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

Catherine, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today In our experience, overnight success is usually the result of years of hard work laying the foundation for success, but unfortunately, it’s exactly this part of the story that most of the media ignores. So, we’d appreciate if you could open up about your growth story and the nitty, gritty details that went into scaling up.

Scaling My Photography Business: A Real and Relatable Journey
There’s so much that happens behind the scenes of running a business that people rarely see. Truthfully, when I started my photography business, I had no clue what it would truly entail. Sure, I knew I needed a camera, had to take photos, and manage bookings and finances. But beyond that, I was in for a major awakening.

Starting a business often means little to no money coming in at first—or using personal savings to get it off the ground. From day one, I was committed to running my business debt-free. This mindset pushed me to research and figure out everything I wasn’t willing to outsource. For example, I built my first website—an effort that makes me cringe now, but I’m still proud of it because I took action. Today, I have a vastly improved website, and I still handle all my own marketing, blogging, editing, and more.

What people don’t see when they look at my business are the early days. I spent countless late nights sitting next to my husband as he took classes to earn his degree, using that time to research and implement what I was learning to grow my business. Those hours of hard work on the couch set everything in motion. Despite the exhaustion, I was determined to make it work so I could stay home with my newborn daughter at the time.

While I’m a self-taught photographer and business owner, I realized early on that education is a non-negotiable investment. Why reinvent the wheel? Each year, I commit to improving some aspect of my craft or business. In the beginning, I focused on courses about editing, lighting, posing, and running a business. Later, I enrolled in masterclasses—live, small-group sessions with an educator—which turned out to be game-changers. Having a mentor guide me for a few months helped me triple my revenue in the first year and double it the next. Those early investments have paid off every year since.

Mistakes, Lessons, and Finding My Business Model
Of course, there were mistakes along the way. For instance, I didn’t initially put enough thought into my business model. I knew I wanted to photograph families but wasn’t sure if I should focus on offering digital files, prints, or IPS (In-Person Sales). One of the first free educational Zoom classes I attended was about IPS, and it seemed like a perfect fit—at first. I purchased the course and dove into learning about the IPS model. But when it came time to implement, I quickly realized it didn’t align with my personality as an introvert. The process felt stressful and unnatural.

Eventually, I shifted to offering digital files with prints as an optional add-on, and it brought my business new life. Was that investment in the IPS course a waste? In a way, yes. But it also gave me clarity about what did work for me. That lesson—learning that what works for others might not work for you—has been invaluable. While I wish I had realized that sooner, I’m grateful for the push it gave me to find my own path.

Scaling While Maintaining Balance
Over the years, I’ve built my business from nothing to generating more than a full-time income while working part-time as a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom. The key has been leveraging automations and workflows to maintain a balanced life. I never wanted to work all hours of the day and miss out on important moments with my family, and these systems have made that possible.

As my business grew, I was able to hire help. Today, I have a virtual assistant and an associate team, which has given me the freedom to expand into education. Now, I teach other photographers how to scale their own businesses—helping them find strategies that align with their goals and lifestyles.

Catherine, 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 Catherine Chamberlain, and I’m a family and newborn photographer based in beautiful Colorado. My journey into photography began in 2018, shortly after my first child was born. I wanted to stay home with my daughter while contributing financially to my family—a driving force that shaped my decision to start a business. Of all the paths I could have chosen, photography stood out because it brought me so much joy. Before starting my business, I loved documenting trips and capturing Colorado’s stunning landscapes. One day, I thought, “What if I could turn what I love into a living?” And that’s how my photography business was born.

What I Offer
While the bulk of my work focuses on families, I offer a variety of sessions, including newborns, maternity, anniversaries, seniors, cake smashes, and mini sessions. One area I’ve chosen not to pursue is weddings. That decision stems from a deeply personal reason: my weekends are reserved for family. When my husband is off work, we prioritize family time, including outings, camping, and hiking. This commitment to family drives my business decisions and reflects my values.

My clients can choose from packages that include digital images and print products, offering flexibility to meet their unique needs.

My Why: Capturing Moms in Photos
One of my deepest motivations for starting this business was noticing how often moms are behind the camera rather than in front of it. Moms are the family memory keepers, but they’re rarely included in the memories. I wanted to change that. Moms deserve to be seen in beautiful photos with their children—because one day, those photos will be treasures for their kids. Seeing a present, joyful mom in those images will bring countless smiles. Helping families preserve these moments is a privilege I hold dear.

What Sets Me Apart
Several aspects of my approach set me apart from others in the photography industry:

1. A Laid-Back Approach
I strive to make every session stress-free and enjoyable. Through clear communication beforehand, I ensure clients come to the session with realistic expectations, ready to have fun. My goal is to capture genuine emotions and relationships, which only happens when everyone feels relaxed and comfortable.

2. Same-Day Sneak Peeks
After all the effort moms put into coordinating outfits, getting everyone ready, and managing the chaos of photo day, I love rewarding them with a same-day sneak peek. I post a highlight from their session on social media, giving them an exciting glimpse of what’s to come.

3. Fast Turnaround Times
Unlike many photographers with turnaround times of 3–6 weeks, I let my clients know that galleries will be delivered within two weeks, but I always aim to deliver them in just one. This “under-promise, over-deliver” approach leaves clients thrilled and ensures they rave about their experience. Efficient workflows make this possible while maintaining meticulous attention to detail in every image.

4. Efficient Workflows and Balance
I’ve designed my business to prioritize balance. Automations and workflows keep me organized and ensure I deliver a top-notch experience without sacrificing family time. I typically work 10–15 hours a week, earning more than a full-time income while still being fully present for my family.

What I’m Most Proud Of
When I reflect on my business, I’m most proud of the way I’ve built it to serve my life rather than consume it. My business works for me—not the other way around. I’ve designed it to allow me to take trips during my busiest season, spend quality time with my kids, and avoid endless late-night hours at my desk. The success comes from being strategic, not overworked.

I firmly believe anyone can achieve the same. My workflows and automations aren’t magic—they’re intentional systems anyone can implement with focus and effort. Don’t convince yourself that “this won’t work for me.” That mindset is never true. With time and strategy, you can build a business that supports your life instead of running it.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The most effective way I’ve found to attract new clients is through Facebook Ads. Investing in paid advertising has truly transformed my business. However, jumping into ads without proper knowledge can lead to wasted money and frustration. It’s essential to understand the basics of creating effective campaigns. Once you grasp the key strategies, Facebook Ads have the potential to generate thousands of dollars for your business and become a game-changer in your growth journey.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Over the years, my goals have evolved alongside my business and family life. Initially, my focus was simple: earning enough to be a stay-at-home mom. As my business grew, so did my aspirations—I wanted to earn enough to send my kids to a private Christian school when the time came. Now, my dream is to grow my business to the point where I can retire my husband from his job.

Beyond the financial goals, running my photography business has brought me a deep sense of fulfillment. It gives me a creative outlet and a sense of achievement that’s separate from my role as a stay-at-home mom. While I absolutely love being home with my kids, it can be challenging at times. Photography has provided a much-needed balance in my life, offering me a space to grow, create, and thrive outside of the day-to-day responsibilities of motherhood.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.catherinechamberlain.com
• Instagram: chamberlain_catherine
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catchamberlainphotography