Hey there! I’m Kendal. I’m a family and wedding photographer based in the heart of the Midwest – Lawrence Kansas (rock chalk!). I’m so glad you’re here to learn a little bit more about me and my journey to starting my photography business. I’ve poured so much love into what I do and I bring that same energy to every photo shoot. I find so much joy in learning about others’ stories, personalities, and what makes them unique. Whether it’s through a conversation or capturing a moment on camera, I’m always fascinated by the little details that make each person, couple and family special.

I think I am drawn to photography because I am one sentimental b*tch (I’m also a crier). For real though! I have always loved looking through old photos and hearing the stories behind them. I used to sit at my grandmother’s table while she worked on her scrapbook, listening to her tell me the stories behind the images. I’ve always been fascinated by how a single image can hold so much history. For me, photographs spark visual memories of otherwise lost moments.

While I yap all day long, it was hard for me to write about myself! With that, read on for some answers to a few questions that ChatGPT told me I should answer 😆

How I got into photography…

I’ve always been creative and super into creating. My aunt was a fine art photographer when I was growing up and there were always cameras and photographs around. It was the 90’s and we would take big family vacations together and someone always had a camera in your face. In highschool and college I would stuff my Nikon CoolPix into my tiny clutch purse and hit the town with my friends.

I really began picking up my camera more regularly after having my first baby. More than just the boredom that covid brought on, motherhood brought out a sense of bittersweetness in me. I was overwhelmed with love and excitement for each new milestone, yet there was a hint of sadness in knowing how quickly she would grow and change, transforming from a tiny baby into her own person. I desperately wanted to capture each stage of her growth. Realizing that I could freeze time for others is really what sparked my drive to start my business.

I started out by taking photos of my own family and friends—people who let me play around, try new angles, and experiment. Each photoshoot was another step toward understanding the emotional weight photos can carry. I don’t think it’s just about creating something pretty (and I love pretty!). What really drives me is capturing real and true emotion: the nervous excitement of a bride getting ready, the pure joy of a dad lifting his kid into the air, the way families laugh together on a lazy Sunday morning.

I am generally a deeply feeling person (thanks Dr. Becky). I knew I was hooked when I started seeing how my photos could make other people feel something. That’s the magic of photography for me. Being able to capture the joy and love that surrounds you. It’s about freezing those moments of your emotion and love in a way that makes it all come back every time you look at those photos.

How my friends and family would describe me…

I asked my sister to answer this question because she’s both my family AND friend. She’s also a kindergarten teacher and cannot tell a lie. Her description was, “kind, funny and someone who instantly connects with others”. My best friend and former roommate said, “goofy as hell”. I like to think I bring that energy into every photo shoot. When I’m working with clients, no matter if it’s a bride and groom or a family with kids running wild, I’m not just standing behind the camera. I’m right there with them, making them feel relaxed, laughing along with them, and getting them to let their guard down so I can capture their true personalities and smiles.

I’ve always believed that the best photos happen when people are comfortable and having fun. This is why I enjoy lifestyle photography so much! It’s always more comfortable and fun to be photographed doing something you like with the people you love. I’m not the photographer who just tells you to “smile and look at the camera.” (Okay, well I will do that a time or too but after this next part) Nope, I’ll probably be making weird faces, cracking jokes, or even doing a little happy dance to get that perfect shot. I am not afraid of looking like a total nerd to put someone else at ease.

My favorite things to photograph are…

Babies. Give me all the babies! Newborns are teeny and perfect and honestly just amazing to look at. Like, how did that tiny little person come to be? It really is mind blowing. But what I really love are one year milestone sessions. One year olds are all the best parts of a baby while being right on the cusp of toddlerhood. Their personalities are starting to shine through more and more every day but they still have the baby cheeks and softness, needing their mamas but venturing out. I might actually cry thinking about my kids at that stage! Love a baby.

After that to that it would be weddings and families. I am not only sentimental and emotional, I am a romantic. But jokes aside, I love love! (saying that always reminds me of ELF when Will Ferrel shouts, “I’m in love I’m in love and I don’t care who knows it!” in the streets of NYC). I love the fast paced nature of a wedding day and getting to witness all of that excitement and love on display. Watching two people standing up, speaking from their hearts and promising to love and support one another is insanely beautiful and emotional and touching and all the things! Then getting to see those two people add MORE PEOPLE to their crew?! Truly amazing. Seeing the love that grows and expands as you add to your family is such a joy.

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Thanks so much for reading a little bit about me and my thoughts on photography. I truly believe that every family and couple has a unique story to tell, and I’m here to help you tell it in the most fun, authentic and meaningful way possible. Whether you’re planning your wedding or want to capture your family’s crazy and beautiful moments, I’d love to be there to preserve your memories.

Let’s make some magic together!

xo, kendal