April 24, 2017

Meet Katey Penton of Katey Penton Photography in Metro Atlanta

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katey Penton.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always loved art. When I was little I dreamed of being an artist when I grew up and I loved to paint and draw. When I got into college I took some photo classes and I fell in love with being in the dark room and this whole new form of creating art! Once I graduated from college I started taking pictures for friends and family. My husband eventually convinced me to open up my photography business in 2011. I started out offering free newborn sessions because I didn’t have any kids of my own and I love babies. Every single newborn session turned into other booked shoots from those clients and things just grew from there. I absolutely love what I do!

Has it been a smooth road?
Nothing good comes easy. There have been plenty of rough patches in the past 6 years of owning my own business. Luckily, with each obstacle I have learned something new and been able to make improvements. Whether it has been trying different marketing strategies, learning the hard way about what to include in a contract, late nights editing, or making sure that my business model and pricing is in line with my goal of financially supporting my family while still being able to spend time with them- I wouldn’t trade the hardships for any other job!

So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Katey Penton Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
My business is Katey Penton Photography. I photograph weddings and families, but I am most known for my in-home lifestyle newborn sessions. I love going into the home of a family that just brought their baby home from the hospital. Capturing a mom snuggling with her newborn baby brings so much joy to me. Newborn are just so fresh and sweet! I love how cuddly they are. They are only that tiny for a few short weeks, so it’s an honor to be able to capture those moments that a mom will be able to cherish forever. I am a very patient person (I credit that to growing up as one of 9 kids) and you have to be super patient when photographing newborns. They pretty much run the show! I also love to talking to the new moms! I remember after having my first child, I needed to talk about the whole birthing situation. I like to be a listening ear to moms who want to talk about their birth stories or any of the fears that come with becoming a mother.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
There has been a big shift since I have been in business when it comes to newborn photography. More organic and natural newborn sessions are becoming a lot more popular. People want pictures of them in their homes, they want to remember things as they actually were in real life. I hope to see this trend continue over the next 5-10 years.

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