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

Hi Kelsey, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Like most Entrepreneurs I started my business by taking a big leap of faith. I knew that I wanted to be my own boss and pursue my passion of photography, but I was scared (but who isn’t scared when they start something new). I was afraid of failure, and I let that hold me back from starting my business years sooner. Kelsey Rinaldi Photography officially launched in October of 2021. I continued to work my full-time job as a wedding venue Sales Director for 6 months while I was getting Kelsey Rinaldi Photography established. It was an intense half of a year, but it paid off big time when I was able to go to photography full time.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from other wedding photographers is that I view the wedding day different from most because of my background. I was a wedding planner and then a wedding venue director before starting my business. I care about the timeline, flow of event, respect the other vendors and have a heavy focus on customer service. Some would say that I am a very well-rounded vendor with lots of experience in weddings.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For out of town friends visiting I always suggest checking out San Diego and Santa Barbara. San Diego has incredible hiking, culture and food. My favorite photo location in San Diego is Sunset cliffs (if you haven’t been, you need to check it out)! Santa Barbara is is such a special spot with major California cool surfer vibes. Santa Barbara’s funk zone is a fun wine tasting day trip and the shopping on State Street is a must see.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The entire wedding industry in Ventura County is 100% what got my business up and running at record speed. I am forever grateful for all of them! I am so blessed to say that there are literally too many of them to name for me to shoutout. This was the BEST example of community over competition. I love you all and am so thankful to be part of this industry (family).

*I was a wedding venue Sales Director for about 7 years before I got into photography so I knew all of the local vendors (Wedding planners, florists, DJs, other Venue Directors, etc.).

 

Website: https://www.kelseyrinaldiphotography.com

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

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

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.