Finding Beauty Everywhere: My Journey with Madcap Rambler Photography

Finding Beauty Everywhere: My Journey with Madcap Rambler Photography

Hi there, and welcome! I’m Kelly, the eye and heart behind Madcap Rambler Photography. If we haven’t met before—thank you for being here. If you’ve followed my journey for a while, I’m so glad we’re on this path together.

Photography has been part of my life since high school, when I first picked up a camera and discovered the quiet joy of capturing a moment in time. But it wasn’t until 2015 that my love truly took root in nature photography. I found myself drawn to the stillness of the woods, the way golden light filters through the trees, the vastness of a prairie sky, and the magic that happens when you slow down and really see the world around you.

In 2020, I made a decision that changed everything: I committed to turning this longtime passion into a business. The world was shifting in many ways that year, and like many people, I started to reevaluate what mattered most. For me, that was creating art, being outside, and sharing the beauty I see with others.

I started slow in 2021, launching my Instagram page and exploring new places regularly. I also began dusting off old skills and building new ones. Photography is one of those crafts that constantly evolves—and that’s part of what I love about it. Every hike, every quiet morning, every unexpected storm on the horizon becomes an opportunity to see the world in a new way.

In 2022, I officially established Madcap Rambler Photography as a business and took a leap by applying to the Sherburne Area Visual Arts Showcase (SAVAS). I was nervous—scared, even—but also excited to share my work publicly for the first time. That week-long event turned into a highlight of my year when I was honored with the Audience Choice Award. It was a sign I was on the right path.

From there, I kept moving forward. I continued growing my Instagram following and spent time each week shooting or scouting locations. In 2023, I pushed myself further, signing up for three art fairs: SAVAS, the Lemonade Art Fair, and the Munsinger Art Fair. The Lemonade Art Fair was my first outdoor event, and while the heat was intense and I didn’t make any sales, I walked away with knowledge, ideas for improvement, and a fire to keep going. Munsinger was another valuable learning experience—no sales again, but I had great conversations, learned from fellow vendors, and left inspired to refine my setup and offerings.

That same year, I also began selling my work in two shops in Annandale and one in Elk River. While the Elk River location ultimately didn’t provide the exposure I hoped for, it taught me an important lesson: you don’t know until you try. I’ve continued strong partnerships with Annandale Art and Textile and Vintage Patina, and in 2024, I began a wonderful new collaboration with J’s Junction in Becker, which has been an amazing way to connect with my local community.

2024 marked another season of growth and creativity. I introduced new products—calendars and greeting cards—and signed up for SAVAS, the Lemonade Art Fair, and three maker's market events. SAVAS was again a huge honor, with another Audience Choice Award. The Lemonade Art Fair was a personal high point: new booth setup, expanded product offerings, and an incredible turnout. I was overwhelmed (in the best way) by the support, the conversations, and the many connections I made that day. The maker’s markets gave me a taste of the broader craft and art scene, and I walked away from each one with fresh insight and inspiration.

Now here we are in 2025. I’m continuing to grow Madcap Rambler Photography with gratitude and excitement. Each year brings new challenges, new goals, and new beauty to discover. I’m still out on the trails with my camera nearly every week, chasing light, breathing in the quiet, and exploring the extraordinary details of the world around us.

If my work has ever made you pause, smile, or see nature a little differently—that’s the greatest reward of all. Thank you for being part of this journey.

Let’s keep rambling.
—Kelly