Meet Kelly Chapman | Lifestyle Family and Newborn Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Chapman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started my business 10 years ago. At the time, I had dropped out of college and was a stay at home to two babies 2 and under. I had always loved photography, but had never considered making a career out of it. It was the birth of my first daughter that really lit my passion for it on fire. I wanted to capture every milestone and freeze time somehow. So I began teaching myself through trial and error. I studied, watched countless tutorials, made all my friends model for me, and went through all the growing pains that come with finding your unique style. But even then, I could not imagine people paying money for my work. I remember creating a Facebook page for my business and hovering over the “Publish” button for what felt like hours. It was with my husband’s encouragement that I finally took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and clicked. And here I am a whole decade later, so thankful I took that leap of faith.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started my career with the passion for storytelling. I’ve never wanted to be a “say cheese” photographer. I wanted to take photos that you can feel. I wanted to show people how beautiful their lives were.. I wanted to create images where the authentic joy and love in them would be felt generations from now. I started 10 years ago with that mission and it has led me on the most beautiful journey meeting the most wonderful human beings. Something I am really proud of is that my business is 100 percent built on word of mouth and has grown so organically over the years. I owe so much to my clients who told their friends and family or shared their photos. Of course, there have been many obstacles over the years. I am not the most business minded person, so I have had to learn how to value my time and art. As a momma of 6, I have had a lot of trial and error in finding that elusive “work-life balance”. And like a lot of creatives, I’ve had to battle my own self doubt and imposter syndrome. But I’ve never given up. Knocked down, for sure. But always get back up. I will never take for granted the privilege it is to be invited into someone’s story. I’ve sat with people in their greatest joy and deepest sorrow. I’ve shared so many laughs, tears, hugs, firsts and lasts, milestones and just LIFE over the past decade with people I may have otherwise, never known. For that alone, I am so grateful and I hope my clients know that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ha I am probably not the person to answer this question as I am in my Mom Era-big time, We have 6 kids ages 11 and under so my best friend and I would probably be at a youths sporting event or on some outdoor adventure where the kids can run wild.. We would be eating lunch on the go and re-starting our conversations 100 times between “Mom” interruptions haha. But ask me in another ten years, and I’m sure I will have some adult recommendations.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Wow, there are so many people who have played in instrumental role in my success. My children-Grace, Charlotte, Norah, Caroline, Luke, and Lucy. They are the reason I started and the reason I’ll never give up. My husband, Seth, is my biggest supporter. He believed in me long before I believed in myself and has always been as willing participant in the pursuit of my dreams. I am endlessly thankful for him. My Dad for buying my first starter camera and sharing every photo I’ve ever posted. I love that I know how proud my dad is of me. But maybe the most influential, pivotal, and important person in my career who deserves so much credit, is my mom. Her impact on my career is immense, not only in her words but her actions. Whether watching my 6 children so I can go to my sessions or assisting me at my mini sessions-where she is adored by my clients, she is irreplaceable. I learned so much about how I communicate and treat others from her and I’m very proud to be her daughter.

Website: https://www.kellychapmanphotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellychapmanphotography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellychapmanphotography/

Image Credits
The personal image of my family is credited to Kat Henderson Photography