Check Out Molly Kuplen’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Molly Kuplen. 

Hi Molly, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I got started as a photographer by accident. I was originally a teacher in Kansas City, Kansas, and taking a lot of pictures on Instagram – scenic pictures, pictures of my downtown apartment, selfies. All of it:) I grew up on a farm in Southeast Kansas so it was easy to snap fun photos of cows and sunsets and all the kittens. In the Fall of 2015, I had a family friend ask if I would take senior pictures for her daughter. I quickly thought, I can’t do that, I don’t know how but something in me wanted to try it. I went back and forth with it talking myself in and out of it then I eventually just bought a small camera and agreed to do it scared! The pictures ended up turning out really good and I literally googled and YouTubed how to edit and use photoshop and lightroom🤪. I posted the pictures on Facebook because I was super proud of them and that opened up a whole new can of worms. In a good way of course! Suddenly, other people wanted me to take their family pictures, business pictures, or big life events. I continued teaching and continued posting on Facebook and Instagram. Fast forward to the summer of 2017 and I went out on a limb and contacted Hallmark to see about selling my scenic prints in their stores. I couldn’t believe I actually hit send and then I REALLY couldn’t believe when they got back to me in 26 minutes saying they wanted me in all their local Kansas City stores!! Things quickly got busier and busier and in 2019, I quit my teaching job to take on my photography and influencing business full time. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Some of the biggest struggles were in my head and thinking how I’m not educated in the field and I didn’t have any formal training in photography or marketing. I have a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education but it was hard for me to OWN that I was actually a photographer and I was legitimate. There are so many photographers and influencers and it’s easy to start to compare yourself and feel inferior to others. The moment I decided that I am me and that’s something no one else can be, things changed. I realized there is enough success for everyone to be successful! We can all lift each other up and be happy for everyone. We will work with who we’re supposed to work with and we will not miss what truly is for us. Once I started to own what I was doing and being confident in it, the more the opportunities would pop up out of nowhere. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am most known for my colorful and vibrant photos. I’ve always loved bright colors and patterns and texture. When I started taking scenic photos on my iPhone (when Instagram first got popular), I would edit my photos to see things how I wanted to see them – bold, bright, colorful. I have battled anxiety and depression most of my life and was going through a really hard time when I first started taking pictures and editing them. Something about being in control and changing beautiful photos into something even more beautiful gave me joy and shifted my focus to see the beauty in every little thing. Then, when I would post these photos, it gave other people joy. So, every day, I felt like I had a purpose to go out in nature and enjoy the sunset and animals and life’s simple joys that we seem to so easily pass by. 

What do you like and dislike about the city?
The thing I like best about our city is how it’s truly a small community and everyone is so friendly and kind. I grew up on a farm in the middle of nowhere and I never thought I’d be saying Kansas City is like a small community but I truly feel like everyone knows everyone and is supportive and helpful and rooting for each other. There isn’t a thing I don’t like about KC. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.mollykuplen.com
• Instagram: @mollykuplen
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/molly.kuplen