When I first started this photography venture, I wanted more than anything for my photography to make an impact in a community. I wanted to capture the amazing things going on around town and the places I traveled too. I wasn’t sure how I was going to do this at first and really thought about this on a bigger level, but I somehow stumbled into my dream a few years later when I got involved with my own town and met with Town Planner of Northern Illinois and Naturally McHenry County. From here, I then was introduced to McHenry Chamber of Commerce, McHenry Rec Center, United Way of Greater McHenry County, RISE UPenry United Way and McHenry Market Pulse.

It all started with me submitting to local photo contests, to then being asked to shoot all local events and be the official photographer in my town. From here, I started getting more business clients and soon me and my business started to be known by everyone around me. “Kelsey is EVERYWHERE” is something I hear a lot of.

I took the leap and on October 16th, 2020, I turned my business full time, and it was the best thing I ever did. I worked hard for 10 years to build my name, create my brand, and push to make my dreams a reality. The influx of support from my family and friends over the years was helpful, and the love and passion that I received from the businesses and partners I worked with was overwhelming.

Some big accomplishments I had in 2021:

1. Marketing: I took the time and hired the right people to get my ducks in line and get a cohesive brand and business plan in place.
2. Achievement: I had a ribbon cutting in March for my business launch and since have now opened my studio on 120 in McHenry (look for info to come on my new ribbon cutting)
3. Pride: I am honored to have won the Social Buzz award from United Way for all I’ve done with promoting the community (In October, I raised over $300 while booking Autumn photo sessions!) and also received the Best Of The Fox from Northwest Herald, which is provided by being voted in by the community.

So far, over the last year of “being full time,” my business has succeeded where I wished to be, and I could not have done it without the support of the people around me. They all have watched me grow, seen my true passion for community and my drive to help make the area I live in a better place threw my photography and nothing is more rewarding then feeling the work I’ve put out and the energy I’ve brought has not only made a difference to me but to others.