Today we’d like to introduce you to Helen Krause.
Hi Helen, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Helen, founder of Photobooth by HK. My love for weddings started back in 2010, thanks to Say Yes to the Dress and David Tutera. I got my first real taste of the industry in college, helping a friend with her wedding and event planning business in Kansas City — and I was hooked.
Since then, I’ve worked on everything from weddings and baby showers to engagement parties (and yes, even planned both of my sisters’ weddings in one year — not for the faint of heart!). My passion has always been creating meaningful, memorable moments that make every guest feel special and celebrated.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I would say the biggest struggle was believing in and trusting myself as a business owner. The first two years I had a lot of lessons to learn and I am so grateful that all of my clients, friends, and family supported me along the way. I tried my best to stay true to myself and focus on my why, so when the road did get a little bumpy, I had my mission and values to fall back on.
We’ve been impressed with Photobooth by HK, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Offering a product is one thing, but I wanted to make running a photobooth business much more than setting up a camera, flash, backdrop, and then calling it a day. I was in a meeting a few weeks ago where we were discussing core values at the institution—one of which is Cura Personalis, meaning “care for the whole person.” It struck me right then and I made a note in my pink strawberry notebook scribbling down: “That’s what makes a business last. Caring for the whole person.”
At the end of the day, the product I offer my clients doesn’t really change. I know I’m providing the same high-quality photos, backdrops, and props at each event. But what makes Photobooth by HK different?
It’s the experience—offering custom, memory-making moments that connect people and remind them they’re part of the celebration, too. Your manager who never seems to smile at work is now wearing funky sunglasses and hasn’t left the booth all night. Grandpa, who doesn’t usually care for electronics, is typing in his phone number so he can have his new favorite photo with all his grandkids.
And while all of this is happening, there’s someone standing there (me!) making sure the Wi-Fi works, the props aren’t scattered everywhere, and the camera fits everyone into frame. That’s what makes Photobooth by HK different.
I care for everyone from the other vendors, to the bride and groom, the father of the bride, and even your little cousin who’s visited the booth 30 times already. When people step into Photobooth by HK, they are experiencing something special, not just using a product.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I have lived around the Kansas City area my whole life and I am still discovering new areas, businesses, and people. Kansas City is always developing and growing while staying true to it’s Midwest roots in hospitality and small town vibes. Sometimes I wish KC had mountains ha!
Pricing:
- 350 1.5 hour Digital Rental
- 450 3 hour Digital Rental
- 600 3 hour Print and Digital Rental
- 150 Audio Guestbook
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.photoboothbyhk.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photoboothbyhk/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559663821296
