Ever get nervous about being photographed?! Today, we introduce you to a woman who can melt away your nervousness and make getting your picture taken, FUN!
On the blog today, Katie, owner of With Love Photography shares how her passion for photography started at the young age of 2nd grade and how her life experiences have furthered her passion! She’s a true inspiration as she started her business during the pandemic and even opened a studio amidst all the challenges the pandemic has given us!
Katie offers portrait, couples, maternity, newborn, family, weddings, boudoir sessions and more! (Scroll to the end for an easy way to contact her & for a special HerHub promotion for our readers!)
Tell us about yourself! What makes you, “you”?
I’m a goofy, dad-joke telling person. I’ll do anything to make people laugh, which is very helpful when trying to get natural smiles for photos! I pride myself on customer service and making sure each client feels incredibly important, because they truly are to me.
Describe your business/services and then tell us about what brought you to creating this business and why you’re passionate about it.
I found my love for photography at a very young age. I had borrowed my mom’s old 35mm film camera to go to a friend’s birthday party when I was in 2nd or 3rd grade. Instead of taking photos of my friends, I found myself taking all of my friends’ new dolls, posing them, and having a full-on photoshoot with them. From there, I never put a camera down.
My passion evolved in high school when I started really practicing posing people and editing. Ultimately during my senior year, I had 11 friends ask me to take their senior portraits – which started me thinking about the business side of photography.
I fell further in love with photography and found my true purpose in it.
I have struggled with depression most of my life, which unfortunately can cause memory loss. Many things in life I would not remember I’ve done if it weren’t for photos. My saying with my business is “Memories Matter” as I am able to help capture memories and moments for so many people to look back on at any point. I continue to keep my mission at the front of my mind and use that to fuel my passion for documenting as many people and their memories as I can.
What goals do you have for your business in the future?
I want to provide a more luxurious experience for clients and provide more products in their packages – thinking of including pampering sessions for boudoir and luxury albums for weddings.
What is your proudest achievement?
Going official with my business in September 2020, during the height of the pandemic. Opening my first studio space a year later in Sept 2021 while the pandemic was still going on. Growing my business to where it is during these weird times has been something I’m very proud of.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a business owner and how did you overcome it?
I’ve experienced severe burnout after not knowing how to plan my schedule and overworking myself. I had no clue how to start a business let alone run it and try to be profitable. Trying to stand out in a competitive and over-saturated market has been very difficult. Opening a photo studio during the midst of a pandemic was a challenge (but a very rewarding one)! Nothing has been easy on this journey, but I’ve learned so much and know I still have a ton more to learn.
What advice would you give to a woman looking to start a business or get into a leadership role? Is there one thing that has helped you specifically?
Never stop learning. Research everything and ask all the questions.
What made you want to join HerHub?
Collaborating with other local women business owners
Why do you feel it’s important to collaborate and empower other women?
There is too much in the world to tear women down, and I want to be part of the hype rather than the negative. We can learn so much from one another. Community over competition!
We love spreading love to other woman-owned businesses and we bet you do too. Give a shout out here to your favorite, local, woman-owned business (besides your own)!
Callisto Terra – Taylor Holloway
Katie has graciously given our readers a special promotion to use! >> 20% off a session (excluding weddings) if you mention HerHub!
For more information about Katie & With Love Photography, click here:
