Meet Mallory Kessel | Photographer

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

Hi Mallory, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own business was something that I never pictured for myself. I’ve loved and appreciated photography as an art form for as long as I can remember, but didn’t think it was even an option as a career path. When I was in undergrad, I decided to change majors but couldn’t figure out what I wanted to do! I asked my mom for advice and she suggested majoring in photography and I said, “I’ll never make a living from photography!” I think about 20 year old me often and how glad she’d be knowing how wrong she was. It wasn’t until I moved to San Diego from Denver that I starting taking my photography seriously in regards to building my client base. I was working in the service industry and real estate to pay the bills while picking up photography gigs here and there. I tried to pick what I thought were attainable goals, like finding a full-time dependable job. I thought that’s just what I’m supposed to do and I’ll enjoy myself when I retire. Sad, right? I continued to feel like just a number, not a person. That feeling pushed me to improve my craft, put money into savings, and find my ideal clients. Even when I felt ready to take the leap into working for myself, I was fearful. What if I burn all my savings and have to scramble to find another job? What if I fail? Well, I ended up getting laid off from my job and that was the best thing that ever happened to me and my business.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a professional photographer specializing in couples, engagements, weddings/elopements, and portraits. I capture the highs of life. I love celebrating my clients and the lives they have made for themselves. My goal is to authentically capture a moment in time no matter how big or small – they are all special. My attention to detail, strong sense of empathy, and perspective of the world set me apart. I am able to connect with my clients and make them feel comfortable revealing emotions to be photographed. The road here was a treacherous one. It took a lot of self-reflection and trial and error. Imposter syndrome is still an everyday battle, but I made it to a point where I can bring myself back down to earth and remember my strengths. I had a lot of people nervous for me, but hopeful that I would succeed. Transitioning from having a steady paycheck to freelancing is nerve-wracking for many, me included, so I understand where they were coming from. My most recent accomplishment put a lot of those nerves to rest. I was hired to photograph two of the weddings on this season’s Married at First Sight and my photos were published in People, Us Weekly, TV Insider, and E News. This is by far my greatest accomplishment yet.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my favorite spots in San Diego is Merakai Cafe – their açaí bowls are to die for. There’s nothing like enjoying a horchata latte on their back patio on a perfectly sunny California day. By night, I would insist on bringing my friend to Polite Provisions in North Park. The ambiance and cocktails are unmatched. There is also excellent food next door at Fortunate Son Chinese. I’d love to take them to Coronado dog beach, Elfin Forest to hike the Way Up Trail, Sunset Cliffs, and Torrey Pines Gliderport to name a few.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
HUGE shout out to Justine Mulleiz, the best life and business coach in existence. She is the founder of Just A Wild Thought and helps empower your authentic self and build your dream life. She guided me through the challenges one faces when running their own business, like imposter syndrome and general panic. I was new at this and felt unsteady, but Justine reintroduced logic and confidence when I felt overwhelmed. I am where I am today in a large part to her. I recommend her services to anyone who is thinking about starting their own business, just launching their business, or who have been in business for decades. She’s amazing.

Website: www.mallorykesselphoto.com

Instagram: @mallorykesselphoto

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/mallorykessel

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mallorykesselphoto

Other: www.pinterest.com/mallorykesselphoto