Today we’d like to introduce you to Bailee.
Hi Bailee, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have always been the one in my family with a camera in my hand. I took the family vacation photos, did little “creative” shoots with my digital point-and-shoot camera growing up, and even said I wanted to be a photographer when asked in fifth grade what I wanted to be when I grew up. Fast forward to 2019 when my husband bought me my first DSLR camera for Christmas. It was just a basic Nikon with the two kit lenses that all beginner DSLRs come with, but I was hooked! So much so that I decided to launch Bailee B. Photography on January 1, 2020. I knew next to nothing and I did so many free shoots to start. I eventually started charging $20 for an hour session just as compensation for my time shooting and editing. I worked with a few photographers in the area through mentoring sessions and quickly learned all about shooting in manual mode, flash photography, shooting techniques, and editing in Lightroom. Fast forward to July 2020, I participated in a wedding styled shoot at a wedding venue down in Indiana knowing that my goal was to eventually photograph weddings. Weddings had always held a huge place in my heart (I am a romantic) and I knew I had to be a part of couples’ special days. I posted the images that I took from that styled shoot and the next thing I knew I had inquiries and was writing up a wedding photography contract! I photographed seven weddings in that first year of business and haven’t looked back since.
Today, I have upgraded cameras, lenses, software, marketing strategies, and memory cards several times. I have studied relentlessly, taken courses online, mentored with several local photographers, and practiced my craft until I was confident enough to charge a reasonable price for weddings and sessions. I have shot more than 50 weddings as the lead photographer and many more as the second shooter. Nothing makes me happier than being a part of a couples’ biggest day! In addition to weddings, I photograph families, seniors, maternity, boudoir, and graduation photos. I could not be more grateful to the numerous people who have entrusted me to document their special moments! This was my calling and I could not be more passionate about this art I get to create.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Honestly, overall, it has been a pretty smooth road with some bumps in the way. I had to learn quickly how to be an entrepreneur and how to navigate the world of small business in Kalamazoo. I had the opportunity to learn from so many amazing people along the way and of course I had my amazing husband who constantly supported me in this journey. If it wasn’t for him and all the mentors I’ve had along the way, I would not be where I am today. The repetition of logging business expenses and income, marketing, managing my time, scheduling, communicating with clients has strengthened my confidence as a business owner. I am very blessed to say that I have had lots of support through any challenges I have faced. Shoutout to my husband, Jake Wisnaski, for buying me cameras, lugging my gear around, being a model for any new gear I have, and for endlessly supporting me in this endeavor.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My job is capturing joy. Plain and simple. I photograph families, couples, seniors, college grads, maternity sessions all with the intention of capturing connection and joy. Whatever life milestone that I am documenting, I want to make sure the story is told from beginning to end. I specialize in wedding photography and senior sessions. There is something so special about the start of a new chapter and these photographing these milestones forever have my heart! My editing style is true to color with high contrast, warmth, and a matte finish for an artistic, fine-art look. The look of my photos is unique and keeps my work fun!
The thing I am most proud of in this journey is that I connect so well with my clients and they trust me to document their happiest moments. I decided that when a couple books me for their wedding, I am all in! I will do whatever I can to make their day smooth, happy, and memorable. This could mean helping them create their wedding day timeline and family shot list, fluffing their dress train for photos, grabbing them drinks in between events, pinning on boutonnieres, or even bringing twelve umbrellas in case it rains on the wedding day. I want to be their go-to girl for anything and everything. My goal is for my clients to love their images and also love their experience having me photograph their special moments.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I am NOT a risk-taker, but I did start branching out into other forms of photography that I never thought that I would as of recently. I like to challenge myself to grow and learn. Every year I create some “growth” goals for myself with my business and photography skills. I always want to keep improving and giving the best I can to my clients.
Pricing:
- Weddings: Starting at $1700
- 30 Minute Sessions: $250
- 60 Minute Sessions : $350
Contact Info:
- Website: https://baileebphotography.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baileeb.photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/baileebphotography/
- Other: https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers/bailee-b-photography
