Behind the Lens: Meet Kelly, Wausau's Top Photographer

Client TipsMaternityFamilyengagementNewborn

Oct 14

Hey there, I'm Kelly Jacobi, a passionate photographer based in the heart of Wausau, Wisconsin. I'm excited to share my journey, photography style, and what drives my passion for capturing life's beautiful moments.

My Photography Journey

Photography isn't just a career for me; it's a lifelong love affair. My journey started with growing up with a dad who was always video taping everything. I mean everything. We have hours of film of me and my siblings just riding our bikes in circles in the driveway. We have the big moments like holidays and birthdays. There’s hours of landscape, he was an over the road trucker and would video the landscape of the miles he traveled and beautiful places he saw. Without even realizing it at the time, I learned that our moments, both big and especially the small, are worth documenting.

In middle school my dad let me take his film camera. I started documenting everything. Life of a teenager just as it was. My friend and I bought beautiful flowy dresses from the thrift store and created fantasy photoshoots. I didn’t know anything about the camera I was using, it always stayed in auto. I just knew I loved documenting and I loved creating.

I’ve always been creative. One of my favorite memories is the award I received when I was in 2nd grade. It was made out of construction paper in the shape of a ribbon and said “Award for Most Creative”. As I got older I still documented everything but my creative outlet was painting and charcoal drawings. When I stared to have kids I found that I had less and less time to get all of my supplies out. But I looked at the camera in my hand, that I was still using to document all our moments big and small, and realized this could be my creative outlet.

I dove in deep and hard. I soaked up every piece of knowledge I could to learn and perfect this craft. The more I learned the more I loved it. Seeing that I could marry documenting and preserving our stories AND create beautiful art from these moments was everything to me. I began creating beautiful photos of our lives, artwork of my children growing up, simple portraits that captured their big personalities, turning trips to the grocery store, tantrums, and haircuts into art. It truly made me realize how much beauty there is in each moment if we slow down and look for it.

I realized I needed to share this gift with others. I wanted to show people there was something more that standing in a straight line, stiff and tense, saying “cheese” at a photographer’s camera. There was a way to create art. A way to capture love, joy, and connection and all the little things that make our lives so beautiful.

Specializations that Set Me Apart

I specialize in a range of photography niches that cater to life's most important milestones. Whether it's a heartfelt family portrait, a romantic engagement session, the arrival of a precious newborn, the beauty of maternity, or the celebration of your high school senior, I'm here to capture those cherished moments for you. Coming from a background that was created on finding a way to marry documenting moments and creating art, I am uniquely qualified. This is why clients choose me. When they want more from their photos, when they want to feel their photos, when they want timeless and honest - they come to me.

My Approach: Where Moments Meet Creativity

I believe in creating a relaxed and enjoyable environment during photo sessions. It's in these candid moments where the true magic happens. I know when my clients are relaxed and having fun, that’s when the magic happens. I'm not just a photographer; I'm a storyteller. I focus on capturing your unique stories, the laughter, the love, and the cherished connections that make your moments truly extraordinary. I'm passionate about creating images that speak, that breathe, and that evoke genuine feelings, ensuring that each picture becomes a timeless memento of the unique moments and connections that make life so beautifully intricate.

Why I Love What I Do

What makes photography so incredible for me is the opportunity to be a part of your journey. Every session is a unique adventure, and I feel privileged to be there to document your special moments. The joy, the excitement, and the connections that I get to witness are the most rewarding aspects of my work. I think back to some of the first photos I created of my children that felt like art and felt exactly like how I felt in that moment, how excited I was, how much I love those photos and how years later they still bring up those emotions when I look at them. I feel so blessed that I get to share that with others, so they can feel that love and joy when they look back at their photos.

Client-Centered Approach

At the heart of my photography practice is a client-centered approach that prioritizes you, your vision, and your comfort throughout the entire photo session. I believe that the best photographs emerge when you feel at ease and your genuine self. That's why I take the time to listen to your ideas, preferences, and expectations. Before we even pick up the camera, we'll have a conversation to understand your unique story and the style of photography you're looking for. Whether it's a family portrait, a maternity or newborn shoot, or a special engagement session, I'm dedicated to tailoring every aspect of the photo session to reflect your personality, desires, and the emotions you want to convey in your photographs. I spend time getting to know you, listening to your hopes for your photo session so I can really capture the heart of YOUR story. Communication is a top priority for me. Walking my clients through every step of planning so they feel heard, confident, and ready for their session. You loving your photos and this experience is my ultimate goal, and I'm here to ensure that every moment we capture is a true reflection of your individuality and the connections that matter most to you.

Let's Connect!

I can't wait to get to know you better and start capturing the moments that matter to you. Don't hesitate to reach out for a chat or to schedule a photo session. Whether you're in Wausau or its surrounding areas, I'm here to make your moments unforgettable.

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