Check Out Katie Fitzpatrick’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Fitzpatrick. 

Hi Katie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always loved photography and taking photos of friends and family. It wasn’t until senior year of college, however, where I really started turning it into a business. I started with my point and shoot camera, upgraded a year(ish) later to a DSLR. I have then continued to grow, work with others better than me, collaborate with local businesses, and I now have a studio space in the Crossroads Art District. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey hasn’t always been smooth but it has always been fun. I remember early on being very intimidated with the “manual settings” on my camera. I loved my comfort zone of “auto”. It wasn’t until I started watching tutorials and working with others where I noticed how much of a difference the manual settings made in my photos. After that, it was the struggle of natural lighting. After that it was the struggle of studio lights, posing clients, getting good angles, etc. There are always more and more things to learn but practicing and learning from others helps you grow so much.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
When I first started, I loved doing all types of photography such as seniors, family, couples, newborns, and weddings. However, once trying a variety of styles I learned that I really love portraits. That ranges from seniors to headshots to lifestyle branding. I really knew that was my niche by how I felt after a shoot. Once leaving a portrait session, my excitement level is at an all time high. I can’t wait to go home, load the pictures on my computer, and start editing.  When clients book me for their photos I really try hard to have them channel their inner confidence. That sounds very cliche but it’s true. Many clients think they can’t pose or that they aren’t photogenic. That is simply not true. Sure my gear and experience helps execute good photos,  but if your client is not comfortable then it will never be a great photo, no matter how great the lighting is. I try to make it a fun environment with music, being goofy and lighthearted and making sure my clients know that anyone can get an awesome photo. Once clients feel comfortable and are at ease then those beautiful smiles and laughs really get to shine through.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk-taking?
Risk-taking is so important. One of my favorite things I like to do is travel and shoot. Before heading somewhere, I love to head to Instagram or reach out to friends in the area to see if they know of anyone who wants to collaborate. Sometimes it’s paid and other times it’s just for creative fun. It can be very intimidating at times to DM or e-mail someone asking if they want to shoot. Normally they have no idea who you are and many times you get no response. It can be very jarring at first. However, there are ALWAYS people that end up responding and wanting to shoot. I have met incredible people this way and have so many amazing memories from these experiences.

 

Pricing:

• Full Portrait, Family, or Couple Shoot – $525
• Portrait + Studio Session – $625

Contact Info:

• Email: kmeserko@gmail.com
• Website: www.katiemariephoto.com
• Instagram: @katie_marie_photo

Image Credits
Colette Waters
Beth Grimm