Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlin Ross
Hi Caitlin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
it all started with the birth of my first child. Becoming a mom changed the way I saw my daily life and the beauty in connection. After I had my two children, I found myself captivated by how quickly they changed and grew. I wanted to preserve who they, who we as a family, were at every stage—their laughter, their personalities, their spirit. Photography became my way of holding on to those moments that pass by all too quickly.
In my mid-30s, I decided to turn that passion into something more. Without any formal background in art or photography, I started a business built on capturing authenticity and connection. It wasn’t an easy decision—starting a business at this stage of life, while raising a family, seemed daunting. Photography allowed me to align with a deeper part of myself, and pursuing this passion has made me a better person.
What I do is more than taking pictures—it’s about telling a story. It’s about freezing time, bottling up the love and joy in a family’s everyday life, and giving them something they can treasure forever. Every session I photograph feels like an extension of my journey—a way to honor the fleeting beauty of human connection and help others do the same.
Looking back, I’m so grateful I took that leap. This work fills me up in ways I never expected, and it brings me so much joy to share that gift with others.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I’ve learned so much along the way. In addition to running my photography business, I work full-time as the Director of Operations at a financial advising firm, have a husband, and raise two busy young children. Balancing all of these roles has been a challenge, especially when it comes to finding the time to manage everything that goes into running a business.
Photography is so much more than just taking pictures. Behind the scenes, there are countless hours spent on editing, managing a website, marketing, scheduling, emailing, ordering prints, serving as a stylist and support person for clients—you name it, and it probably falls somewhere into the responsibilities of running a photography business. I wasn’t fully prepared for how much work it would require, but I’m so passionate about what I do that I don’t mind finding the time.
That said, the busy season can be especially demanding and sometimes leads to burnout. I’ve learned the importance of stepping back at the start of the year to reset and refocus. Taking that time to recharge helps me come back with renewed energy and creativity. While the road is not always smooth, the joy and fulfillment I get from this work make every challenge worth it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a natural light photographer specializing in families, newborns, heirloom fine art portraits, and school personality portraits. my work is about capturing authentic moments that reflect the true essence of individuals and families.
What I’m most proud of is the ability to create images that truly resonate with my clients. I’m often told my work evokes love, warmth, nostalgia, and connection. To hear that a photo I’ve taken perfectly captures the personality of a child or preserves the connection between a family perfectly —it’s an incredible honor and the greatest reward for what I do.
What sets me apart is my approach. I prioritize authenticity over perfection, capturing the raw, real emotions and personalities of my clients rather than staging or forcing poses. For example, I have no expectations for children to sit still or smile on command. I encourage movement, play, and natural interactions, which often result in the most meaningful images. My goal is to reflect who my clients truly are, not just how they look.
Additionally, I bring a lot of care and personalization to each session. From thoughtful preparation based on pre-session questionnaires to helping clients with styling and creating a relaxed atmosphere, I aim to make the experience enjoyable and stress-free.
Whether I’m documenting the delicate details of a newborn, the joy of a child’s laughter, or the bonds between family members, my goal is always the same: to tell a story. I want families to look at their photos and not just see a beautiful image but feel the love and magic of that moment in time.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I think the industry as a whole will stay Over the next 5–10 years, I see the photography industry continuing to evolve in exciting ways. I believe there will be a greater emphasis on lifestyle photography, where the focus shifts from perfectly posed, “Christmas card” style portraits to capturing genuine connections and authentic moments. People are increasingly drawn to images that reflect real relationships and personalities—the joyful, intimate moments.
I also think digital photography will remain the primary medium, with an even greater shift toward incorporating family films. Video adds another dimension to storytelling, capturing not just the visual but also the sounds and movements that bring memories to life. I see more families wanting to preserve those fleeting details, like a child’s giggle, their tiny hands at play, or the way they interact with siblings and parents. this is something I am looking to add to my offerings in the future.
Another trend I anticipate is a move away from the “light and airy” editing style that has been so popular in recent years. I think people will gravitate back toward a more natural, timeless look that feels true to real life. There’s something grounding and meaningful about images that reflect the world as it is, without heavy stylization.
I believe the desire to document everyday life and personalities rather than just appearances will continue to grow in the years ahead/ People are valuing the opportunity to tell their family’s story in a way that highlights their unique dynamics and connections. COVID-19 played a significant role in resetting priorities for so many, shifting focus toward relationships and what truly matters. That perspective continues to influence what people want in their photography—authenticity, intimacy, and a way to preserve the magic of their lives as they are.
I’m excited to see how these trends develop, and I look forward to continuing to create work that aligns with this growing desire for meaningful, heartfelt storytelling.
Pricing:
- Heirloom Fine Art Portraits: $200, 5 digital images included with options to purchase add ons and/or more files and prints
- Family and Newborn sessions start at $550 for a full session, full gallery of digital files included
- School Photography packages start at $25
- Mini sessions are offered seasonal and pricing starts at $250
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.caitlinrossphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitlinrossphotography/
