I think one of the most important things when hiring a photographer for your new baby is to feel like you know the person and to feel comfortable with them. After all, you are handing that precious, brand new baby over to me, so it’s probably a good idea that you get to know me! These are just a few questions that I am asked on a regular basis, and a few things that I have thrown in for fun!
First . . . this is me. My clients generally NEVER see me like this. Usually at newborn sessions, my hair is pulled back, no makeup is applied, and yoga pants and a poop stained shirt make up my outfit. Please clients, do not be terribly disappointed when you walk through the studio doors and see a completely different person than this. It’s me, I promise! I am just dressed in my best baby snuggling clothes!
How long have you been doing photography?
I bought my first professional camera in 2011. Prior to that point, I honestly had zero interest in photography at all. After the birth of my second son, something caught my eye and encouraged that first camera. From there, I have spent the last 4 years doing everything possible to master my camera (a few upgrades later) and to perfect my skill. I did not set out to be a newborn photographer but a dear old friend asked me to photographer her brand new baby and the rest is history. I could photograph newborns all day every day and be as happy as a clam.
How did you learn photography?
Practice, practice, practice. Seriously, practice. I read articles online, practiced on stuffed animals, my kids, my husband, fruit, cups, whatever I could find that would sit still long enough. Specifically, I have learned newborn photography from the greatest of all newborn photographers, Rachel Vanoven Photography. I stumbled upon an online guide of hers 3 years ago and my life was forever changed. She is seriously my photography idol and lucky for me, she photographed our third baby, Miss Arleigh!
Why newborn photography?
Like I said, I really didn’t set out to be a newborn photographer, but after the first newborn session I did, I was hooked. Having the opportunity to be around new life, new families and so much love was addicting to me. While I do offer occasional family sessions and will photograph clients through the first year of life, newborns are my passion. To me, there is absolutely nothing better than getting to spend my time with fresh new babies. I get to smell that new baby smell, admire their perfect features and cuddle them. Yes, it is a messy job, literally, but seriously is the best.
How did you choose your business name?
I originally opened under the name “Chunky Cheeks Photography” as an homage to a nickname from childhood. When I was little, the name “Chubby Cheeks” was used to describe my appearance. When I went to register my business name as Chubby Cheeks and buy the website, the name was already taken, so I switched it to Chunky Cheeks. I stuck with that name for about a week before I decided to just go with my name. Kelsey Ray is not my name, however. This is funny because most clients assume that is my name, but it isn’t. My name is actually Kelsey Capps. So, I wanted to use my first and middle name for the business, Kelsey Rae, but guess what, that was taken! So, I switched the spelling of my middle name and Kelsey Ray Photography was born.
What did you do before photography?
Prior to photography, I was an elementary school teacher. I loved my job but I needed more time for my family. Right before I walked away from teaching, I finished my Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis on reading, but I just needed something that was more flexible for my family. Maybe one day I will go back!
How old are you?
29. But don’t ask me this next year.
Are you married?
Happily married to this stud right here . . . going strong for 9 years and counting.
Do you have kids?
Oh yeah, I’ve got kids. Lots and lots of kids. Rawley is our oldest and he is 6. He is in kindergarten and is as smart as a whip. He is playing baseball this year and we are all loving it, most of the time. Kinsler is our middle child and he is 3. He is, well, he is WILD. Every single person that sees a picture of him says to us, “He looks like trouble.” Yep, he is trouble with a capital T but we love him to pieces. Arleigh, our only little princess, is 10 months old and is also wild. She screams and hits her brothers, crawls all over our house and makes me worry about her teenage years.
I am generally an open book and welcome any and all questions my clients and future clients may have! Feel free to get in touch with me. Info@kelseyrayphotography.com
**All photos by the wonderful Andrea with Rooted in Love Photography
