Today we’d like to introduce you to Kalyn Baumgartner.
Kalyn, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I graduated college with an Early Childhood Education degree and spent my first years working with kids in the school district until I had a family of my own. While staying at home with my children and spending time capturing their every-day moments, my passion for photography was born. I quickly found myself not only savoring these photographic moments for my family, but for other families and friends as well! When I knew it was something I was going to pursue, I practiced a ton and learned the ins and outs of my camera.
With a few years shooting families and children under my belt, I did my first senior shoot and fell in love with the idea of getting to showcase each senior’s personality through photos! After finding success in that market, my business took off and I started a large Senior Representative program that I still run today! Discovering, and showcasing what makes each senior unique brings me such joy!
It wasn’t too long after starting Senior Photography that a friend asked me to shoot her wedding! Naturally, I was nervous, having never photographed a wedding before, but I jumped at the opportunity to learn something new. It was during that very first wedding, and being a front-seat witness to someone’s love story, that I decided to include weddings into the main scope of my work, along with seniors. These are unforgettable moments in a person’s life, and I get to be there for that ride… how cool is that?
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Like any business owner, I’ve had my share of struggles and upsets! Things like deciding on a particular “market” for myself and how to stay competitive (while also affordable) are a couple things that come to mind. Balancing life as a Mom of three and a professional photographer has proven itself to be the biggest challenge yet. The best advice I have, in terms of work-life balance, is to keep a list of your priorities. Family, for me, has always come first, and my clients know that. When my family has been taken care of, then I can confidently take care of my clients.
It has taken a lot of time and hard work to find my niche in the small business world. Now that I have reached a certain comfort level, I find it easier to think of my shoots as fun outings, and my clients as friends. It is important to remember why you started in the first place. If its no longer fun, then you shouldn’t be doing it!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Rays of Life Photography – what should we know?
My photography business specializes in Seniors. But we also willingly, and proudly, shoot weddings, families, and children. I use a natural light approach to create images that provoke emotion and capture joy.
My senior business has a large following, and I am so proud of the progress we have made in the past few years. We are the only local photography company to provide on-location Hair and Makeup; this means our hair and make-up artist comes on our shoots to change up looks bringing variety to a Senior’s photo collection. We also offer a Senior sign book — an album that friends and family can write in upon graduation! It has small writing prompts, as well as photos from the senior shoot–a true momentum from the entire Senior experience.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
Never be afraid to ask questions! When I was first starting out, I asked so many questions to my photographer friends, so I could learn and practice. Find locals who do what you want to do and meet up, or chat via social media! I also shadowed a few photographers before starting out, so I could see how they run a shoot from start to finish. It was a great way to find new ideas that I could work into my business. It is so important to remember that everyone started from the bottom! With hard work and passion, you can make it happen!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.raysoflifephotography.com
- Phone: 630-947-4436
- Email: kalynbaumgartner@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @raysoflifephoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaysOfLifePhotography/
Image Credit:
Rays of Life Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
