Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathryn Johnson.
Kathryn, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As a child I never thought “I want to be a birth photographer when I grow up”. But through my own life experiences I’ve found my dream job.
Approx. 10 years ago I bought my first real camera. I had no intention of becoming a photographer, I simply wanted to take better pictures of my dogs. Photography immediately became a huge hobby. I loved learning how to take better photographs and wanted to continue to improve my skills.
Then I photographed my first birth. It was the birth of my nephew, who sadly was not going to survive in this world, but instead be born sleeping. It was one of the hardest days of my life, seeing the pain my family went through, taking pictures of a baby that wasn’t even 1 pound, it was rough. But as I edited the images and delivered them to my family I realized that it wasn’t just sadness. My sister had a son, she was a mom, the day was important and his life was worth celebrating. The images I took that day will live on forever, he will be cherished and remembered, and my photos would play a huge part in that. This experience showed me just how important quality photographs can be.
Time went by and I was still just a hobby photographer. I loved photography but I lacked direction and I was too scared to make the leap by starting a business. I would casually take pictures of friends or family, but never as a professional, I just loved playing with my camera and seeing the growth in my work.
Then I found out I was pregnant. Throughout my pregnancy, birth and postpartum period I became very interested in all things motherhood. I loved learning about labor and birth and couldn’t wait to experience it. After my son was born I became even more passionate. There was just something about the journey to becoming a mom that spoke to me. It was such a fleeting time, but truly the best time of my life.
One day it finally hit me. I loved photography, I loved motherhood, specifically birth. Why not combine the two. So I did and I’ve never looked back.
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?
Birth photography definitely brings its own unique challenges. Since birth is unpredictable my schedule is always changing so flexibility is key, which can be hard when you have a family of your own. Adapting to the on call lifestyle has been interesting. Thankfully, my family has been amazingly supportive so that has been a big help.
Education is also a big portion of my business. Lots of families still aren’t familiar with birth photography. They don’t understand why it’s priced the way it is, some families don’t even know it exists.
Starting a new business or career is never easy. There is so much to learn, and lots of trial and error. But overall it’s been an exciting time in my life and I am so excited I’ve found my dream job.
Kathryn J Birth Stories – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My business, Kathryn J Birth Stories, offers birth photography to families throughout the Dallas Forth Worth area. Regardless of the birth plan or location I believe that birth is beautiful and deserves to be documented with quality images. I have experience photographing all types of births from hospital, c sections, birth center and home births. I often tell people “it’s not about the crotch shot”, it’s about capturing all the special moments, big and small, that take place during one of the greatest days of your life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kjbirth.com
- Phone: 972-835-7053
- Email: info@kjbirth.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathrynjbirthstories/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KathrynJBirthStories/
Image Credit:
Kathryn J Birth Stories
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