Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Joyner.
Hi Katie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. It was during my senior year that I took an art class and soon realized I had a passion for art. That class also revealed a talent that I didn’t realize I had. I was granted scholarships and attended the Memphis College or Art where I received a Bachelors in Fine Arts with an emphasis in sculpture. College classes included photography and after school I started exploring photography. I always had an interest in taking photos but I never thought it could be a career. It wasn’t until covid that I had a break from another job and realized that it was the perfect time to start and officially launch my own business. I started booking sessions here and there. My clients would tell their friends and because of their satisfaction and support, my business has grown exponentially . It’s been a blessing to never have had to pay for advertising. I am so grateful to be working in an art I enjoy. Captured by Katie captures the special moments of life and brings me great fulfillment.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I started off as a natural light photographer which was very successful for a long time. But I was missing something. My clients were always asking if I had a studio, or indoor option that they could use for their photos. Although Memphis has so many great outdoor options to photograph in, this limited me for a long time because I couldn’t offer an indoor session. A few years in I turned our fully renovated basement into a photography studio. Being a natural light photographer for so long, I had to then learn a new skill which was studio lighting. This also included a need for new lighting equipment, and backgrounds, and props.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Most freelance photographers like to focus in on one type of photography that they do. I however, love it all so I couldn’t choose just one. For example, other photographers may only do weddings or only take newborn sessions. I do a little bit of everything, but do have a special place in my heart for high school seniors and newborn sessions. I think what sets me apart is knowing that not everyone is comfortable in front of a camera. I strive to make it as easy as possible by providing every pose and prompt during a session to keep things flowing naturally.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My husband and family have always been my biggest support system. My parents believed in my dream and actually bought me my first camera because they wanted to see me succeed. My clients have also been incredibly supportive. So many of them shout me out on social media when someone needs a recommendation for a photographer. Their support is also evident in the fact that they repeatedly book sessions year after year. I have had the privilege of taking some clients’ senior photos and ended up doing their weddings later on in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://capturedbykt.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/captured_by_katie_?igsh=MWlhdzl5MnR5eGtoMg==
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/CapturedbyKatieReed?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
