Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaylee Ott.
Hi Kaylee, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have had a camera in my hand for as long as I can remember. In fifth grade, I asked my parents for my first real digital camera because I loved taking photos. That birthday, they gave me a Fujifilm digital camera, and I used it almost every day. I spent hours photographing landscapes, flowers, insects, wildlife, and anything else that caught my eye. When some of my mom’s friends asked if they could print my photos to display in their homes, it gave me the confidence to keep pursuing photography.
By middle school, I began experimenting with portrait photography and used my friends as subjects. In high school, I purchased my first DSLR camera, which allowed me to explore different lenses and techniques. Around that time, I also had the opportunity to assist a local photographer whom I greatly admired. Working alongside her taught me not only about photography but also about professionalism, client relationships, and running a successful business.
As my skills grew, family and friends began asking me to photograph them, and I quickly discovered how much I loved capturing families, couples, children, and portraits. When I moved to Mount Pleasant for college, I became even more intentional about developing my craft. I offered discounted sessions to gain experience, and those sessions helped fund a study abroad trip to Copenhagen, Denmark, where I studied storytelling through photography.
My time in Copenhagen was incredibly impactful. I had the opportunity to learn from well-known photographers, refine my storytelling skills, and receive valuable feedback on my work. When I returned home, I began treating photography as a serious business and continued expanding my experience through weddings, family sessions, couples, and creative portraits.
Today, I am proud to have photographed countless weddings, families, and individuals. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing clients return year after year to trust me with documenting their most meaningful moments. Looking back, it’s amazing to see how a childhood love for photography grew into the career and business I have today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think the reality of owning your own business is realizing that it rarely follows a smooth path. When I first started offering photography sessions as a business rather than just a hobby, one of the biggest challenges was finding clients who trusted me and connected with my work. Looking back, I completely understood why some people chose not to hire me at first—I was still discovering my style, refining my skills, and learning who my ideal clients were.
As my business began to grow and provide a steady income, I faced a different set of challenges. I had to teach myself how to run a business with very little formal education on the subject. I learned everything from obtaining an EIN and opening separate business bank accounts to understanding tax deductions, bookkeeping, and managing finances. Those responsibilities can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re in your early twenties and still balancing college at the same time.
While the journey hasn’t always been smooth, every challenge taught me something valuable. I learned how to be resourceful, ask questions, seek guidance from others, and continue moving forward even when I didn’t have all the answers. Looking back, those experiences played a huge role in shaping both the business owner and photographer I am today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in weddings, couples, families, children, and creative portrait photography. The majority of my work is centered around families and couples, including weddings, which allows me to document some of the most meaningful moments in people’s lives.
What I am most proud of is the relationships I have built with my clients throughout the years. One of the greatest compliments I can receive is when someone returns to me again and again as their family grows and changes. Being trusted to capture those milestones is something I never take for granted.
From a creative standpoint, I am especially proud of my creative portrait sessions. Those sessions allow me to push myself artistically, experiment with new ideas, and create something unique for each client. I often leave those sessions feeling incredibly fulfilled and proud of what we created together.
I believe what sets me apart is the genuine connection I strive to build with every person I photograph, as well as my quick turnaround time. I know that being in front of a camera can feel intimidating for many people, so I work hard to create an environment where clients feel comfortable, relaxed, and free to be themselves. My goal is for every session to feel less like a photoshoot and more like an enjoyable experience. I never want someone to leave a session feeling awkward or uncomfortable—I want them to leave feeling confident, valued, and excited to see their images.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I see the photography industry continuing to grow over the next 5–10 years, especially as content creation becomes an even bigger part of everyday life. More individuals, brands, and businesses are looking for visual content, and I think that demand will continue to create new opportunities within the industry.
I also believe photographers will continue to play an important role in documenting life’s biggest milestones and special events. While traditional photography will always be valuable, I think we may see an increased demand for photographers who can also provide content creation services, whether that be behind-the-scenes footage, short-form video, or content tailored for social media platforms.
On a more personal level, I hope we continue to see people place value on professional photography as a way to preserve memories and relationships. I would love to see more families, especially extended families, come together for photos. Life moves quickly, and we never truly know when our last opportunity will be to gather with the people we love. Photographs have a unique ability to preserve those moments, and I believe that will always be one of the most meaningful aspects of this industry.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/captured.by.kaylee/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photoscapturedbykaylee
- Other: capturedbykaylee@gmail.com
