Today we’d like to introduce you to Kalia Lor.
Kalia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
First, I want to say thank you for having me on Voyage Minnesota. This is an incredible opportunity and a true honor to be featured. My journey with photography began at a young age. I was always drawn to cameras and loved capturing everyday moments with my family. Growing up in an Asian American household, family gatherings and celebrations played a big part in my life. I wanted to preserve those memories even if it meant borrowing my dad’s phone just to take photos. My passion for photography really began to grow in high school when I started taking photography classes. I began capturing moments for family and friends just for fun and that hobby gradually turned into something more meaningful.
In 2017, after experiencing a personal loss, I was reminded of how important it is to do what you love and to preserve moments with the people who matter most. That’s when I officially began my journey as a professional photographer. Since then, I’ve had the joy of meeting so many amazing people and building lasting connections with many returning clients and opportunities to travel throughout Minnesota and beyond for photo sessions.
Today, I’m a freelance photographer based in the beautiful Twin Cities of Minneapolis–St. Paul. My passion is capturing life’s most meaningful moments so they can be shared, cherished, and remembered for years to come. I truly love what I do, and I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of my family, friends, and wonderful clients.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it hasn’t always been a smooth road. Like many growing photographers, I’ve experienced both the highs and the challenges along the way. One of the biggest struggles I faced early on was building a client base and growing my portfolio. Photography is a very competitive field there are so many talented photographers out there, all working hard to attract clients and make a name for themselves.
At times, it felt discouraging, but I reminded myself why I started. I stayed consistent, kept creating, and focused on improving my craft. I started offering photo sessions to friends, family, and local community members, sometimes at little to no cost, just to gain experience and build trust. Word of mouth began to spread, and slowly but surely, I started to attract more clients.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that growth takes time, and it’s okay to start small. Every session helped me learn something new not just about photography, but about connecting with people, building confidence, and running a business. I’m grateful for both the struggles and the wins, because they’ve shaped who I am as a photographer today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
K.Lor Photography is based in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area, and we’re excited to travel to select locations across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and even nationwide. We specialize in capturing timeless moments through portrait sessions, engagements, couples, family, maternity, and newborn photography, as well as events and traditional weddings. While these are our main focus areas, we’re always open to creative and unique session ideas.
What sets me apart from others is that I’m not just your photographer, I’m your personal hype girl! I pay attention to the little details and always ensure you feel confident. For example, if you forget to take your hair tie off your wrist, I’ll be there to remind you, so you won’t regret it when you see the photo later.
What I’m most proud of brand-wise, is how much I have grown. It’s been incredible to meet new clients and be trusted with capturing their most important moments.
I want your readers to know that, while there are many talented photographers out there, I’m confident that I’m the right fit for you. I’m here to ensure that every session is tailored to your vision. Whether it’s reminding you of the moments you want to capture on your wedding day or making sure your family photo session reflects your unique personality, I’ll be there every step of the way.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was the only daughter in a family with three brothers. I often found myself either spending time alone or hanging out with them. They were incredibly protective but also gave me the freedom to grow into who I am today. Over time, we built a strong bond and we took care of each other, shared adventures outdoors, and even stayed in to watch K-dramas together when I asked (which was definitely not their usual thing).
That closeness with my brothers taught me the value of connection, compromise, and being present with the people you love. Those values deeply influence my work as a photographer. I strive to capture that same sense of real, meaningful connection in every session and whether it’s between siblings, families, couples, or friends. My goal is to preserve those moments of love and togetherness, so they can be cherished for years to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.klorphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k.lorphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/klorphotography/
