We recently connected with Kelsey Webster and have shared our conversation below.
Kelsey, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
I keep my creativity alive by finding inspiration everywhere, specifically in art and my fellow artists. One of the biggest lessons that I learned from my photography classes in college was how beneficial peer influence and review can be on my work. I experience the most growth as an artist when I am surrounded by art, as well as when I’m able to discuss it with others. I have always found the most inspiration and self-reflection when I’ve visited the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, an institution that I consider to be my ‘happy place’. I am also incredibly lucky that I’ve found a supportive group of fellow photographers and artists in Kansas City. I have also made it a goal to do something creative every single day, whether that is drawing up a new idea, coming up with an idea for a photoshoot or a video, editing some of my backlog work, or just spending the day writing or reading something that makes me happy. Creating photos is what gives me the greatest sense of self to the point that it feels as natural as breathing and I keep my creativity alive by doing just that, breathing.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I have been taking photos since I was a child and I started taking it more seriously as a hobby when I was 16 years old. Over the years, I’ve tried out many different things, but photography was the only thing that I kept going back to. It made me feel creatively fulfilled and was a way for me to share my perspective with others. In 2018, the subject matter of my photographs shifted to people, and I realized that I could capture a memory with my camera. In December of 2019, I photographed one of my best friend’s engagement photos and decided to launch Yellow Bellows Photography. I haven’t looked back since.
I named Yellow Bellows Photography after my large format film camera with very recognizable yellow bellows. There’s also a certain ring to it that I love! Learning film photography was the beginning of falling back in head-over-heels-love with photography and now it’s a part of every facet of my life. Since starting my business, I’ve gotten to photograph the weddings, baby announcements, and family gatherings of the people I love most. Every shoot that I finish has been my new favorite shoot and I’m creating work that I’m proud of every time I pick up my camera.
As a brand, I’m doing a lot of things that I can’t wait to share! I am beginning a new monthly print sale of my work, which will be shared via my Instagram @yellowbellowsphoto. I am working on some really exciting ideas in my personal work that I hope to one day exhibit in a gallery (once I finalize them, of course)! Professionally, I am going to be extending my marketing efforts and start offering shoots for some of the themed shoot ideas I’ve had for a while now. I am also so excited to say that I will be working with Kansas City Fashion Week on an upcoming KCFW Adventures cruise in October! Personally and professionally, I’m branching out a lot and I’m hoping to see some of these ideas I’ve been sitting on for a while finally come to fruition!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Perseverance, an emphasis on self-reflection and growth, and having a good sense of humor are three qualities in myself that I have come to appreciate. For when things don’t work out the way you hoped, having a strong sense of humor helps make the world feel a little less challenging. I have also always prided myself in finding humor in anything, good or bad. Perseverance is necessary for the same reason; I have learned the hard way on many occasions that wins won’t come easy and sometimes those victories will be very hard won. But, without perseverance, the biggest and the smallest wins won’t exist. It’s easy to pivot if a goal isn’t met, but what makes it worth it is continuing toward the goals that matter to you regardless of the hurdles. Finally, above all, being capable of self-reflection is such an important part of growth. For me, self-reflection acts as a catalyst in so many ways. I keep myself accountable through honesty, and I use self-reflection as a way to work through my emotions in a positive and healthy way. It’s also paved the way for me to see my own growth over time in professional, personal, and artistic contexts, which also helps me plan for my future!
All of these things combined has made me who I am, and I’m very proud of that! I am proud of the amount of work I’ve done over the years to persevere and smile through life, even when it’s tough. I’m a strong believer that success comes from growth in any and all forms. No matter what, don’t stop working towards what matters to you, but have grace for yourself if/when those goals change.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
As a portrait photographer, I’m always looking for people to work with! I love meeting and working with new people and I especially love collaborating to combine ideas to create something new and exciting! I adore getting to work with photographers and models alike and I love seeing an idea that I have materialize in front of me. I have a ton of ideas for fashion/editorial-related shoots, so I’m always looking for models. But I’m also looking for families that want cute and cozy shoots done, as well as couples who want to do anniversary photos, engagement photos, or anyone looking for a wedding photographer! I have more than one couple that I’ve followed from engagement, to wedding, to 1st anniversaries, to baby announcements, and onward and I absolutely love being a part of that journey with them.
YOU are my ideal client, and I can’t wait to collaborate!
Do you want to do a solo photo shoot, but haven’t modeled before? Amazing! I cannot wait to make photos that make you feel beautiful and confident!
Do you want photos of you and your partner at home or at the park? I would love to work with you!
Do you want a cute, but quick, Mommy-and-Me shoot with you and your child? I’d love to! I can’t wait work with you to create a fun and comfortable environment for you both!
Do you need a couple of new headshots for your LinkedIn profile? I have a backdrop and that good lighting!
I enjoy nothing more than to give people photos that they will love and cherish forever. If any of that sounds like it’s right up your alley, send me an email at yellowbellowsphotography@gmail.com or message me through Instagram at @yellowbellowsphoto and we can chat! 😊
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yellowbellowsphotography.com
- Instagram: @yellowbellowsphoto
- Other: Tik Tok – @yellowbellowsphoto Etsy for Prints – https://yellowbellowsphoto.etsy.com
