Meet Kim Raaf

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kim Raaf a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kim, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?

I’ve always been excited about new opportunities, but I wouldn’t say I was naturally a risk-taker until my mid-twenties. Before that, I chose a safe path—I pursued a stable career, avoided dangerous activities, and stayed away from risky decisions. Fortunately, this foundation of security allowed me to take a leap of faith and let me realize how incredibly rewarding risk-taking could be: I followed my passion for photography and left behind a secure job as a medical doctor. My education and background provided a strong safety net that gave me the confidence to be brave, and for that, I’m deeply grateful.

Looking back, I never imagined just how fulfilling my life as a photographer would be. This experience taught me an important lesson about risk: I was always good at imagining all the ways things could go wrong, but I couldn’t foresee how things might go right—sometimes far beyond my expectations. Now, I’m a cheerleader for those around me, regularly reminding them to ask themselves, ‘What if everything goes well?’ whenever they doubt the outcome of their dreams.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

As a visual storyteller, the most important standard I hold myself to is not just capturing beautiful and emotional moments, but capturing REAL ones. I aim to create documentaries for my couples that allow them to relive their wedding day, with all its big and small moments—even those they missed or that went unnoticed. From heartfelt laughter to hidden tears, storytelling is key. These memories are what last forever, and being an international documentary wedding photographer is the greatest privilege I can imagine.

Couples trust me to be there for their big day, offering me an intimate glimpse into their lives, their relationships, and their family dynamics. Weddings are a whirlwind, and I absolutely love it. Every wedding offers countless stories to be told, and with each wedding, I’m fascinated by my couple’s lives, their passions, and their connections with all their loved ones.

I’m an attentive observer, and that’s why my wedding photography feels so authentically real. I don’t give instructions during the day (except for the couple’s shoot) and prefer to remain invisible, allowing me to create an authentic and aesthetic masterpiece—a raw yet beautiful documentary of the wedding day. I’m blessed to work with couples who laugh loudly, hug fiercely, dance wildly, and aren’t afraid to cry ugly!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Be a genuine and kind human

Many photographers underestimate the importance of their personality on a wedding day. Your couples need to trust you—not just with photography, but also with your presence, as you’ll be one of the most visible people throughout their day. They need to feel that you’re on their team, and that your presence will add to their experience. Being kind, supportive, calm, and at the same time, enthusiastic and genuinely interested in my couples’ lives are qualities I believe make me a good storyteller and help me create the best possible experience for them.

2. Always strive to improve your professional skills

Think of the best athletes in the world—they are at the top of their field, yet they all have coaches. Never get too comfortable; always strive to grow as a photographer, so you can continue offering your best work to your couples. Be open to learning, embrace growth, and invest in yourself. If you consider yourself one of the best or aspire to be, your clients should expect you to be continually improving.

3. Be brave and don’t let others set your limits
As a self-employed creative, you’ll encounter many people who won’t understand your work, your life, or your goals. Don’t let their opinions cloud your vision! Just because others can’t see the path ahead doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Maybe you’re the first to walk it. If a voice in your head says, “What if it goes wrong? There’s no way I can do this,” shift your focus to, “What if it goes right?” and start planning ahead for that stage. Think about the steps needed to reach your goals. Honestly, only a few years ago, I could never have imagined my life would turn out this way, but I’m living proof that it’s possible. And if I can do it, so can you.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

My workshops and portfolio adventures for wedding photographers are always experience-oriented. Beyond the breathtaking landscapes we explore for wedding shoots, I focus on helping photographers build their confidence, develop their unique personality, and create a portfolio that attracts the right kind of clients for them. However, this experience works best with a certain kind of photographer: someone who is open to change, ready for adventure, and loves the outdoors.

Many of my workshops are camper van-based, allowing us to explore different landscapes in the mornings and evenings. This requires resilience and adaptability, as travel plans can change on the go. If this sounds like you, reach out to me on Instagram or through my website—I can’t wait to go on an adventure with you!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kimraaf.com
• Instagram: @kimraafphoto

Image Credits

kimraaf.com