading, practicing and more reading and practicing. Funny how I thought getting a nice camera was all I needed to take great pictures of my kids… boy was I wrong! Learning to shoot on Manual and having control over how my images came out instead of relying on my camera to do the work for me was HUGE!
What is your favorite kind of session to shoot and why?

I love shooting maternity! I think that it is one of the most amazing times in a woman’s life and to be able to capture that time and really show off the awesomeness (that is a word right?) that is a woman’s pregnant body is AMAZING!
How do you form the kind of relationship with your clients that results in such stunning images?

I think that me being myself and really trying to make my clients feel comfortable in front of my camera is what does it. I seriously crack jokes all session long. I talk A LOT… so there isn’t any awkward silences when I shoot. I know how scary it is to be in front of the camera and if I can make them feel at ease and feel like they are shooting with a friend then that is half the battle.
Talk to me about marketing.  What have you found to be your most effective marketing tool?

Word of Mouth! Me telling people that I take great pictures doesn’t have the same marketing power as one of my clients telling their friends and family that I took great pictures of their child or family. Anyone can say they are great, print it on paper and paste it all over town but if you have a client love their images and they spread that all over town it means so much more. Facebook has been great as well. I tag my clients in their images and then all of their friends see those and see that I am the one that took them. It is free and so affective!

How important is it to have an online presence in this industry right now?

HUGE in my opinion. I am big into the Social Networking thing I have gotten clients from people out of state that saw my work on Facebook and told a friend or family member that lived in Las Vegas about me. I have other photographers that book sessions with me when they come to Vegas for vacation. If I didn’t have an online presence those sessions would’ve never came my way. I love the friendships I have made with other photographers around the world. I love connecting with others that share my passion for photography.
How do you stay motivated and your photography current?

My friends tell me when I set my mind on something I go full force… I guess that is the case with my photography too Everyday I think of how I can grow my business and perfect my craft. I shoot for myself often. I photograph my kids all the time and luckily my daughter loves to be in front of my camera so she is up for it whenever I am I photograph and edit MY way. I think if I started trying to be everything to everyone I would get burnt out. However staying true to myself and what I love keeps me enjoying what I do. I shoot what I want and don’t shoot what I don’t want.
If you could be invisible for one day with your camera…

I would hunt down Robert Pattinson and photograph him lol Yes I am a bit obsessed with the Twilight series right now I should probably say something or someone really inspiring but nope R. Patz it is sorry
Name a photographer you would like to take a portrait of?

I would love to photography Jasmine Star. I think she may think she is as funny as I think I am I always laugh at my own jokes… kind of a dork like that.
What’s your best advice for balancing work and family?

Your asking the wrong person! This is what I am struggling with at the moment. I have to tell myself to step away from the computer and have some quiet time with my husband. My kids get most of my attention during the day. During the evenings when they go to bed and I try to do my work is when I should be spending more time with the hubs…. So working on it… I need to set hours of when I work and when I don’t however with 3 kids who’s schedules vary day to day it seems that is kind of hard. Wow I am full of excuses
What’s in your camera bag?

I am a Nikon Girl. In my bag is my D700 which typically always has my 85 1.8, 50 1.4, 60mm Macro and a ton of memory cards and two extra batteries.
When you’re not photographing, where can we find you?

Cleaning my house and doing laundry… YEA right my husband wishes! Either driving my kids to play dates or if they are napping or down for the evening watching ‘reality’ tv.. A bit addicted!!
If not a photographer what would you have been?

Stay at Home Mom… Honestly there was nothing more that I wanted then to have babies and stay home with them. It is funny because my husband just said to me last night… wow things have really changed you are a Stay at Home Mom but now a total business woman too. I think that photography is something that is all about me for the most part and it is so important to have something for you when you are a Mama. We become consumed by our children and can really lose ourselves. Photography is my outlet.
If you could live anywhere on this awesome planet where would you build your dream home?

Southern California near the water.
What talent would you most like to have?

I would love to be able to sing. You don’t want to hear me karaoke… it is painful
What are the three words your spouse would use to describe you?

Talkative, ambitious and caring
Something that is over rated…

I have to go with laundry because it is overflowing right now

Your favorite movie of all time?

I adore 13 going on 30 (I adore chick flicks) but like I said obsessed with Twilight so Eclipse is up there right now.
If you could change one thing you did while starting your photography business, what would it be?

I would’ve really thought more about my branding. I started with a logo that I didn’t love and ordered all my print materials with it only to realize that I didn’t like it and had to start all over again. Wasted money.
Name one blog you stalk regularly.

Jasmine Star her works is great but I love reading her posts as well.

Would you share some of your favorite images that best represent your work?

You can find Kelsey’s work HERE.

Thank you, Kelsey!