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

Kate, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.

The idea of building a photography business was exciting, but also overwhelming because there was so much I didn’t know. What started as photographing my first child led to other families interested in seeing their love through my lens.

The first step was simply saying yes to opportunities. I spent countless hours learning my camera, studying lighting, practicing editing, and photographing anyone willing to stand in front of my lens. Every session taught me something new.

From there, I had to start treating it like a real business. I created a portfolio, built a website, established my brand, and learned the behind-the-scenes aspects of running a company, contracts, pricing, client communication, workflows, and marketing. There was a lot of trial and error, and many late nights spent researching and refining my process.

Weddings became a natural fit because I loved the combination of storytelling, emotion, and human connection. I began second-shooting for other photographers, learning how to navigate wedding days, manage timelines, and anticipate important moments before they happened. Those experiences gave me the confidence to begin booking weddings of my own.

Over time, one client led to another. Referrals started coming in, my portfolio grew, and my business gradually evolved from a passion project into a full-time career. Looking back, there wasn’t one single moment where everything clicked. It was a series of small steps taken consistently over time learning, improving, building relationships, and showing up for every client with the goal of creating images that would matter for years to come.

What started as a love for photography became a business because I was willing to keep taking the next step, even when I didn’t have everything figured out. That willingness to learn and grow is still a huge part of how I approach my work today.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a wedding and portrait photographer who believes the most meaningful photographs come from genuine connection and real moments. My work is centered around storytelling, capturing people as they truly are and preserving memories in a way that feels timeless, emotional, and authentic.

My journey into photography started with a love for documenting my children. I was in awe of their beauty and curiosity for life, I wanted my family to have a front row seat in the magical ways my children brought joy to my life even in the hardest moments. I am often drawn to the emotions, relationships, and fleeting moments that often go unnoticed. What began as a creative outlet gradually evolved into a profession as friends, family, and clients entrusted me with documenting some of the most important milestones in their lives.

Today, I specialize in weddings, engagements, family portraits, and lifestyle photography. While every session is different, my goal is always the same: to create images that feel honest and meaningful. I want my clients to be able to look back at their photographs years from now and not just remember what the day looked like, but how it felt.

One of the biggest challenges many clients face is feeling uncomfortable in front of the camera. They often tell me they’re awkward, don’t know how to pose, or worry that their photos won’t feel natural. Creating a relaxed and enjoyable experience is one of the most important parts of my process. I guide clients when needed while also giving them space to be themselves, allowing genuine moments and emotions to unfold naturally. I like to leave each session, knowing that I’ve made a friend instead of a client based relationship.

What sets my work apart is the balance between artistry and authenticity. While beautiful imagery is important, I believe the experience matters just as much. I strive to make every client feel seen, comfortable, and valued throughout the entire process. Building trust allows me to create photographs that reflect who people truly are rather than simply documenting what happened.

I am most proud of the relationships I’ve built through my business. Photography has allowed me to be part of some of life’s most meaningful moments. From wedding days and growing families to major milestones and celebrations. Many of my clients return year after year, and there is no greater compliment than being trusted to continue telling their story.

Above all, I want people to know that my brand is built on connection, authenticity, and service. I am passionate about creating photographs that will be treasured for generations, but I am equally passionate about creating an experience that feels personal, enjoyable, and memorable. At the end of the day, photography is about people, and that is what inspires me most.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a combination of word of mouth referrals and prioritizing the client experience above everything else.

Early on, I focused heavily on building strong relationships with every person I worked with. I wanted people to feel taken care of from the first inquiry all the way through delivering their final gallery but never stopping there. That meant being intentional with communication, really connecting with each individual, and creating a calm, easy experience on the wedding day itself. I’ve found that when people feel comfortable and truly seen, they don’t just love their photos they naturally talk about the experience with others.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part for me is knowing that what I create becomes part of someone’s personal history. As a photographer, I’m often stepping into really meaningful, emotional moments in people’s lives, weddings, family milestones, quiet in between moments that might otherwise pass by in a blur. Being trusted to document that is something I don’t take lightly.

This might sound cliche but I love when people see themselves the way I see them. I see the beauty and positivity in everything first, reflecting that in my work makes me happy. it’s about helping them reconnect with how they feel. That emotional impact is what makes the work feel important to me.

There’s also something really fulfilling about the balance of creativity and connection. I get to create art, but it’s not just for myself it’s rooted in real people and real stories. Every wedding or session pushes me to see differently, adapt, and stay present, and that keeps the work from ever feeling repetitive.

At the end of the day, the most rewarding part is knowing that these images will outlive the moment itself. They’ll be part of family stories, albums, anniversaries, and memories people return to for years. Being the person who helps preserve that is what makes this work meaningful for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thecitruscollection.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecitruscollection?igsh=eGkyYXY2a2tjM3Uz