Meet Michael Kessel

We recently connected with Michael Kessel and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.

My ability to take risks has evolved over time, but it’s always been essential for my personal growth and for building my business.

It really started when I first left home. I grew up in a small community where the world outside was often painted as intimidating or dangerous. A lot of those ideas never fully resonated with me, so I slowly started testing the unfamiliar. One of the biggest steps was starting a band in college. That gave me a reason big enough to push past my comfort zone. Touring, traveling for shows, and working my way through different roles in the industry showed me that each time I took a risk, something good could come from it—and that encouraged me to take the next one.

Fast-forward a decade, and I had backpacked multiple countries, traveled across the U.S. shooting weddings, faced my fear of heights by climbing 14ers and skydiving, and put myself in situations that forced me to grow.

In 2020, when music came to a sudden stop, I lost a huge part of my identity. That pushed me into one of the biggest risks I’ve taken so far: starting my photography business. It has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but easily one of the most rewarding. It’s brought incredible relationships, opportunities, and a level of personal development I couldn’t have predicted.

I’ve always had a growth-mindset, If I’m in the same place I was a year ago, I feel like I’ve failed myself. So I keep moving, keep learning, and keep betting on myself. Now at 32, with more life experience than many people twice my age, there’s no turning back. Risk-taking really comes down to proving to yourself that you can. As kids we’re told anything is possible, but somewhere around adulthood, people start encouraging the “safe” path. I think that’s where people get stuck. If you find a passion worth pursuing, follow it even if it scares you.

Do the damn thing. Do it alone. Do it scared. Do it tired. Whatever the circumstances..
Ive always believed your comfort zone is where dreams go to die. Dont let them.

I saw this post recently on this topic that really resonates. it went

Your going to fucking die.
sorry to break the bad news.
but it begs the question.
if you know how its going to end why not make the middle really fucking good
like REALLY fucking good.
put down your little dopamine machine and go do something
Build something
Feel something
Risk Something
Change someones life
change your own
Learn
travel
build
break
Try again
study your heros
Pick up a camera and say something toy younger you
fall in love
Loose it
find it again
Find yourself
loose yourself
Get obsessed with something that makes you forget your phone
because someday youll run out of somedays
and all that will matter is that you actually lived

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Hi, my name is Mike! I’m an Iowa-based elopement and destination wedding photographer, born to roam and passionate about capturing extraordinary love stories that break tradition.

I specialize in creative wedding and elopement photography for couples who want a fun, meaningful, and unforgettable experience. Your story deserves more than documentation, it’s a celebration of who you are. I’m here to capture every authentic moment. Whether you’re saying “I do” in Iowa or planning an adventurous destination wedding, From helping you plan your unforgettable adventure to capturing the moments that matter most, my goal is to ensure your wedding or elopement feels genuine, timeless, and true to you.

I did an extensive exercise to “find my why” to really zero into my business based on my past experiences and this was the result: “To provide others and myself the freedom to express ourselves fully and authentically so that we can deeply connect and feel valued for who we truly are through exciting shared experiences”

My goal is to arrive as not just your photographer but as a friend on your journey. Getting to know you personally is more than a formality; it’s the cornerstone of the experience I aim to create. Taking the time to understand your unique story is what allows us to have fun crafting an experience that authentically represents you

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Being goal oriented but open to taking different opportunities and paths along the way
Being kind someone others feel comfortable with- collaboration always wins over competition
Be willing to face your fears. Fear is never stagnant, its always growing or shrinking and equally proportionate to the amount you are willing to face it

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

I’d take off and move to a new country. Getting outside of the us, experiencing other cultures, and seeing first hand most of the fear about the rest of the world is generated by propaganda has been one of the most forfilling and eye opening experiences ive had. Id actually argue becoming more well traveled and worldly is one of the best things you can do for klling your biases and living a fuller life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kesselkreationsmedia.com
• Instagram: @kesselkreations
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kesselkreations/

Image Credits

Kessel Kreations