Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Caitlin Ross. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Caitlin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later?

When I started my business I was 35 and working full time as director of operations at a financial firm, I was wife, a mom of 2 kids. I had dabbled in creative fields here and there in my 20s: designing reports and marketing materials at work , freelancing on the side making cards, paper goods, and invites for friends. As life got busier, I guess I lost sight of my passion for the creative. Then I had kids and all the sudden things seemed to just fall into place. Capturing them, their personalities, how they change, how our family changes, all of it fuels me. Do I wish I would’ve started it sooner? Sure I guess in some ways I do. It would be a lot easier to navigate starting a small business if i wasn’t the mom of two small children, but I can’t say I totally think I would be as devoted and passionate about capturing families and children as I am as a mom. So inevitably, I think my timing is right in line with motherhood for a reason and for that I am grateful.

Caitlin, 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?

I am a natural light lifestyle and portrait photographer based in Memphis, Tennessee. My passion lies in capturing the true essence of childhood, the delicate beauty of a newborn, and the unique bond that ties families together. I photograph families of all kinds, newborns, fresh 48 sessions (at the birth location), fine art heirloom-style portraits, and school personality portraits.

My journey into photography began with the birth of my two children. Watching them grow and change so quickly inspired me to document their lives in a way that would preserve those fleeting moments forever. I wanted to hold onto their personalities, their quirks, and their ever-changing stages—moments that often pass before we even realize they’re gone.

My approach to photography centers on creating genuine connections and capturing authentic, heartfelt moments. I take a laid-back, natural approach—there’s no pressure to follow rigid rules or force smiles. Instead, I engage with the families I work with, encouraging play, laughter, and organic interactions. Through gentle posing prompts and personalized preparation based on each family’s unique story, I ensure every session feels relaxed and true to who they are.

I understand the concerns families often have about photo sessions—worrying about kids behaving, everyone looking picture-perfect, or ensuring everyone enjoys the experience. My approach is designed to ease those concerns. I have no behavior expectations for kids—they can move, play, and simply be themselves. If that means capturing a moment where an arm is flailing or the top of a head is cropped, so be it—those imperfections often hold the most joy and authenticity. I’m not striving for a perfectly staged image; I’m aiming for something far more meaningful—a true reflection of your family’s unique love and connection.

The heart of my work lies in authenticity, love, joy, and connection. I want my clients to look back at their photos and feel the magic of those moments, reliving the love and laughter they shared. My goal is not to create a perfect image but to tell your story. My work is about preserving the beauty of life as it is—the chaos, the calm, and everything in between.

When families work with me, they know there’s no pressure to be perfect. Just show up, be yourselves, and let the moments unfold. That’s where the magic happens, and that’s what I strive to capture.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I don’t think many non-creatives fully understand how someone can start a photography business in their mid-30s without any formal background in the arts. But when you have a creative mindset, it’s hard to see the world in just black and white. Creativity allows you to find beauty in the everyday and appreciate the little moments that make life meaningful.

Our lives are often so busy that we forget to pause and ask if the path we’re on truly aligns with who we’ve become. For me, starting this journey was about rediscovering myself and living with intention. Some might wonder why I would take on another job or start a business that requires time and energy away from my family. But the truth is, they are why I do this.

Finding this passion has filled parts of me I didn’t even realize were empty. Pursuing something that aligns so deeply with who I am has made me a better mom, wife, and friend. It’s brought a new sense of joy and purpose to my life, which has, in turn, enriched the relationships I value most, including the one with myself.

It’s never too late to start something new, especially when it brings you closer to the person you’re meant to be

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of my work is hearing how much my photos mean to my clients. When a parent tells me my work makes them feel love, warmth, or nostalgia, or when someone shares that an image perfectly captures how they remember a special person, it lights me up inside. Being able to preserve the beauty of the present and give someone the gift of revisiting those precious moments in the future—that, to me, is the greatest gift of all.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.caitlinrossphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitlinrossphotography/

Image Credits

n/a