Meet Kalli Strauser | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kalli Strauser and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kalli, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
I’ve often found myself struggling with a particular belief among the photography community that you have to confine yourself to a “niche”. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve read or heard someone advising photographers to find their niche and stick with it, whether that be weddings or editorial etc. I believe this type of advice forces creatives into a box and limits their room for growth and expression. I’ve always been drawn to creative fields of work because they are as limitless as ones imagination, and when an individual feels pressured to stay within one style of their creative field they lose the opportunity to experience those limitless possibilities.
My love of photography stems from the freedom I experience through my creative work. I’ve shot everything from creative projects to weddings, landscapes, portraits and more.
Being able to explore new styles and fields of photography keeps it fresh, exciting, and interesting for me. I never feel as though I’ve fallen into a strict routine, and that’s because I allow myself to explore and experience every aspect of photography that I can.
When individuals explore every part of their creative field they are cultivating an environment in which they are constantly learning and evolving. My motto has always been “new opportunities, not niche’s” and I think that’s the only way someone can truly experience everything a creative line of work has to offer.

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 think the biggest thing that sets me apart from other artists is that I’m willing to not just jump but LEAP out of my comfort zone in an effort to learn and grow. I am constantly looking for new opportunities, no matter how challenging they might seem. Being presented with new opportunities is definitely one of the most exciting, although at times nerve wracking, things for me as an artist, alongside being able to express myself and be vulnerable with my creative work. I am often filled with the most pride when my clients not only love the images I’ve provided, but enjoy the process it took to create them as well. Pursuing photography as a profession has been far from easy for me. I come from an extremely low income, single parent household. Growing up low-income definitely made it difficult to pursue this line of work. Photography can be a pricey industry to work in, from editing software and equipment to travel etc. There are a lot of expenses in a photography business. As a full-time student, employee, and photographer there have been times I’ve had to make financial sacrifices in other aspects of my life to ensure I could continue to pursue this passion. In order to ensure I can continue to financially support this passion I work one, and sometimes two jobs during slow seasons. Financial strain hasn’t been the only obstacle present in my journey.
I often struggle with my anxiety as a photographer. I want everything to be perfect and I will pick apart my work until I’ve convinced myself I have bitten off more than I can chew. I struggle with panic attacks, and sometimes they take hold at the most inopportune times. I may experience these moments of extreme panic right before a shoot, or before sending a gallery to a client. I’ve found that the easiest way for me to cope with this is to take a moment to remember kind words from clients, friends, and family. I try to refocus myself on all the positives in my life, and remind myself that one bad photo doesn’t make me a bad photographer. Each mistake is a learning opportunity, and often times we are our own worst critics.
I’ve learned so much over the years as a photographer, but the biggest thing I’ve learned is how to use creativity as an emotional outlet.
I want the world to know that as a professional I am all about honesty, vulnerability, and learning. I hope that in sharing my story I can ensure others feel understood. Above all else I want to inspire others to embrace mistakes and obstacles as learning and growing opportunities. I aspire to encourage others to be unapologetic in who they are, mistakes, challenges, and all.

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?
As a photographer I am constantly looking for beauty in unconventional places, and this definitely translates into my personal life. If I were to give a visiting friend the best time ever I would start by taking them to some of my favorite hidden gems.

We’d spend the first day at all of my personal favorites. We’d start the morning with a hike to a hidden waterfall somewhere about 30 minutes outside of Sanger Texas. I wish I could describe the location to you, but I’ve never been good with directions. Next we’d grab lunch and mimosas during happy hour at the greenhouse restaurant in Denton Texas. Greenhouse has the cutest outdoor dining area that looks like something straight out of Europe (not to mention the most phenomenal spinach dip). We’d definitely be visiting Denton’s only speakeasy, Paschall, which is located behind an unmarked door next to Andy’s. It’s filled with books, artesian drinks provided by the amazing staff, and the most beautiful vintage furniture/decor. We’d end our first night with a trip to the “Back Dough”, which is located behind Queens Steakhouse in Denton Texas. they’re only open 10pm-1am Friday and Saturday, and the menu changes every weekend. They serve the most amazing sweet and savory donuts and make for an amazing photo op. They’re a breakfast-loving night owls dream.

There are tons of other places we’d have to visit throughout the week. We’d have to make a late night trip to Old Alton’s bridge (AKA goat mans bridge). We’d go on a hunt for the elusive purple door in Denton, enjoy a snow cone a gnome cones, and go on a shopping spree at the recycled bookstore. Then we’d venture outside of Denton and into other areas around DFW. We’d visit the chapel of thanks giving which has the most stunning architecture and stained glass ceilings! We’d explore airfield falls ( my favorite photoshoot location), the colorful and artsy walls in Deep Ellum, and hike through teddy bear park!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There has been no shortage of support when it comes to the pursuit of my creative endeavors, but there are definitely a few who went above and beyond. I wouldn’t have been able to pursue this passion of mine if it weren’t for my momma who has made, and continues to make so many sacrifices to ensure I am given the opportunity to follow my dreams in every way possible. She is constantly encouraging me to live in my individuality, and fearlessly express myself in anyway my heart desires.
I’ll never forget my first camera, which my mom worked so hard to gift to me. She hunted high and low for something we could afford, and ultimately found just that at an antique store. That camera would hardly ever leave my hands, and ever since then I’ve been hounding this aspiration of mine.
My husband, Matthew, also plays a huge role in my support system. He is constantly encouraging me to seek new opportunities. He is unwavering in his support, and always “hyping me up”. I cannot express how much gratitude I feel towards this amazing man. He expresses support in every way imaginable from accompanying me to shoots when I’m nervous, to reassuring me when imposter syndrome takes hold. He always looks at every single photo I show him when I need a second set of eyes, and keeps me company when sleep is replaced by editing. I love and adore you Matt, always!
Lastly I want to give a huge shoutout to every single friend, family member, and client who has supported me through booking sessions, letting me experiment, sharing my work etc.

Instagram: www.intagram.com/ohsnapph0t0s

Other: TikTok: tiktok.com/@kalli.indianna

Image Credits
All Images are my own.