Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Dahl.
Hi Kelly, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After university, I honed my skills as a commercial photo stylist. The job was everything I dreamed of doing professionally: catalog and model shoots, on-set styling, propping, building sets, drawing layouts, traveling…with the added bonus of long hours, stressful studio, and a boss who was difficult, to say the least! I grew up professionally there, then spent the next few years working downtown Minneapolis.
A slower-pace, more artistic control and closer community relationships were tugging at my heartstrings. A family photo shoot with my in-laws left me with the realization that what I was yearning for was a connection with people, leaving them feeling valued and seen, then reliving that every time they look at their photos.
Parkplace Studio was born. It’s named for the park that I see through my front window that’s central in bringing folks together. I recall the long hours at my computer with my babies in my lap, growing our family and my business simultaneously.
Now, I’ve been doing this for over 15 years, focusing on branding photography and senior portraits. Each session begins with me listening. Intentional, thoughtful, personal photography with the goal of identifying my clients’ “special sauce” then figuring out how to say that with no words at all.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Changing technology, staying creative, courage, and embracing my process have been my biggest obstacles. I’m always learning, growing, and leaning on my family when it gets tough.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a brand and senior photographer who focuses on storytelling, my goal is to simplify my clients’ visual communication so they can focus on their unique talents and let photography tell their story.
I’m not a “hustler” (although I admire the hustlers I work with). I’m experience-driven, intentional and artistic. Described as enthusiastic, self deprecating, and funny, I believe that the mood during a shoot is paramount in getting the honest expressions and sincerity we’re aiming for, and that people remember the way you make them feel.
That being said, across my portfolio you’ll see that pure colors and the use of focus, pose and crop create dynamic photographs that stay relevant through trends.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Start before you’re ready. Perfectionism is the enemy of progress: I struggle with this every day!
Develop a healthy money mindset: money is a tool not your worth.
Serve your community: so much of the value of what I’ve built is in giving back to the community that holds me.
Conduct your business with integrity and kindness: there are enough predatory businesses out there.
Pricing:
- Headshot sessions start at $300
- Senior sessions range from $295-$1200
- Branding portfolios start at $1200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.photosbyparkplace.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photosbyparkplace
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/ParkplaceStudio
