Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Prim.
Hi Kelly, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I got my first camera at 12 years old from my stepfather. He had gotten it from a pawn shop. In 2020, I started my business during the pandemic. There wasn’t anything to do being stuck at home my freshman and sophomore year of high school, so I rode my bike around Marietta and took pictures of anything and everything. When it became safe to see other people again, I started doing photo shoots with my cousins (that I live with) and my friends. My best friend Elaina she has been there since day 1 and has been the best model ever.
I currently have over 1K followers on my Instagram, and I do senior photo shoots (graduating seniors in high school and college), family photos, creative photos, etc. Photography is my passion. I’m currently going to Ohio University for Commercial Photography!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh, it hasn’t been a smooth road at all. Finding clients was super hard but I got out of my shell and any time I was at any event I would be there taking photos and handing out business cards. However, most of my clients I’ve had either knew me from high school, they were old friends, or they heard of me by word of mouth. I’ve struggled with mental illness since I can remember, and when I wouldn’t get any client messages, I would doubt if this (photography) was the right thing for me to do. But I reassure myself that this is exactly what I want to do. I love making people happy about themselves, and I love photographing memories that people can have for the rest of their lives.
I love seeing my clients post my pictures, and I think to myself, I DID THAT
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I mostly specialize in Senior Photography and Creative photography. I got a lot of traction from one of my recent posts of a photoshoot I did with my best friend Elaina. It was a Halloween (creative shoot) photoshoot. It was her dressed as an angel, and it’s one of my favorite photo shoots ever. Many people just know me as a photographer friend and that I have some crazy ideas for shoots. But they always turn out in the end.
Someone who pushed me to charge for my photography and build my business was my program teacher Chris Palmer. I went to the Washington County Career Center for their Graphic Design & Video Production program. Anytime I showed Palmer a photoshoot he would always remind me, “So how much did you get paid?” And finally, I knew that if others were also telling me to charge my photos, I think I should just cave in and finally do it.
That absolutely changed my career. When I started charging it made me realize how many people really loved my photography and had to be their photographer!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I feel like 90% of my success came from others helping me along the way. My Grandparents, as well as my Father, Stepmother, and Cousins. They supported me and my crazy photoshoot ideas
My best friend Elaina helped me build my portfolio and just start up my business
My program teacher Chris Palmer (as I stated in the last question, he helped me a lot) he helped me build my website and create business cards, and helped me to start charging for my photography.
My other best friend, Kodi, he helped me build my portfolio as well.
Pricing:
- Senior Photos Package ($200)
- 30 Minute Session ($50)
- 1 Hour Session ($100)
- Engagement/Elopement (TBD)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://primsphotography.mypixieset.com/?fbclid=PAAaaAlZ0_-aPmIxxo2yh95Qp3dm-oLPxn0ZTD9GGAj9kKTTOIsD2EXYintLc_aem_AbwhAfxu3lQPWfmuLPmN5VzUdRwhamozb4XiREaxT_Cxzws8VxWKrrnk5XGpoWn-Bi0
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prims.photography?igshid=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
