Hi, I’m Kelli, a photographer passionate about helping people feel confident, comfortable, and completely themselves in front of the camera. Whether I’m photographing a family, a couple, a brand, or a big life moment, my goal is to create vibrant, authentic images that capture your unique light and make the experience feel easy and enjoyable along the way. I’ve learned that some of the most meaningful moments can come from stepping into the unknown and being open to what’s possible. I bring that same curiosity, energy, and heart to every person I photograph, and every story we get to tell together.
The Job I Lost Led
Me to the Work I Love
Have you ever faced an unexpected ending and wondered if it could actually be the beginning of something better?
For me, that moment arrived when I was unexpectedly let go from a startup.
At first, it felt like a setback. Instead of rushing to find another job, though, I saw the unexpected time off as an opportunity to finally pursue something I had always been curious about: photography.
I signed up for photography classes and quickly discovered how much I enjoyed the craft. The freedom to set my own schedule, experiment, and see the world through a camera lens was exhilarating.
After five months, I returned to working full-time. I spent the next year and a half in an office environment, where I learned how to market myself and build relationships. Networking with coworkers even led to opportunities to book corporate events, giving me valuable experience.
At the same time, being back in an office made me realize how much I missed the freedom I’d experienced while learning photography. More importantly, I began to understand that I didn’t just want to work for someone else—I wanted to create something of my own.
That was when I took a true leap into entrepreneurship by launching my own photography business.
The skills and connections I developed during those 18 months provided the foundation and eased my transition into pursuing photography full-time.
Even after committing to making a go of my business, I still wondered: Am I good enough? Would anyone want to hire me?
That fear was real, and it didn’t magically disappear.
There were plenty of moments when I looked at my work and thought I could have done better or needed more practice. Then, just as I thought about giving up, I would get a big compliment, which helped push me forward.
The biggest difference between my life then and my life now is flexibility. I can make my own schedule and shape my work around the life I want.
But with that freedom comes responsibility. My success—and my failures—are 100% on my shoulders.
That can be intimidating, but it is also incredibly empowering.
I admit I still have moments when my fear slips in. However, the difference is that I now know fear doesn’t have to stop me.
I realize now that leaping doesn’t mean you’re confident about what will happen. It means you are willing to move forward even when you aren’t sure.
While being let go from that startup felt like an ending, it actually was the beginning of something so much more than I expected.
My biggest lesson is that sometimes the opportunities hidden within challenges lead us exactly where we’re meant to go. All it takes is believing in ourselves enough to try.
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**This leap story was created and edited by the Quantum Leap Experience team, based on a written submission by Kelli**
Everyone has a story to tell! All leaps are different, and we love to hear from diverse women about the internal and external leaps they’ve taken. If you’d like to share your Quantum Leap Story or know another woman who has a great story, submit it here or share this page.
