April 3, 2017

Meet Katie (Bricker) Tessaro of Katie Bricker Photography in Virginia Highland

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie (Bricker) Tessaro.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
After graduating from St. Mary’s of Notre Dame in 2006 with a degree in Communication Studies and a minor in Photography, I moved back home to Atlanta and started a career in the exciting world of commercial furniture sales. I worked primarily with architect & design firms and end-users, helping them fulfill their high-end furniture needs for commercial spaces after learning about how much work goes into designing, constructing, and outfitting a building, I grew to love the industry.

As a young sales rep trying to add extra value to my company, I began using my photography experience to help showcase completed projects. In 2007, I started my own side photography business shooting a variety of subjects. It was both challenging and rewarding, and in 2013, I could finally quit my day job and concentrate on my business full-time.

At first, I focused my work on architecture and interior photography since most of my professional network was already in that industry; however, I knew that I needed specialized training. Architectural photography is so much more than pointing and shooting a camera. So, in addition to working two part-time jobs, I enlisted the help of a few seasoned architectural photographers who were willing to let me apprentice with them. I learned the ropes of the trade in exchange for sales and marketing work. I worked with one photographer and mentor for two years before I took the plunge into being 100% on my own.

Over the years, my client base has grown tremendously and I’ve worked with many architects, interior designers, developers, general contractors, real estate agents, manufacturers, and companies that have needed images for various projects and products. I am passionate about photography, and I love what I do. For that, I am truly grateful.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
“It was so easy!” – said no photographer ever. Like many aspiring photographers, I have had my fair share of struggles. Generally speaking, architectural photography is a male-dominated industry. Surprisingly, I discovered that the top architectural photographers in Atlanta were all men over the age of 40. This also proves true throughout the country—but why? I thought that maybe it was because many photographers who are interested in this type of photography have backgrounds in architecture or engineering—both male dominated fields. Or, maybe it was because of how physically demanding the shoots are (we have to lug our heavy gear everywhere!). Regardless, I knew it was time for a change. I dove head first into the business and haven’t looked back. Unfortunately, I have seen my fair share of discrimination because I am a woman in my early 30s, but it’s nothing I haven’t been able to overcome quickly and has motivated me to work harder.

“Yeah, but you just walk in and snap a bunch of photos; how hard is that?” – said no one who knows about photography, ever. Like any creative professional, justifying the value of your craft is a constant struggle. There are times when people who are not in the industry, or smaller companies that have not had architectural photography experience, do not understand the value of hiring a professional photographer. It is hard to find balance between working with different clients, while also protecting yourself, your name, and your livelihood. When I began my business, I had to make monetary sacrifices to build my portfolio; over time, I have been able to stick to my pricing structure because I know that my work is simply worth it.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
My specialty is capturing images for the built environment and all that it entails. I use a combination of natural daylight, ambient light, as well as artificial light that I carefully control during the shoot. Then they are meticulously edited in post-production to produce a final image. My goal is to always capture and enhance a space to look natural and appealing.

I am most noted for my style in having clean, crisp, and inviting images; I l also love to include people in my photographs when possible. Incorporating people to build spaces adds life, movement, and warmth to an image, while showing the intent of the overall design. My twilight images have become somewhat of a trademark—they are a regular request.

I still fill with pride after every project that I deliver. There is no better feeling than sending final images to a client and having them tell me how I’ve exceeded his or her expectations.

One of my biggest differentiators is my understanding of the A&D industry and awareness of the countless hours it takes to design, build and eventually furnish a space. It has been a huge advantage when working with clients. I understand how long the process takes to complete and how site changes can happen on a whim, so I am extremely patient and flexible. I work tirelessly to assure the job has been done to my standards and to fulfill my client’s needs. I’m also extremely detail-oriented on set, and I make sure that everything is straight and balanced—and that unnecessary items are removed. In post-production, I give each image the attention it deserves—sometimes even spending hours on one image. I’d also like to say that I’m pretty fun—and you’d be surprised at how exciting photographing an inanimate building can be. When it comes down to it, business is about people. I’m easy to work with, and I’ve built great relationships over the years in and out of the industry. This has taken me farther than any of my skill-sets ever could.

What were you like growing up?
I grew up with two older twin brothers on an Army base; I don’t think I had any choice but to be a tomboy. I was constantly outside, playing sports, getting dirty, and vehemently refusing to wear dresses. I loved Micro-Machines, remote-control cars, riding bikes, fishing, playing Capture the Flag, and mowing the lawn (so weird, I know). I was a shy kid, so my best friend was my dog—a big, fluffy Golden Retriever named Goldie—who I had until I was 15. I became interested in photography at a young age, but I’m pretty sure I was terrible at it. My grandfather had a dormant dark room that I was fascinated with, but that I never got to use. Thus, a curiosity about photography was peaked.

Throughout high school, I was involved with friends, sports, and clubs, and I eventually overcame my shyness. I played three varsity sports (basketball, softball, track), was in the art club, spirit club, student government, and I even took a stab at theater! Out of all of these interests, I kept coming back to photography, which eventually became my passion. I studied it throughout high school and college, but I never believed that I could make a living out of it. I am so glad that I have proved myself wrong!

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