Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Johnson.
Katie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2018, I owned a clothing boutique and was doing it all. The inventory, the marketing, the website, you name it. I was also taking my own photos for my website and social media with a used Canon Rebel I bought from a friend for $200. I knew professional imagery was important for any online business, but at the time, I could not afford to pay for a professional photographer. I made the decision to really learn about what goes into taking a good photo, as well as the settings on my own camera. I even purchased courses from photographers I admired so I could learn under them and be able to take better photos of my products. From there, I was introduced to the term “brand photography.” I had no idea this was an actual job that a photographer had because previously when I would think about photography – I would only think photographers shot things like weddings and family photos. I was determined to learn everything I could about brand photography so I can utilize these skills to take my boutique business to the next level. A few other business owner friends took notice to my new skills and asked if I would take their brand photos as well. From there, my love for helping other entrepreneurs create professional imagery for their brand grew and grew! By the end of 2019, my photography side hustle had grown into a real business and I made the decision to close my boutique to pursue brand photography. Since then, I have worked with over 100 small businesses and entrepreneurs to level up their brand with fresh and fun photos for their websites or social media. My love for photography has grown tenfold (I now also offer portrait and event photography!) and I’ve been so lucky to grow this business that has connected me to so many amazing people.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It took me a decade to figure out what I was meant to be doing as a career. From working at a daycare to medical billing, to opening my own boutique – being a photographer has given me so much purpose and fulfillment that I can’t imagine doing anything else!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a brand photographer and I help creatives capture what makes their business unique; allowing them to show up online consistently by providing them professional photos for their website and social media content. Investing in professional, on-brand imagery is the best thing you can do for your business in the 21st century! We are all selling our talents online and having an arsenal of photo content for their social media and marketing makes it SO much easier. When I’m not snapping for brands, you can find me also shooting events as well as portrait sessions.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The biggest lesson I have learned so far throughout my entrepreneurial journey is to ignore what everyone else is doing or achieving and focus on breaking your own limits, being teachable, and showing up as your authentic self everyday to live your best life and create space where others feel safe to be themselves too!
Pricing:
- Brand Sessions start at $725
- Event Photography starts at $500
- Portrait sessions start at $400
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@ktjohnsonphotography.com
- Website: www.ktjohnsonphotography.com
- Instagram: @ktjohnsonphoto
- Other: Tiktok – @ktjohnsonphoto
