Small Business Highlight: Kailey A Photography

Meet Kailey Mohrweis, owner (and artist behind the lens) of Kailey A Photography. To make a living capturing the best moments of people’s lives, you’ve got to be more than talented. Beyond having an artistic eye, a successful photography business takes networking know-how, social media prowess, and event connections—in sum, you’ve got to know how to put yourself out there.  That’s where Kailey has become a true master of her art. 

Not only does Kailey create stunning portraits for occasions like weddings and engagements, she’s also a skilled businesswoman. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur with dreams of turning your hobby into a business, Kailey’s success can show you how to do what you love and make money while doing it. 

Snapshot of a Successful Photography Business

They say that when you love what you do, you never really work a day in your life. But of course, any small business owner can tell you, even when you love what you do, there’s still plenty of work to go around. Promoting your business alone can be its own part-time job. That’s what makes efficient promotions a time-saver (and lifesaver) for small business owners. We chatted with Kailey to get all the tips on how to promote your business, start making connections, set yourself apart, and stay motivated. Here’s what she had to say: 

Forge Industry Connections

I moved to Arizona in December of 2018 after living in Pennsylvania for my entire life.  In Pennsylvania, I had to do little to no marketing and promoting of my small business because everyone knew everyone, and leads were easy.  After moving to Arizona, I knew I needed to do something different than just sit around and wait for my clients to find me.  I started connecting with other wedding vendors on a regular basis, I signed up for my first ever bridal show, and I started doing more regular marketing through social media.   

Create Booth Appeal with Personalized Giveaways

It seems so simple being just a pen, but if you’re handing out quality pens for free, then I think that will say a lot about the quality of the work that your clients are paying you for! I chose the Mineral Alpha Pen because they were super chic.  They’re shiny, they’re classy and I think they look beautiful laying out on my table displays at [trade]shows or even just laying out on my desk at home.  My clients absolutely love them, and I always have people trying to find my booth at vendor shows because they want the pen their friend grabbed from my table! 

Gain Referrals and Repeat Customers with Questionnaires

My favorite way to connect with clients is the little questionnaire I send out when they book their session with me.  This helps them fill me in a little more about who they are as people and in turn helps them feel more comfortable with me when they show up for their session.  It’s like we’ve already met before and I know all their likes, dislikes, hobbies, etc.  I think when my clients feel that connection with me they are much more likely to refer me to their friends and family as well as give me social media shout outs which play a huge part in how I gain clients. 

Find your niche and stay true to yourself.  That’s the best way that you can attract your dream clients.

Shoot for the Sky—And Just Keep Shooting

My biggest advice for anyone trying to make photography their full-time career is to get out there and get experience!  I went to school for photography after high school and I can easily say that most everything I use day-to-day now, I learned from being out on the job or connecting with other photographers. Find your niche and stay true to yourself.  That’s the best way that you can attract your dream clients. 

Make Time for Yourself

I think it’s very important for small business owners to recognize when they need to care for themselves.  I find that I am much more productive if I take that little hour cat nap my body is telling me it needs because when I wake up, I am refreshed and ready to get going on the tasks I need to finish. 

Life goes by so fast and photos are the best and only way to keep some moments forever.

Remember Why You Do What You Do

My favorite part about being a photographer is freezing moments for people they didn’t even know they needed until they see the photo later.  It’s all about those little ‘in between’ moments for me that are so intimate and special.  Life goes by so fast and photos are the best and only way to keep some moments forever. 

For more inspiration, check out Kailey’s gorgeous work on Instagram. And if you need to capture a special moment, head over to her website to book your shoot!