Oregon City, Oregon thrives because of our small businesses, many of which are women-owned. The small business we learned about is providing a place for other creative’s to do their passion work, and creates imagery for the community. Kelly Mooney, with Kelly Mooney Photography is all about capturing the authenticity of her clients and showcasing the value and message of the businesses she works with.
Many folks find photography to be expensive or complicated, but Kelly makes it simple, seamless and easy. She has raving reviews online, and for good reason, because she creates an experience and value for all her clients. Whether she’s photographing headshots, seniors and families or working with small businesses to create year-long images for their brands mission, she loves what she does and it shines through in her work and the atmosphere she brings.
“My goal is always to make my clients look their very best (personally and professionally) through their photos.” – Kelly

WHAT IS YOUR WHY FOR DOING WHAT YOU DO EVERYDAY?
She loves meeting new clients and watching the moment they relax and become their true selves in front of my camera.
“My WHY for doing what I do is extensive. First, I love helping people see themselves the way others see them. I love making people feel comfortable in front of a lens when — let’s be honest — many would prefer to see the dentist than to have their photos taken! I also love bringing personality and energy into images for companies and brands, as I think it’s the key to helping them connect with their own clientele.”
Before Kelly became a photographer, she spent 17 years as the owner of a PR & marketing firm, telling clients’ stories and getting them covered by high-profile media outlets including The Today Show, Oprah, The Wall St Journal, and USA Today, among others. Realizing her prior career was all about the numbers and not about human connection, she decided to become a photographer. She uses those same skills and desires to identify and focus on what makes each of her clients unique enough to stand out of the crowd.

WHAT LESSON(S) HAVE YOU LEARNED THROUGH YOUR TIME AS A WOMAN IN BUSINESS?
“SPEAK UP AND DON’T BE AFRAID TO STAND OUT. I’VE REALLY HAD TO LEARN HOW TO FIND AND USE MY OWN VOICE; FOR YEARS, I WAS AFRAID OR EVEN APOLOGETIC FOR STANDING MY GROUND TO DO WHAT WAS RIGHT FOR ME AND FOR MY BUSINESS. I’M HAPPY TO SAY I’M PAST THAT NOW, AND IT’S PAID OFF. “
Kelly spends her time across the river in West Linn when she’s not in her studio or working with clients. She’s an Oregon Ducks grad, and thoroughly enjoys football and race car driving. Kelly is all about family, and is big on making gatherings happen with her extended family. Her husband is a medal-winning race car driver on the weekends when not working as a sales manager. They compete for fun on their Peloton bikes, and have two children, a son who’s just graduated from college, a daughter who’s attending college, and a “bonus daughter,” Tayler, who works with her on various projects with Kelly Mooney Photography.
Editing photos is her artform, and it’s a good chance she’s sipping some sparkling wine, or coffee while binging Parks & Rec or the Great British Baking Show (which inspires some good baking, too!) while editing photographs.
WHAT’S A PIECE OF ADVICE FOR OTHER ASPIRING WOMEN OR FOLKS WANTING TO START THEIR OWN BUSINESS & MAKE MONEY DOING SOMETHING THEY LOVE?
“My best piece of advice is to throw yourself in with all your heart to what you love, and find experts who can support you, who do what they love. I’m grateful to the bookkeeper, the CPA, the attorney, and other experts who help keep my business moving forward, so I can concentrate on what I do best.”
Though she might be a one-person operation, she could not run her business without the support of her bonus daughter, Tayler, who works with her on social media projects, her virtual assistant Danielle of Detailed PDX, and her stylist/brand consultant Ashley Roda of Ionic Details.

Are you looking for a brightly lit studio to create to your heart’s desires in the Willamette Valley? Kelly has the space to do just that! Right here, in Oregon City, Oregon, is a photography/creative studio that provides natural window light, tall ceilings with bright open spaces. You can read more information about KMooneyStudios and how to rent it on Kelly’s website, or book online here.
You can book by hour (two hour minimum), and half or full day options are available.
A camera-shy client raves about their experience with Kelly on Thumbtack:
“Kelly was awesome. I am so uncomfortable getting my photo taken and she was more reassuring than I could even imagine. She was also very organized (and) the shoot went really well. The pictures are amazing. Can’t recommend her enough.”
Kelly is motivated by providing for her family, and being able to help people really inspires her. “I love that moment when I hear clients tell me that they’ve never felt so good about themselves, or that they really feel like they can SEE their business’ potential after they see their photos.”
When asked about her life’s motto, it may be no surprise to those who know her that she really follows one guideline and that is…. “I came to live out loud.”
We think we can learn a great deal from this!

Through the past year, she’s learned some valuable lessons that many others have been forced to face: Be prepared; think ahead; value the little things and the personal relationships; and always have a backup plan.
Her business grew over the past year, and she spent a great deal working with businesses who needed to reinvent themselves for their online presence. She has been able to keep photographing through Covid-safe sessions, and create photos that help her clients pivot and succeed during the ever-changing atmosphere.
“With personal portraits, people have found more value and significance in their families and the small moments. I’ve also enjoyed working with individuals, families and high school seniors to help them find some beautiful moments in these trying times.”
If you’ve thought about having professional headshots taken, or want updated family or individual portraits, Kelly is your person. She will make you comfortable and valued.
If you are a photographer or artist in need of the perfect space to create your own content, be sure to connect with Kelly to find out how you can take your vision and make it real.

CONNECT WITH KELLY MOONEY & KELLY MOONEY PHOTOGRAPHY
Connect with Kelly by visiting her website: https://www.kellymooneyphotography.com/
Kelly Mooney Photography on Instagram: @KellyMooneyPhotography
Kelly Mooney Photography on Facebook: @KellyMooneyPhotography
For Senior Photography, learn more or see images on Instagram & Facebook or on the website

THIS BLOG POST WAS WRITTEN BY ASHLEYANN BURNETT, OF SIMPLE SHOT PHOTOGRAPHY, WHO IS A VOLUNTEER WITH DOWNTOWN OREGON CITY ASSOCIATION.
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