A Legacy in the Darkroom
Photography wasn’t something Kelly set out to do from the start, but it was always around her. Her grandfather, a passionate photographer, had a darkroom in his home, and that’s where it all began. He taught her the basics and then let her explore, guiding her as she developed her very first images. That early exposure (pun intended!) planted the seed for what would eventually become Blackall Photography.
“In high school, I joined the yearbook and newspaper staff, mostly as a writer, but I always found my way back to the darkroom. Seeing my name printed alongside my photos gave me a sense of pride—one that stuck with me as I navigated the path to entrepreneurship.”
From Wedding Coordinator to Full-Time Photographer
While photography was always a passion, Kelly originally pursued a career in wedding planning. As a certified wedding coordinator, she spent years managing every detail of wedding days—an experience that would later give her an invaluable edge as a wedding photographer. Knowing the ins and outs of a wedding from both perspectives allows her to anticipate moments before they even happen, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience for her couples.
“I didn’t always know I was meant to be a photographer, but I did know I wanted to be my own boss.”
Then came the turning point. A friend, insisting that Kelly was worth it, insisted on paying her for a session. That single moment of validation gave her the confidence to take the leap, turning her side hustle into a full-time career. She named her business Blackall Photography because, to her, businesses with the owner’s name on the door carry a special kind of integrity.
“I’ve always admired businesses where the owner’s name is on the door. There’s a certain pride in that—you just know they’re going to do right by you because their name is on the line. And that’s exactly how I run things.”