Meet Kelley Truell – Rios | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelley Truell – Rios and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelley, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
To be completely honest, I started photography as a hobby and wasn’t really sure what direction it would take off at the time. I did that for about 10 years, but then I met my husband in 2012 and he couldn’t understand why I wasn’t charging for it. lol, so he encouraged me to try it as a business and within just a few months I was shooting small family sessions, senior sessions, etc. From there, my thought process was along the lines of being my own boss, making my own hours, spending more time with my family. That was everything that I wanted, and even more so when our son was born in 2015.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I specialize in engagements & weddings. I offer all sorts of other photography, including branding, headshots, events, graduations, family, etc. However, shooting love and couples has a special place in my heart. I get to know my couples, how they love each other, how they interact with each other – I’m invested in them and I enjoy it, because it allows me to photograph the little moments and the fine details. I prefer darker, moodier tones when editing, it just speaks to me so much more – lights my soul on fire. I look at the darker tones, and I immediately feel emotion and warmth, romance and passion, all of it.

Professionally, I’ve had to push my self, past my insecurities and self inflicted limitations, Ive had to be bigger than my own fears, and trust me, there’s a lot of them. I’ve had people tell me, that I don’t know what its like to struggle or to work for the life I have – but that could not be further from the truth. Nothing in this life comes easy, I’ve had to change my mindset, and believe in myself. I invested in more education as well, time, gear, experience, trial and error. The list goes on. I wouldn’t say it was easy, but I’ve enjoyed the journey. I love learning and I love photography, so my motivation to do more and grow in my business, is definitely what drives me.

Finally, lessons – Ive learned so much, but I think one of my top lessens would be, don’t compare yourself. Growth doesn’t come from comparison. There will always be others better than you, and there will always be the newer ones just starting out. Focus on your your business, set goals, and go. Another thing I learned is, don’t wait to have the best of the best equipment to take pictures. Get out and practice. I personally believe that’s where you hone in on having that “eye” for photography, that ability to see things differently from how others might. Thats where growth happens, from experience.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oooh, let’s see. I’d start out with Starbucks, or coffee from any good coffee shop honestly (Luce, Slowpokes, Catalinas). My favorite place in Houston would be downtown. I just love it there. The architecture, the reflections, the people, all of it. So I would end up there at some point for sure. Probably the art museum as well. Wander around Rice University area. Maybe grab Cookshack on Washington afterwards. Grab a Chicken Kale Salad, chicken tenders and a margarita. Head over to the heights and walk along the old vintage shops. I also love jogging at memorial or buffalo bayou so that would be on my list and finally, I’d go dancing some where fun, preferably with latin music.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to shoutout my mom, for always encouraging creativity and activity. She helped my brother and I keep our minds alert and stimulated, never bored or sitting in front of a tv for hours on it. Id like to shoutout my husband, for pushing me where I need it and seeing my potential. I want to give a little shoutout to my son as well, since I home school him, he is my absolute ride or die lol, he is with me 90% of the time, and although I’m sure he gets tired of it at times, he never quits. Lastly and most importantly, Jehovah God. I know that none of this would be possible, if it weren’t for him. He has helped me through so much, and made so much possible.

Website: www.kapturedbykelley.mypixieset.com

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