We recently connected with Kathy Cruts and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kathy , thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
A big risk I experienced early on in my business subsequently demanded that I face a challenge I was certain was beyond me. It forced me to confront everything – how I had spent over a decade at a previous job that offered security but not creative freedom, and how past memories were shaping and limiting my belief system now which was keeping me small. Something that seemed so innocent, a great first editorial gig that required me to take a boat across the channel and do a team shoot from boat to island, ended up being the recipe of a perfect storm. When I received the email confirming the boat trip, I sat on my back steps and cried. All the terror-filled boat trips from my childhood came rushing back, along with memories of crossing the channel in my thirties, scared as enormous waves crashed over the second-floor deck, vowing to “never do this again!!” But what hit me harder than any irrational fear of a seasick, out of control experience was the realization that I was faced with a real decision: take the job or let fear dictate my path. I felt utterly defeated. I was considering walking away from this opportunity based on terrorizing memories. How was I going to move forward on this creative path that was finally taking shape, if unresolved fear from the past dictated my decisions now? It was a sleepless night, but I did end up boarding the boat the next morning, nervous as hell but trying to tuck it in and be professional. Thankfully my best friend did make the journey with me as my photo assistant, and I would say that knowing he would be there – in the thick of it with me – for better or embarrassment – is what inspired me to get on the boat! Much to my surprise, the weather was perfect, and the journey was truly a joy ride. It literally couldn’t have been more beautiful and easygoing, the best boat trip I had ever been on and lovely friendships were forged that day. Not only was I able to stay present, but I landed so many great shots that an extra spread was added to the publication. It definitely changed how I define and approach every situation moving forward.
Kathy , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Kathy Cruts of KCRUTS Photography, my friends call me K:) I’m a lifelong visual artist and photographer, specializing in commercial, advertising, and editorial imagery. Since 2016, I’ve been working as a freelance photographer and brand consultant, collaborating with clients to create high-impact visuals for websites and social media. I’m passionate about creativity, collaboration, and capturing moments with care and attention to detail. My goal is to elevate each subject and bring fresh, innovative ideas to every project, and as I like to say “appreciate the situation”, which is one of my favorite lines from “Lawerence of Arabia”.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
There are many ways to grow your clientele, but for me, the most effective has been through collaborative creative shoots. Whether it’s capturing an emotional portrait or orchestrating a large-scale production in nature with flowing gowns, when you place the person at the heart of the art, something powerful happens. With a little luck and grace, you land the vision, and clients naturally want to share it with their circle. I didn’t set out with this strategy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding to see how organically it has built my return business.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
To me, resilience is a muscle you build and strengthen throughout your life. It grows stronger with time and eventually can become the wisdom that informs and guides you. One of my favorite resilience stories isn’t really mine at all, but one I witnessed. It was during my honeymoon in Kauai. While visiting some locals, we were invited to their home, where I saw a scrawny cat perched on a back stair banister. Also in the backyard was a big Rottweiler mix on a long tethered thick chain planted mid yard. The length of the chain allowed the dog to get within one inch of the face of that feral cat, but no closer. The dog was savagely barking and lunging on hind legs, and still, that raggedy cat held its ground, paws tucked under it, wincing at the aggressor but confident and unmoved – like a mountain in a storm. I stood there for 5 minutes watching this scene play out, and the awe of that imagery has stayed with me to this day. It was such a powerful moment – that resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges but about facing them from a grounded place. It’s a muscle that only grows stronger through the tests of life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kcrutsphotography.com
- Instagram: @kcruts
- Other: [email protected], 805.746.4834
