We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Katurah Turner. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Katurah below.

Alright, Katurah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

When I first began, my business was called Fotos by Katurah. It was simple, personal—but as time went on, I knew I wanted a name that carried deeper meaning.
One day, I reached out to a friend whose husband is from Nigeria. I asked him, “What is the word for photographer in your native language, Yoruba?” He explained that there wasn’t a direct word for photographer, but the closest word I could use was “Itan” (pronounced e-ton).
“Itan,” he told me, means story… history.
The moment I heard it, I knew it was perfect. Photography is, at its heart, about documenting history—telling the story of a moment as it unfolds, preserving it so it can be cherished for years to come.

Katurah, 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 journey began in the most authentic way, trying to capture a genuine smile from my infant daughter. Each time we took her for professional portraits, the photographers would try everything, but she wouldn’t smile. One day, I borrowed a camera, thinking maybe she’d respond differently if I were behind the lens. She did and that was the birth of my love for photography.

In 2001, I purchased my first camera. It was a N80, Nikon film camera. ( still a Nikon shooter).I also began formal training at the local community college, where I learned about aperture, shutter speeds, and light. Soon after, I apprenticed with a wedding photographer who opened the door to the world of weddings and portraits. That experience laid the foundation for what would eventually become Itan Images; Wedding and Portrait Photography
Over the past two decades, I’ve had the privilege of documenting weddings, portraits, and milestones that have become part of my clients’ legacies.
Recently, I relocated my business from the Atlanta metro area to the low-country, now calling Moncks Corner home and proudly serving the greater Charleston area, the state of South Carolina and Georgia.

…I’ve been in this business since 2003, and one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that being in front of the camera can be intimidating. I understand that feeling deeply because I’ve been there myself. Because of this I coach and guide my clients to capture them at their best. I work to create a relaxed, fun, and judgment-free atmosphere where my clients can let their guard down. I believe that the best photos are the ones where you’re not trying to be perfect, but simply being yourself.

​At ItanImages, I provide a range of photography services tailored to capture life’s milestones:
​Wedding Photography: documenting your special day from start to finish—from the small, intimate details to the grand, joyful celebrations. The goal is to tell the complete story of the wedding day, capturing not just the events, but the emotions that connect everyone.
​Portrait Photography: This includes everything from family portraits, senior and maternity sessions to professional headshots. My portraits are about more than just a picture; they are a celebration of who you are right now. Whether it’s the beautiful chaos of a family, the anticipation of a new baby, or the professionalism of a headshot, I ensure the final images are authentic and full of life.

What I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built with my clients. The greatest compliment I receive isn’t just “we love our photos,” but “you made us feel comfortable, like ourselves—and you captured us beautifully.” To me, that’s what matters most.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

When I first decided to make photography more than just a passion, there was no big investor or grant waiting in the wings. I started out small—piece by piece.
I bought my very first camera back in 2001, after saving from my nursing shifts. It wasn’t fancy, but it was enough to capture the moments. Over time, I reinvested everything I made—every wedding, every portrait session, every print order—back into the business. Instead of chasing loans, I let Itan Images grow organically, fueled by hard work, discipline, and faith that if I kept showing up with heart, the resources would come.
Looking back, that slow build gave me more than just gear—it gave me patience, gratitude, and the freedom to shape this business on my own terms.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

For a long time, I thought there was only one “right” path to success: the big studio, the constant bookings, the perfectly curated highlight reel. If my journey didn’t look like what other photographers were posting online, I felt like I wasn’t measuring up.
The backstory? I’d scroll through social media and see peers who seemed to have it all together—huge followings, magazine features, high-end clients. Meanwhile, I was building slowly, funding my gear one session at a time. I convinced myself that unless I “caught up,” I wasn’t successful.
But over time, I realized that my version of success was never meant to look like anyone else’s. My quiet growth, my loyal clients, my ability to balance artistry with real life—that was success. Letting go of the comparison game freed me to build a business that feels authentic and sustainable, not pressured or performative.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.itanimages.com
• Instagram: @itanimagesofficial
• Facebook: Itan Images
• Other: Pinterest: ItanImages0231

Image Credits

The image of me taken by : KatrinaSCrawfordPhotography