Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlin Hooper.
Kaitlin, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I’ve always been interested in the arts in general, with many times being classified under the “creative” or “artistic” type growing up. However, photography caught my interest in the 8th grade. Photography just made sense to me and I caught on quickly to the basics. I saved up for my first (lime green!) digital point and shoot camera and shot away for the better part of about 2 years until I decided that I wanted to push my photography to the next level. I purchased the coveted Canon T1i DSLR camera around 2010 and continued to experiment and learn the art of photography, but at this point, this was still just a hobby for me.
The turning point in my career, and ultimately my life, was at age 17 when a friend of mine asked me to take her family’s photos… and she would pay me. WHAT? I had hardly any experience with photographing groups of people, let alone young children. But I showed up, took their pictures, and it was a complete success! I knew at that point that photography was going to be a part of my life indefinitely.
Up until around 2016, photography was just a side hustle for me, another way to earn a little mad money going through college. But my photography had to take a break while I lived abroad for about half a year. While I was away, I KNEW, I knew, I knew that when I got back to the States that I needed to pursue photography with a passion and vigor. Almost immediately after I landed back in Texas, I created a logo, started a website, and breathed some life into my neglected Facebook page. Business grew, and it still continues to grow!
Fast forward to now, I proudly tell people who ask me my occupation, “I am a photographer!” It’s no longer a tag line, but the headline of who I am. It is exciting to be able to do what I love, and make a living from it!
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am a wedding and lifestyle photographer. I chose the lifestyle category of photography to pursue because I think it speaks to the real person… who the person is when they are not forced smiling and looking at the camera. Telling the story of a person, or people, through photographs is so powerful. I believe that when the client looks back at the photos that I took, they will be able to resonate and relate with the pictures on a deeper level because the photos represent them, as they are. As far as wedding photography goes, I easily integrate my lifestyle photography style into the wedding photography realm. With it, I create a detailed story of the day and of course highlight the bride and grooms’ love for each other.
The one thing I want all of my clients to know is “YOU ARE WORTH IT”. I want to take their pictures because they are worth it. They have meaning, and contribute to society in their own ways, and reach and bless a whole different set of people than maybe I do, and they are making a difference whether they know it or not. People are worth it, and I like to commemorate that great fact by taking their pictures.
What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
I’m a textbook introvert, but there is an importance in knowing and interacting with other artists! Whether you realize it right now or not, there is probably a handful of creatives in your personal circle. (Woodworkers, hand lettering artists, fashion stylists, graphic designers, photographers to name a few). It is so good for us artists and for the other creatives around us to truly be proud of each other and the artistic endeavors we are each taking on. To be able to see ahead to the potential that another artist has and speak to that potential means volumes and carries father than just a moment. To me, encouragement has never been a bad thing.
There are also millions of online communities for artists to connect to other artists. One of my personal favorites is Honeybook. It’s a site for event planners and all things wedding. I have ended up meeting so many great photographers (as well as videographers and cake decorators!) through this website! You can post collaborations or job opportunities, and it doubles as a business tool powerhouse. I also interact with other artists simply through Instagram. I can easily find other photographers who are interested in the same types of things that I am. So be brave, and DM that artist you look up to or connect with!
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
People can see my work my website: www.marykaitlinartistry.com. On Instagram: @marykaitlinartistry (personal art and lifestyle @mary_kaitlin) Or on Facebook: Mary Kaitlin Artistry
You can support me and my work by hiring me! (haha, but seriously.) I like to work with clients who are true to themselves and who have a story to tell. I especially love to photograph people who are in love! I love!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.marykaitlinartistry.com
- Instagram: @marykaitlinartistry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marykaitlinartistry/
Image Credit:
Kaitlin Hooper
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