I think….photography is much more than creating pretty photos. Photography is connecting. Getting to know others. Drawing out the heart. Affirmation and validation. Giving permission to be true to you. Telling you to go for it. And dream big. I love taking taking photos and I love working side by side with others that love photography also. Both are life to me. This past year, I took on two interns. I was not looking for interns…but, well they both fell in place and it has been one of the best things for me.

So let me introduce to you the two gals that have been a wonderful part of my life this past year.

First of all, this is Lindsay. She is awesome. Happy-go-lucky and I think she might just skip through life. She assisted me on many shoots this past summer. She always showed up with a huge grin and a willingness to get right in there. She held the reflector and helped me carry gear. Helped with outfit decisions….scarf good or bad? Which earrings? Should this hat be worn this way…or this way? We lugged dressers up hills and swatted at mosquitos.(;.  Lindsay is dedicated. She often drove an hour to meet me on shoots. Lindsay first contacted me by email. She told me she was hoping to intern with a photographer for her senior project. I was immediately impressed by her polite and professional email. When I met with her, I knew Lindsay was perfect for me.

See, she is adorable.

Aaaah, warm sunshine….took these photos in August.

Loved having Lindsay by my side this past summer.

Next we have Kelsey! Kelsey has brown eyes that sparkle and dance. And a smile that beams. She is a talented photographer. She is not afraid of hard work. Is determined. And focused. Is drawn to laughter. Likes lattes.=) And country music. She has designed countless albums, canvas gallery wraps, and CD covers for me this past year. She does a super job. Her hard work has saved me hours and hours of design work. And it has been SO good.

I asked Kelsey a few questions about herself and photography…

What inspires you?

“Always having a good cup of hot chocolate or a latte is a must. Pinterest and Pandora radio keep me going. Friendships, laughter and heart-to-heart talks are my favorite. Although it’s definitely not my favorite thing to do and I don’t do it often, but when I do it…running helps me clear my head and reflect on my life and the way things are around me. I love thinking. DREAMING. TRAVELING. And figuring out ways to make my life better. Ways that I can make my dreams come true and inspire others to fulfill their dreams, big or small. One of my biggest dreams that I hope to accomplish in my life, specifically before I am 20, is to travel to Italy. Pictures inspire me. Pictures of the world. Pictures of the sunset and mountains. Hot chocolate and campfires. Pictures of life. I like to dream….think…how can I inspire others by my life? I wanna help make the world a better place….be what it was created to be. If I could, I would change the world. I guess there is never a mountain to big to climb?”

That is right, Kelsey. Love your passion. Keep dreaming. Keep being. Keep going for it!

How long have you been in business?

“I started Kelsey Renee Photography in January 2011. So next month it will be 1 year already! I couldn’t be any happier with the way it has grown since day one, and I’m super blessed that God has given me a gift of being a photographer. I absolutely love it! I couldn’t have done it without all the love and support from my family and extended family. They are the back-bone to my success.”

Any big goals for your business for in 2012?

“One goal that I would love to achieve would be to double the amount of shoots I had this past year, and to get in some new clients that I’ve never met before. I think it would be great to continue getting my name out there, to keep growing as a young photographer, and just use my passion for photography. I try and take every opportunity that I can to grow and learn about new things within the photography world.”

What is your favorite thing about photography? What makes you think…THIS is why I love what I do? : )

“My favorite thing about photography would be to see the growth of the business and realizing how God has opened so many doors for me. It is always fun to have new clients and always connecting with them in unique ways. I just love photography in general!:)”

Check out Kelsey Renee Photography HERE. Thanks Kelsey! You have been so wonderful to work with this past year.

Kelsey and Lindsay both will be at the open house Friday evening. Come out and meet these lovely girls. =)