Austin Wedding Photographer | Kelsey Applebaum Photography

My journey with photography began while I was studying abroad in Prague in 2015. As photography students, we were challenged to take and blog one great photo every day, and each one had to include a real person. It pushed me far outside my creative comfort zone, and honestly, outside my comfort zone in general. We’d wake up at 4 a.m. just to chase the light, not always sure what we were looking for until we found it. More often than not, it meant stepping into uncomfortable or vulnerable moments. But those moments taught me the most, and they’re what ultimately led me to where I am today.

What started with taking photos of friends and family has grown into something I never could have imagined. These days, I have the honor of documenting some of the most meaningful moments in people’s lives. I get to help them feel seen, confident, and truly celebrated in front of the camera. Photography isn’t just a job for me. It’s how I connect with the world. It’s what keeps me grounded and inspired. It’s my life’s work, and I don’t take that for granted.

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prague 2015

From start to finish Kelsey’s professionalism, creativity and warm personality it made the entire experience nothing short of magical.

– Past client

If you're in search of a photographer who not only possesses immense talent but also brings a delightful and positive energy to the entire experience, look no further than Kelsey.

– PAST CLIENT

Ok Kelsey Is So Amazing!! Literally An Angel Superstar That Has The Magic Touch To Turn Everything Into The Sparkliest Gold Of All Time To Ever Exist.

- Past Client

“It’s hard to put into words how happy we are that we chose Kelsey. Our family and friends have raved about how well our pictures turned out and how they capture genuine smiles and the feelings of joy and love."

- Past CLient

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again… the magic Kelsey captures is absolutely unmatched! ✨ The amount of compliments we’ve gotten on our photos is unreal. She truly has such a gift.

- Past CLient

The dance floor

My goal is simple: to create images that feel like magic. Not just the staged kind, but the kind that lives in genuine moments, the unexpected light, and the details you brought together so thoughtfully. I want you to look back and not just see your day, but feel it all over again.

Whether it’s a big, luxurious celebration or something small and personal, I approach every wedding with the same goal: to walk away creating magic. I put it all on the table to ensure I do so. I don’t look for just the cookie cutter images, but images that reflect how the day felt, and honestly, even better.

That’s why I shoot on both digital and film, with flash and natural light, in ways that are crisp and soft and everything in between. Because magic doesn’t look just one way — it shows up in layers. And when all those pieces come together, they tell your story in the most stunning way possible.

That’s the goal — to give you more than just beautiful photos. To give you something that feels like magic, not only the first time you see them, but every time you look back.

LEAVE IT ALL ON

I'm Kelsey! i'm A LONGTIME AUSTINITE, DOG MOM TO MUDDY & KOOP, Reality tv enthusiast, newlywed, lake day lover, & PASSIONATE ABOUT WORKING WITH INCREDIBLE COUPLES.

With the creative eye of an art director and the ease of a friend, I’m here to make your time in front of the camera feel relaxed and real. Together, we’ll create images that are timeless and full of personality—capturing genuine connection, artistic moments, and the moments that truly tell your story.

I’m inspired by how light can transform a scene and by the energy that fills milestone celebrations. To me, weddings and life’s biggest moments are vibrant, emotional, and worth capturing with care. My goal is simple: for you to feel at ease, enjoy the day, and have photographs that let you relive it for years to come.