It’s hard to work under the pressure of someone else’s expectation. My favorite photo from a session is never the same as my client’s. In fact, it seems like they always choose to blow up the one I almost deleted. Every photographer has been in the situation where the client hates your favorite, and you hate your clients favorite. Art is so subjective. That is why it is so important to shoot for yourself.

Why Personal Work is Important

1. It allows you the freedom to be creative
2. You only have the pressure of your own expectation
3. You can give back and serve in a way that serves your soul at the same

Here are my ALL-TIME favorite PERSONAL PROJECTS:

Passion Project

Serving people through photography has been the most rewarding part of my job. I’ve shot funerals, cancer stories, recovery stories, awareness stories and many last family pictures. Being able to find the beauty or the love in difficult situations pushes me to be a better photographer and person.

You can view passion projects here.

The Everyday Joy Project

I photographed my kids EVERY DAY through an entire winter. I HATED winter before I did this project. But this helped me find the beauty in every. single. day. I love looking at these three months of pictures and seeing the simplicity and curiosity in childhood.

You can view more from the everyday project here.

Childhood Memories Project

I had a close relationship with both of my grandparents growing up. I have very treasured memories with my grandma and grandpa B on the farm, and with my grandma and grandpa Falter on the Oregon Coast. One summer I traveled to the PNW with my children and photographed them making those same memories with my grandparents. I knew when I had the idea I had to do it right away, and I’m so glad I did. Grandpa passed away this last summer and I have SO many beautiful pictures of him snuggling my babies.

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Kylee Maughan

Kylee Ann Maughan is a family and international brand photographer based in small-town Northern Utah. She has been a business owner for 13.5 years, and also runs a successful and award-winning associate team. Kylee hosts semi-annual retreats, speaks at conferences and teaches online courses about running a small business and marketing. Her niche in coaching is helping moms turn their passion into profit, while being the mom they dream of. 

kyleeannphotography.com/kylee