Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaylee West.
Hi Kaylee, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi! I’m Kaylee West, a high school senior photographer here in the Kansas City metro! I got started with photography at a very young age; my first camera was a Christmas present when I was in 5th grade! I’ve always been an artsy + creative girl, but I started really leaning into the design + digital world of art around middle school! In high school, I took my friends on “photo adventures” where we would go take photos for Instagram. I fell in love with capturing portraits and after I graduated high school in 2017, I officially launched my website! Building a business + keeping up with my social media allowed me to only do two years of college before I decided to pursue my business full-time in 2019!!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For the most part, it really has been a smooth road. But the main struggle is the road is longgggg, haha! It definitely felt like it took a few years before I was taken seriously and viewed as a professional and not just a little kid who did photography (maybe that was more in my own head). It definitely was hard learning how to handle something that was a hobby and personal to me, and lean into working with clients! This job has grown me in so many ways, but especially in my communication skills and organization. Building a client base and getting your name out there felt like a shot in the dark in the beginning, but looking back, I can see the snowball effect it was taking to get where I am now!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a senior photographer and I specialize in colorful + warm senior photos! I’m all about senior photos that bring out the personality of each senior. Whether that’s twirling in a field, bringing your favorite albums, having your favorite treat, wearing a flowy dress, etc! I always encourage my seniors to go above and beyond with their photos and make them truly unique! My style is bright, bold, and golden!! I’m most proud of the unique + joyful work I create with each senior, and the experience I bring to KC seniors! Not only do you get a personalized senior session with me, but all of my senior girls get the opportunity to attend free styled shoots throughout their senior year!!
How do you think about luck?
I believe the success of my business is all for God’s glory! It’s been a blessing to have a job where I get to serve high schoolers and help them feel loved and seen and have a true joyous part of senior year! I do joke however, that I have bad luck with weather — am I more a photographer or a meteorologist at this point? If you want to become a photographer, know you will watch a great deal of weather shows 😉
Contact Info:
- Website: https://creativekaylee.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativekaylee/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creativekaylee
