Today we’d like to introduce you to Katelyn Fish.
Hi Katelyn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
While working on an English Education degree in college, I started to feel stifled and really wanted to exercise my creativity in a new way. That’s when I pulled out the camera my parents gave me as a teenager. I bribed my roommates with homemade pancakes to model for me and quickly fell in love with so many aspects of photography: posing, composition, culling, and editing. I started off small — my now sister-in-law asked me to take her engagement photos, and a friend asked for family pictures with her newborn — but through word of mouth, I started getting more and more experience. Later, I collaborated with clothing boutiques, where I worked with both experienced and inexperienced models to create unique product photos. This pushed me to be creative in new ways and learn more about lighting, posing, and the mechanics of my camera.
While I loved being behind the camera, I rarely wanted to get in front of the lens myself. I realized that even if the background was stunning and the lighting perfect, if I didn’t like the way I looked in a photo, then it wouldn’t be one I would keep. I knew that I wasn’t alone in feeling this way, so I’ve made it my mission to learn as much as I can about posing my clients in flattering ways. Just like I want to see the best version of myself in photos, I want the same for my clients.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I’m not sure any new business has a completely smooth road, and mine is no different! My husband and I lived in Utah for several years but knew we’d be relocating to California as he moved forward in his career. Just as my business was really taking off, two wonderful things happened: my husband got the job offer we were hoping for, and we found out we were expecting a baby.
We packed up everything we owned and moved to Orange County when I was eight months pregnant. Our sweet daughter arrived shortly thereafter, and we jumped into a brand new life of being parents.
Having two major life transitions meant that my photography business took a backseat, but I’m slowly re-establishing myself and have loved the clients I’ve been able to work with so far this year. While starting from scratch hasn’t been ideal, I’m so grateful for my sweet little family and our life here!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in three types of photography: commercial, portraiture, and family. As a commercial photographer, I especially love working with small businesses to help create stunning product photos and branding for your website and social media. Most of my time, however, I get to spend photographing senior pictures, engagements, and families! My training and experience as a teacher help me work with kiddos to get genuine smiles, and I’ve worked to learn and develop a posing system so that you never feel awkward in front of the camera.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Investing in education has been a huge priority for me. Whether you take classes, find other artists to collaborate with, or shadow a professional in the business, there’s so much to learn! Social media has been incredibly helpful for me in building my network. Through Facebook and Instagram, I’ve been able to meet some incredible small business owners and other photographers in the area. While it can be anxiety-inducing to tell people about what you do, I’ve learned that if you create a product or experience that you can stand behind, people love to hear about it.
Pricing:
- Portraits – Starting at $250
- Couples & Engagements – Starting at $300
- Familes – Starting at $350
Contact Info:
- Website: https://katelynfsh.wixsite.com/katefishphoto
- Instagram: @katefishphoto
Image Credits
Photos by Kate Fish Photography
