THE BUSINESS
KLSchwarz Photography offers a wide variety of services to clients, including newborn, milestone, maternity, family, senior, wedding, and headshot photos. Kelly said, “My hope is to support clients through all the important moments of their lives with a positive experience. For example, in the fall months I shoot sunflower mini sessions which includes a ride on our utv at my home on the farm. Clients also receive a homegrown bouquet of flowers to take away with them after the shoot. For me, photography is about so much more than just the photos. It’s about the memories it preserves for the future.”
THE OBSTACLES
Being a self-taught photographer, Kelly has faced her share of obstacles and growing pains while learning to use technical equipment and tools. “I’ve spent countless hours experimenting with my camera and refining my skills in editing programs to prefect my craft. I’m incredibly thankful for the online communities that generously share their ideas and growth, which have been invaluable in helping me grow and for assistance from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC),” Kelly said.
Accomplishments with Southwest WI SBDC:
- Business strategy
- Capital infusion
THE ASSISTANCE
Nora Roughen-Schmidt, a consultant at the Southwest Wisconsin SBDC, helped by offering guidance and strategies. Kelly said, “Nora has been an invaluable asset to my business. She’s great to work with and incredibly quick to respond to my questions. Nora consistently offers options and suggestions that contribute to my business’s growth, providing me with the tools I need to explore and advance my ideas,“ Kelly said.
One strategy she embraces is community involvement. Kelly said, “I love to showcase my hometown Kickapoo Area Schools, the talented students, and their accomplishments. I share images I take at school events on my social media page and with the school and local newspaper.”
THE GROWTH
When Main Street Bounceback grant funds became available in 2023, Kelly moved to a studio location in Viola, WI, and was able to purchase additional studio lighting. This purchase allowed her to start taking dance photos at a local studio, Sole Expressions Dance Studio.
She has also added new mini sessions, props, indoor and outdoor backdrops, and holiday sets. She is currently working to build a new larger space that will incorporate natural lighting as well as studio lighting. Kelly said, “My new larger space will allow me to photograph larger groups and extended families with ease. My creative path is always guiding me in new directions, ensuring that there’s always something fresh and exciting for my clients.”
THE PASSION
Kelly is working to develop natural sets that change a few times throughout the year in the new space. Kelly also hopes to expand background choices for milestone sessions and add more props for use on outdoor shoots. “I am expanding to include a wooden tree swing for fun outdoor photos, a second flower field on the farm, and a boat for photographs on the creek.”
People are what Kelly enjoys most about her business, saying, “My incredible clients are the heart and soul of my business and the reason I love my job. I can’t thank them enough for the trust they place in me to capture special moments. Their support, friendship, and the relationships we’ve built mean the world to me. Every referral, every kind word, and every memory we create together helps my business continue to grow. I am deeply grateful to each and every client who has allowed me to be a part of their life. The clients make my work feel like so much more than a job. I couldn’t do what I love without all of them!”
