Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Parrish.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kate. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My journey with photography began in high school. What is that… 7 years ago now? I had always been a creative kid, trying out everything from painting, drawing, music, pottery… you name it! I was eventually gifted a camera by my parents, and I quickly discovered a passion for photography. I majored in photography in college and as I developed my bright, vibrant, raw style, my professors and advisors strongly encouraged me to pursue portraiture in my career. Fast forward 3 years post-graduation, in a new city, here I am with my own business primarily working with senior portraits and family photography in the DFW area… and I love every minute!
Seniors have definitely become my favorite niche with my business. I have worked with students in youth ministry for many years at church and have always loved helping to inspire and encourage them. Being a high school student is tough without good cheerleaders! I decided to take that experience to my business, and through senior portraits help students feel unique, beautiful (or handsome) and thankful for the amazing people that they are! It’s been a true blessing to get to meet so many awesome students and their parents through the senior portrait experience.
I also photograph family portraits, in-home newborn sessions, events, and weddings.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
If I have learned anything so far in photography and in owning your own business, it is that that you MUST be willing to continuously learn, research, and ask questions to those that have been in the game longer than you. You also must give yourself some grace because you cannot know everything all at the beginning. It has been an interesting road navigating the business side of things as a creative. But thankfully, I have had some great business-minded people in my life that have helped me along the way.
I think one of my biggest struggles has been finding that “niche” that I enjoy the most… I find myself enjoying all different types of photography, but it is so much better to narrow in on one area to keep things consistent. Figuring out that senior portraits were my niche has really helped me develop my business and structure.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Kate Parrish Photography – what should we know?
I specialize in portrait photography, and most of my portrait sessions are either high school seniors or family sessions (newborn, milestone, etc.). I think what sets me apart is my bright, colorful, raw style, and also the flexibility that I offer to my clients on location and timing. I love for my clients to have a say in the where for their sessions because it is important to me that each session is unique to them. As a fairly new resident to the DFW area, photography certainly has taken me all around the metroplex!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
While photography is definitely both a science and an art, it is also a highly social, personable endeavor. You have to work really hard to ensure people feel comfortable and at ease during their portrait sessions. I have worked on this with my clients and I truly value my relationships with them. I have grown my business strictly by word of mouth, so this has been critical to any success gained so far. I absolutely love the people-part of photography.
Contact Info:
- Website: kateparrishphotography.com
- Phone: 319-651-7174
- Email: kate@kateparrishphotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/kateparrishphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kateparrishphotography
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