Today we’d like to introduce you to Kassie Reese.
Hi Kassie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Photography has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Long before digital cameras existed, I was the kid with a camera in my hand, creating stacks of undeveloped film that I hoped my parents might eventually get developed.
In 2010, I stepped in front of the camera for a professional photo session of my own. When I received my images, something clicked. It wasn’t just about the photos—it was about how the experience made me feel. I remember thinking, I want to give this feeling to other people.
So I dove in headfirst. I invested in a camera, practiced constantly, took classes, shadowed other photographers, and convinced my friends to model for just about every style of shoot imaginable. Every session taught me something new and helped shape the photographer I was becoming.
At the same time, I was putting myself through business school while working and raising my child as a single mom. It wasn’t always easy, but I was determined to build something meaningful.
After earning my degree, I realized the corporate world wasn’t where my heart belonged. I took a leap of faith, pursued photography full time, and I’ve never looked back.
Today, I feel incredibly grateful that I get to do what I love every single day. Photography has given me the opportunity to preserve memories, help people see themselves in a new light, and create experiences that are about so much more than just beautiful images. It’s been one of the greatest blessings of my life, and I can’t wait to see where this journey continues to lead.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been an easy road, but it has been one that I’ve truly loved. Running a business of any kind is challenging. There is always something that needs your attention, another task to complete, another problem to solve. The work doesn’t really stop when you own your own business.
But despite the long hours and the challenges, I can’t imagine doing anything else. The freedom to build a career around something I’m passionate about is something I never take for granted. Even more importantly, it has given me the flexibility to be there for my kids during the moments that matter most—the school events, the celebrations, the unexpected days they need me, and the memories we’ll never get back.
For me, that balance is priceless. Every late night, every challenge, and every leap of faith has been worth it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Photography has never been just about taking beautiful pictures for me—it’s about creating an experience that leaves people seeing themselves differently than when they arrived.
Over the past 15+ years, I’ve built my business around connection, confidence, and storytelling. While I photograph everything from weddings and couples to maternity, seniors, and families, I have become especially known for my women’s empowerment and boudoir work. Helping women rediscover their confidence, embrace their strength, and see their own beauty is the part of my career that fills my heart the most.
I’m incredibly proud of the environment I’ve created. My sessions aren’t intimidating or awkward—they’re filled with encouragement, laughter, genuine connection, and a whole lot of cheering people on. As a self-proclaimed “girl’s girl,” I believe women should build each other up, not tear each other down, and that philosophy is woven into every experience I create.
What truly sets me apart is that I don’t expect my clients to know how to pose or what to do. I guide every movement from beginning to end, using over 15 years of experience with posing, lighting, and storytelling to create images that feel natural, authentic, and beautiful. My bold colors, moody lighting, and cinematic style have become recognizable, but it’s the way people feel during their session—and long after they leave—that matters most.
Some of the things I’m most proud of aren’t awards or publications. They’re the women who walk away standing a little taller, the couples who reconnect during their session, the tears of joy when someone sees themselves in a way they never have before, and the friendships that have grown from complete strangers meeting through my photography.
At the end of the day, I don’t just want people to leave with photographs. I want them to leave with confidence, memories they’ll treasure forever, and a reminder that they are worthy of being seen, celebrated, and loved exactly as they are.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
If I could give one piece of advice, it would be this: don’t be afraid to reach out. Some of the biggest opportunities in my career came from simply introducing myself, asking questions, and building genuine relationships.
Find people whose work inspires you and learn from them. Take classes, attend workshops, volunteer, shadow photographers if they’ll let you, and never stop being a student. Every person you meet knows something you don’t, and there is always something to learn.
Networking isn’t about collecting business cards or trying to get something from people. It’s about building authentic relationships, supporting other creatives, and showing up for your community. Celebrate other people’s successes, refer work when you’re not the right fit, and be someone others enjoy working with.
Don’t let comparison keep you from growing. Every photographer started somewhere, and everyone has a different journey. Focus on becoming a little better than you were yesterday instead of trying to be someone else.
Most importantly, remember that your reputation is one of your greatest assets. Be kind, be dependable, keep your word, and treat every client and every fellow creative with respect. Your talent might get someone to notice you, but your character is what people will remember.
Pricing:
- 299 and up
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kassiereesephotography.com/
- Instagram: kreese_photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kreesephotography
