Today we’d like to introduce you to Kali Schlemmer.
Hi Kali, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It all started around eleven years old when my dad gave me my first digital camera on Christmas. I recall thinking how amazing it was to take a photo of something and keep it forever. Fast forward to 2012, my Junior year of High school. This is when I took graphic design and interned with our local Photographer. I decided to invest in my first professional camera and learn to shoot manual photography. That next year, I began to photograph a lot of friends and coworkers’ Senior Photos. Little did I know this would be how I would meet my future husband. We graduated high school, left our small hometown of Wabash, Indiana, and moved to the sunshine state. Living in Florida, allowed me to expand the business side of my photography. This was when we welcomed our first child, our daughter, Kyndel Rae.
I knew with my daughter; I didn’t want to miss a single milestone. This allowed me to use my photography to capture every fleeting moment. After three years and living on both coasts of Florida, it was time for a new adventure. We would now be calling Nashville, TN home. Little did I know at the time this is where Kali Rae Photography, and myself, would flourish. About a year into our new adventure, we were expecting our second child, a little boy. Before his birth, I knew I wanted to be the one to take his newborn photos. I began investing in newborn/ maternity workshops and education. I was beyond inspired. Once our son, Kaia Drew, was born, our family was complete. As soon as we could bring him home, I began practicing and perfecting my newborn posing.
It was in these moments that I knew EXACTLY what I wanted to do. I wanted to be the person to help new parents remember how tiny their baby once was. I wanted to be the person that gets to snuggle new babies and lull them to sleep between poses. I wanted to watch their babies grow and help them capture their milestones. Some of my favorite memories involve mama’s spinning their daughters in fields while chasing the sunset, going on a dinosaur hunt with a soon-to-be big brother during a maternity session, or even watching new mother’s love on the babies they never thought they would be able to have.
Once my heart was set, I have never stopped. I soon decided to take a leap of faith and go brick and mortar with Kali Rae Photography. Having my own studio has been the most amazing dream come true. A place for me to create beautiful images while filling your walls with your favorite faces and your heart with a perfect adventure. All of this to say, I didn’t do it alone. My husband, Khristian Schlemmer (some may know him as the @BeardedRealtorTN ), not only encouraged me but allowed me the financial stability to stay home to raise our babies while making my dream a reality.
Mama, I’m making it!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My biggest obstacle was myself. Like many others, my life wasn’t glamorous at times growing up, which left my self-esteem low. I always knew I wanted more in life, especially for my own children. Always wanting to better myself. Learning that there’s more in this world than where and how you grow up has helped me find self-worth. I want my own children to see that you never have to settle for less than your dreams.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Kali Rae Photography?
Specializing in Family, Maternity, Child and Newborn Photography. With many years of experience bringing families the joy of beautifully tailored photography services, my clients can expect nothing less than a beautiful, fun photo experience created just for them.
Photographs are the most precious possession most people will have in their lifetime. That’s why I have spent countless hours on education, perfecting my craft to provide my clients with the best experience offered in Middle Tennessee.
I am here to tell your story the way you wish for it to be told. Being a mother myself, I know firsthand that these moments pass all too quickly. That’s why I am so passionate about documenting them. I pride myself on my work, and everything I do is completed with love.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something surprising, I am known for everything baby and family-related, but I also love Boudoir. After being a mom myself, I know firsthand how you can feel like you have lost yourself and are just trying to survive some days. Not caring to make yourself look your best, because what do you have to do besides laundry, dishes, and speed cleaning the toy mess.
For the umpteenth time. Repeat. You give, and give, and tend to forget to fill your own bucket. I love helping others, and being able to help women see/find the beauty in themselves that they may have lost somewhere along the way is so rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.kaliraephotography.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaliraephotography/?r=nametag
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaliraephotography
