Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Hill.
Katie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I always tell people I’m an accidental photographer. Like most photographers I always had an interest in photography. I remember our old Kodak film cameras as a kid and burning through disposable cameras in high school. I loved my first digital point and shoot, taking pictures of literally anything, I’m pretty sure my dog still hates me. Then my husband bought me my first DSLR, ironically right before we found out we were pregnant with our first baby. I didn’t touch the thing for the entire nine months I was pregnant but when our son was born I figured I better start using it. Poor baby, his first year is a mess of blurry pictures and pop up flash. (Moms, take a class and learn how to use your camera before the baby comes!) But I kept trying, convinced I could take good pictures. By the time my daughter was born 16 months later I had a better handle on things. Then one day a friend asked me to take pictures of her family. I couldn’t believe someone wanted me to take pictures of their family! And from there I was hooked.
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 it were easy everyone would do it right?! Haha I think a lot of people think running a photography business is easy. The taking pictures part is the fun part, but that’s just such a small part of it all. Running a business now, it’s a learning experience, but it’s so worth it. I started this as a way to work while having flexibility for my family. I have 3 kids, we are always going somewhere or doing something. I didn’t want to miss out on play dates, ball games or school parties. They’re my reason, and I tell everyone I am a mom first and a photographer second. Luckily, it usually doesn’t feel like work. I’m also super fortunate to have an amazing network of local moms who I consider to be my coworkers. We meet up to talk about kids, life and work a few times a month which helps maintain the sanity!
Katie Hill Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I call myself a docu/lifestyle photographer. I concentrate primarily on lifestyle and documentary photography. I do the traditional “Christmas card” photos, but my passion is those candid, authentic moments of love and joy whether it’s between siblings, parent and child, new mom and baby, or a couple. My focus is on families and all things within the family: kids, couples, maternity, lifestyle newborns and even the occasional senior. I was a preschool teacher before having my kids so I never mind wrangling the little ones and I love to act silly and have fun. I want the experience to be fun for everyone and for moms to get “heart eyes” when they view their gallery. Life is constantly moving and everyday is different, I love the opportunity to freeze that moment for families. Watching my own kids grow it just drives that home for me even more.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The last couple of years have been big learning years for me. Two years ago I set out to finish the photographer’s marathon, a project 365. The goal is to take a photo a day and capture your entire year. I had no idea how much that would change my work and build my skills. It’s not easy and my camera became my 4th child, going everywhere with me, but it was so.much.fun. And so exciting when I realized I was finished!
My other favorite moment from last year was being recognized in the documentary community with an honorable mention in a new contest, the Documentary Family Awards. Having your work seen by documentary photojournalists and them seeing something in it is just…exciting! Documentary is a tough genre because it’s not always about technical skill, it’s more about telling a story with one snap. It didn’t hurt that it was one of my all-time favorite images of my kiddos too.
Pricing:
- Family sessions start at $250
- Lifestyle newborns start at $450
Contact Info:
- Website: www.katiehillphotos.com
- Email: katiehillphotos@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ktbutrfly (personal) www.instagram.com/katiehillphotos (business)
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/katiehillphotos
Image Credit:
Organic Bliss Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
